Up until now, I was fine with using a Parallel-Port-Based breakout board; I still am really. However, recently I've run into a couple USB-Based models, and they've got me thinking. Obviously USB would be preferable over Parallel, for the obvious reasons. I'm wondering how viable this option is. I know that the CNC guru's seem to frown upon the use of USB, but I've never known why. That'd by great if somebody could teach me.
There are 2 major things that I'm worried about here; Hardware and Software.
1) Hardware:
I recently came across this website, and this board looks to be pretty nice. There is a professionally made version, as well as a DIY version. It uses the PMinMO standard connections, so it'd be compatible with the SLAm Stepper Drivers I was planning on using. You can also connect 8 limit switches, 8 jog buttons and 3 outputs to controller.
I'm sure there's alternatives out there, and I'd prefer either A) Inexpensive versions, or (preferably) B) DIY, open-source versions.
Is there any reason not to use something like this? Is the 25 KHz maximum step frequency adequate? Also, would it be easier just to use something like a USB-to-Parallel converter board and a standard Breakout Board, or would the dedicated USB unit be easier?
2) Software:
I haven't done a lot of research yet, but I understand that you need a USB G-Code interpreter in order to use a USB Board. CNCDudez offers just such software, as does EdingCNC and PlanetCNC, the maker of the above mentioned board.
What would be recommended to use? It can run on Windows or Linux, and I'd prefer for it to be free, but if the software is vastly superior, I am fine with a small charge. Please note that I am merely a hobbyist, and don't need the best that is out there; just something that would work.
So that about covers it I think. A recap of questions:
- Is this a viable options?
- What hardware is recommended?
- What software is recommended?
Thanks,
- Jesse