[Menatep]

Currently using Geckodrive GREX G100 with Mach3. Works great except for 2 minor issues such as tool change auto-zero and reffing all axes simultaneously.
What I like about GREX G100 is that it has ethernet and 6 axis support already built in. It's too bad it was discontinued.

Are there any Mach3 supported ETHERNET controllers which can support 6 axis right out of the box?

G540 with EthernetSmoothstepper can support 4 axes easily, but if 2 other axes are needed it seems that the only way to do it is to add a separate breakout board.

Perhaps there are some other alternatives....

[ger21]

CSMIO/IP-S - 6 axis Ethernet Motion Controller (STEP/DIR) with connectors - CS-Lab CNC controllers CNC Machining CNC software

[Menatep]

That's all there is? $549 euros is kinda steep. That's $760 USD.

What about ethernet smoothstepper?

[ger21]

You asked for the best ones.

The Smoothstepper is the most popular.

The CSMIO/IP-S and Vital Systems Hicon are probably the best two. Also the most expensive.

[Menatep]

Gerry,

GREX G100 was also expensive back in the days... It was $399.

Which would you consider better among the two you listed? CSMIO/IP-S or Vital Systems HICON? Hicon Integra looks sweet and it seems like it has Mach4 support.

[ger21]

I'm not saying that they're good because they're expensive. They just happen to be the most expensive.

All I can go by is what I've read. Everything I've read about the CSMIO IP-S is that it's outstanding. If nothing better comes along, it's what I'll be using on my new router.
I haven't read much at all about the Hicon, but I've also heard great things about Vital systems other products. I don't think you'd go wrong with either one.
Both will have Mach4 plugins at some point. If not when Mach4 is released, I suspect both will be very soon after.

[Menatep]

Gerry, which features of CSIO IP-S make it better than Vital Systems integra? did you compare the two units side by side?

[ger21]

I don't think I said it was better. I just know quite a few people who's opinion's I value that are using the CSMOIO, and I don't know anyone using the Hicon Integra.
It does have more I/O, though.

I think they are probably both very comparable.

[Menatep]

Thank you for your input Gerry.... You are always helpful and your screenset rocks!