Any USB/Ethernet controller suggestions?

**jtar40** · 30-03-2018

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could give me some input or suggestions on a controller to buy. A few details to be noted, I'd need it to be either USB or Ethernet but not parallel port because my desktop broke(which had a parallel port) left me glued to my laptop. Now this is mainly for hobby use, therefore I can't spend too much, yet I do realize that these can get quite expensive.

I don't have any experience with the software control either so I'm open to suggestions on that too (although I've seen some solid reviews on Linux cnc and I see mach is commonly used for hobbiest use).

Finally my opinion; I had an Arduino Uno, with grbl firmware downloaded. For a few days I was able to get it working my old cnc by attaching it's pin outs to the proper input pins on my 3axis tb6560. I accidentally left the current slightly too high from the power supply resulting in the tb6560 board eventually frying. Although this happened, I still think it's a good idea to use Arduino as a cnc controller because it is so cheap for what it can offer.

Anywho, like I said, I'm just looking for some suggestions on controller boards and software, I think Arduino is a good controller but I'm open to any opinions as I'm inexperienced. (FYI: I have a 3 axis cnc router 4',2' that consists of nema 23's running off 3 amps).

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

**Chaz** · 30-03-2018

Originally Posted by jtar40

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could give me some input or suggestions on a controller to buy. A few details to be noted, I'd need it to be either USB or Ethernet but not parallel port because my desktop broke(which had a parallel port) left me glued to my laptop. Now this is mainly for hobby use, therefore I can't spend too much, yet I do realize that these can get quite expensive.

I don't have any experience with the software control either so I'm open to suggestions on that too (although I've seen some solid reviews on Linux cnc and I see mach is commonly used for hobbiest use).

Finally my opinion; I had an Arduino Uno, with grbl firmware downloaded. For a few days I was able to get it working my old cnc by attaching it's pin outs to the proper input pins on my 3axis tb6560. I accidentally left the current slightly too high from the power supply resulting in the tb6560 board eventually frying. Although this happened, I still think it's a good idea to use Arduino as a cnc controller because it is so cheap for what it can offer.

Anywho, like I said, I'm just looking for some suggestions on controller boards and software, I think Arduino is a good controller but I'm open to any opinions as I'm inexperienced. (FYI: I have a 3 axis cnc router 4',2' that consists of nema 23's running off 3 amps).

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Its all relative. Budget?

Ive personally just upgraded my lathe to CNC using Centroid's Acorn. Lovely kit / hardware and no more Mach 3. Not the cheapest option but by no means the most expensive either.

Budget will largely determine your options ...

**pmesilver** · 30-03-2018

hi
i have used the ethernet version of the smoothstepper from warp9,with great success.
coupled with the pmdx 126 breakout board and gecko stepper motor drivers. these were used to convert a connect 121 lathe and a cncmasters junior mill, to mach 3

regards paul

**m_c** · 30-03-2018

Arduino/GRBL is the cheapest option. Not that high performance, or that many features, but will plod along and do the job.

Next step up would be a secondhand desktop to get a working parallel port. Opens up the options of LinuxCNC, or Mach.

Then you're in to the realm of various USB/Ethernet external motion controllers.
CS-Labs, PMDX, CNC-Drive UCxxx, KFlop, SmoothStepper, Planet CNC, along with various Chinese offerings, and a few others I've forgotten.

What would be recommended depends on if you're looking for any specific features, want certain customisation, and budget.

**phill05** · 30-03-2018

Originally Posted by Chaz

Its all relative. Budget?

Ive personally just upgraded my lathe to CNC using Centroid's Acorn. Lovely kit

What would be customs charges on this package?

Phill

**m_c** · 30-03-2018

Originally Posted by phill05

What would be customs charges on this package?

Phill

If declared properly, IIRC it's 2.2% duty, plus courier handling fee, plus 20% VAT.
So if you budget 23% for the governments cut, then £10-25 for the couriers fee, it'll give you a rough idea.

**Chaz** · 30-03-2018

Originally Posted by phill05

What would be customs charges on this package?

Phill

£70 ish. Ordered on Sunday night, received Wednesday same week.

**phill05** · 30-03-2018

Thank you.

**magicniner** · 01-04-2018

Doesn't using Centroid tie you to using a Windows 10 PC?

**Desertboy** · 02-04-2018

On a budget
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-4-Axi...EAAOSwQ7hauLAl
No import tax (For EU at least) with MPG wheel or just search ebay for 500khz cnc for direct from china without the wheel. (~£130, take the risk)

You could do a lot worse there's a thread on here about them, many happy users on here and plenty of people to help you get started.

http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10187...ion-controller

Not sure how import tax works in Algeria it might be cheaper to import from China or EU you have to check this yourself.