CSMIO/IP-M vs Ethernet SmoothStepper (Begone foul parallel port!)

[Greeny]

Hi,


I'm looking at buying an Ethernet Step Pulse generator/motion controller, either a:

CSMIO/IP-M

Or an

Ethernet SmoothStepper

I would be very interested in hearing anyones opinions or experiences with either.

Both look good to me, and seem to intergrate nicely with Mach.
I'm leaning towards the CSMIO board as it has both Inputs and outputs and doesn't need a breakout board(i think?)
Although it's pulse frequency is 125Khz max

The Smoothstepper requires a breakout board (i think?) but has a pulse frequency of 4Mhz.

I have Gecko 203v drivers (which are 10 microstep) & 200 step motors
so they require 2000 pulses per revolution of the motor shaft.
therefore the CSMIO is capable of spinning the motor at 125000/2000= 62.5 revs/ Sec = 3750rpm
This is way more than i need so i think the 125khz pulse rate is not a problem.

Am i correct in assuming this or have i botched my calcs somewhere.

Cheers
Greeny

[Mad Professor]

I used to run via printer port, and had no end of problems, missed steps, stalling motors etc, I then got an ESS and have never looked back.

I am sure others with advice you shorty.

[JAZZCNC]

Thou I've not used the CSMIO/P-M but will shortly have it's bigger brother CSMIO/IP-S I can tell you the ESS is more than good enough for steppers and will easily do what you want.

The CSMIO is a cracking bit of kit and very high quality but the -M version doesn't allow slaved motors I believe.? So if your wanting this then the ESS will be better.

If you go with ESS then buy the PMDX 126 BOB Because the ESS can be directly plugged into it and with another daughter board the Gecko's can be combined making a very neat setup. Not cheap but high quality and the BOB is about the best in the business at this price range.

Just a note regards the frequency and ESS 4mhz max, The G203V have a maximum of input of 250khz so this is a limiting factor and in reality then you won't actually run any where near this. You'll mostly find your running a maximum of 100khz sot he 125Khz isn't limiting with steppers.

Servo's with high resolution encoders then it's different and you'll need the extra frequency. This is one of the reasons amongst others why I'm getting the CSMIO-IP-S.

[Greeny]

Thanks guys, looks like both are good. I actually have a pmdx-122 stashed so it's pretty much even Stevens as to which to choose.

The CSMIO has all 24v digital input/outputs which I think is less affected by noise than 5v. Also it has 2 analogue 0-10v outputs for vfd control so i'm still leaning towards that, but the ESS looks good too! Decisions decisions.

Cheers
greeny

[JAZZCNC]

The CSMIO has all 24v digital input/outputs which I think is less affected by noise than 5v. Also it has 2 analogue 0-10v outputs for vfd control so i'm still leaning towards that, but the ESS looks good too! Decisions decisions.

Yes the CSMIO would be my choice if didn't need slaved motors because it's neat and high quality unit. . . BUT will say while 24V I/O's are nice you can still have a 24V driven control E-stop and limit system that is very noise immune if using the ESS or PP.!

The PMDX spindle board will plug into the 122 if spindle speed control was needed and you have it already so ESS will probably workout cheaper and still perform the same or better.!!!. . . . Ermm close call but either way you can't go wrong and both will blow the PP away.!!

[Greeny]

Thanks,

Yes a 24v safety circuit is a good idea on either. I just bought a Pilz Pnoz 1 safety relay yesterday off fleabay which I hope will do the job nicely.
Like you say it really is a close call, and most definately the best thing is the PP gets the boot.

Cheers
Greeny

[Greeny]

I just noticed Jazz's point about slaved motors.
My upcoming build does not use slaved motors, but that's not to say i won't in future.

The CSMIO has an in built facility to slave motors independently of Mach. This however is NOT available in the M version.
You can however still slave motors via Mach with the CMSIO "thinking" two slaved motors are independent axes, but CSMIO-M is limited to 4 Axes so that's something anyone reading this and considering buying the CSMIO-M should be aware of.

WARNING:
Slaving within Mach could be a very bad idea when using the CSMIO-M
Please check posts below for updates, or better still check with CS-labs before making any buying decisions

Cheers
Greeny

[EddyCurrent]

I'll see if it's possible to simulate this tomorrow, I've currently got my system all connected and working with the stepper motors just lying on the bench. I thought the reported issue was a function of Mach3 rather than the ESS but maybe not.

[m_c]

There is a thread about it on the Warp9td forum (you need to be registered on the site to view the forum), and a quick scan says it does work, and Greg has actually modified it fairly recently to work a bit different. There are comments that some versions of Mach don't work quite how they should though.

[firetrappe]

Thanks guys, I'll investigate further.

Si.