[SwampDonkey]

Im curious about the step frequency generated by the Tormach controller. Does it use any kind of step generator or processing outside of the PC, or is it limited by the kernal speed? Seems hard to believe it runs straight from Windows, which doesnt run in real time.

[Zetopan]

Im curious about the step frequency generated by the Tormach controller. Does it use any kind of step generator or processing outside of the PC, or is it limited by the kernal speed? Seems hard to believe it runs straight from Windows, which doesnt run in real time.

Essentually none of the above. A hardware timer (that is available in all PCs) is used to generate periodic interrupts. The interrupted CPU then
applies the required step on each axis that is moving. Hence Windows only has an effect on the interrupt latency and not the stepping frequency.
It is also required that the Windows setup disable all non-essential CNC applications, like networking, etc. This results in a very low latency and
reliable operation.