[vakeiros]

Hi, as the title says I'm looking for a non parallel CNC controller, I've been looking for solutions and I liked the Ethernet Smooth Step but it's a bit expensive and the import charges will be a bit high.

I would like to know if someone had tried this USB controller or something like this. I liked because it has really nice features lots of IO ports and it looks good overall.

I'm about to upgrade my machine with 3 DMM 400w AC servo systems on my XY and I'll go for a leadshine to the Z later (it's a bit cheaper and it will be more than enough) and I also would like to get rid of the parallel cables...

thanks for everything and hope to get some help

[snowyskiesau]

If the Smoothstepper is too expensive for you, try the UC100.
A search here will show a few recommendations for it. There's a plugin for Mach 3.

[ger21]

You're spending $1500 on servos and want to save $50 by buying an unknown chinese board????

[vakeiros]

You're spending $1500 on servos and want to save $50 by buying an unknown chinese board????

Hi ger,
well first I'm spending about $850 on servos for now, and the ESS will be lot more expensive than that, and it's not out of the question I just want to explore the possibilities.... a ESS cost about $160 if I'm not mistaken, plus shipping and I'll pay about 40% taxes here in my country (yeah they are authorized thieves i know)... I'd ask about that chinese board because it looks interesting not said I was gonna buy it...

[Al_The_Man]

Kflop?
Outboard (of the PC) controller.
Al.

[my-cnc]

Ethernet controller ET3 is more expensive, than ESS,
but you can save some money by running myCNC software on Raspberry Pi or Cubieboard2.

[vakeiros]

well I'd found a Spanish dealer for the ESS and I think I'm going for it!

but I've some doubts about the ESS, for my understanding the ESS basically converts the Ethernet in 3 printer ports right?

currently I'm using my machine with 2 DB25 breakout boards so 2 parallel cables connecting to the PC.

now the question:

Can I just buy the ESS and 2 DB25 headers and connect the 2 LPT cables directly to the ESS and my system is good to go? (of course I'll have to make the plugin config and probably need some more tweeks)

now other question, currently I'm controling my VFD manually but I intend to make it mach3 controlled what will i need? my current breakout boards dont have nothing for this... (I've 2 of these) but I also have this one on other machine and I can swap one of the others for this one...

thanks for everything!