[Bird_E]

I know there are a bunch of parrallel breakout boards available. Is any one of them much better then another? Would you recommend getting one with all the bells and whistles?
Thanks!
Bob

[coherent]

Hmm.. I guess it's partly a matter of what you need it for. For what it's worth, I opted for a PMDX breakout board and I'm very pleased. This particular model was a bit less expensice than others, and included an on board built in relay for spindle control. More info is here http://www.pmdx.com/PMDX-121/index.html
I only use it for a simple 3 axis machine. I use mach2 so I thought the charge pump feature that stops the machine/steppers when the software froze or had a problem was a good feature. If you need more replays to control other stuff, or more specific features, you may want to look at their other model or try another brand board. I haven't tried others so can't offer any advise there, but this one worked for me as discribed in the manual and ordering was straightforward and shipping was fast so no complaints.
-marc

[JavaDog]

I'm thinking of getting the PMDX board as well...but I was curious if the 'Charge Pump' feature would work with any other software or just Mach2 (specifically OneCNC XR)?

[turmite]

http://www.campbelldesigns.com/

If you are using Mach2/3 you really need to take a look here.
Mike

[JavaDog]

http://www.campbelldesigns.com/

If you are using Mach2/3 you really need to take a look here.
Mike

I mentioned it in the other thread, but I'll ask here as well:

The Campbell Designs board is a lot more expensive! Honestly, what more do I really get for the money? The CNC4PC board looks to have all the same features, with the benefit of modularity...perhaps I am missing something?

[Runner4404spd]

i am looking to buy a parallel break out board too. and was wondering what the differences are.

[mgamber]

I mentioned it in the other thread, but I'll ask here as well:

The Campbell Designs board is a lot more expensive! Honestly, what more do I really get for the money? The CNC4PC board looks to have all the same features, with the benefit of modularity...perhaps I am missing something?

No charge pump on same board.

No onboard PS to power your switches.

No optical isolation.

Will take at least 3 products from the CNC4PC to get same functionality.

Breakout board - $26
Charge Pump board - $17
Power Supply - $26

Total ~$70

I guess campbell board only offers convenience of 1 package and it also has multiple input terminals for your home/limit switches.

[Runner4404spd]

ok, now why are all these important. i don't know what the charge pump does. i already have an extrernal 5vdc supply. and i thought the gecko 320 already had the opto isolation built in?

[mgamber]

ok, now why are all these important. i don't know what the charge pump does. i already have an extrernal 5vdc supply. and i thought the gecko 320 already had the opto isolation built in?

Your switches need to be opto-isolated...
Rest is convenience. I edited my post.

[JavaDog]

Your switches need to be opto-isolated...
Rest is convenience. I edited my post.

The limit switches need to be?

[mgamber]

The limit switches need to be?

Yes, if you are running a voltage through them...