yes I did have a supply connected but in fact it isn't needed for the controller to communicate (that is USB powered). The external supply is for the isolated I/O.


It's an Axminster ZX30M Mill
I need 4 axis:
X and Y at up to 43kHz to give me 2000mm/min rapids on 16 microsteps
Z at up to 11kHz
A doesn't really matter.

Step, Direction and Enable opto isolation is provided at the stepper drivers. Polarity doesn't matter.

Inputs should be opto isolated but if needed I can do this external to the controller.
I already have signal conditioning for all inputs.
I'd like plenty of inputs:
4 for combined limit and home
1 for a Z tool offset
1 for an X, Y edge finder probe
1 for Estop

Outputs don't need to be isolated, as they will be external to controller.
10v PWM for motor VFD
1 for mist coolant
2 for driver enables to allow staggered power up and to allow X,Y release without losing Z.
(I can easily achieve this external to the controller if needed).

In short nothing that just about every motion controller doesn't claim to offer. As said above "It doesn't need to be that difficult".

The problem with good support is it tends to vanish once they have your money. That's why I mostly bought from UK suppliers but in fairness the Chinese made more of an effort to solve the problem than anyone else.

As for 'Those that know', for every post from someone saying don't touch USB, there are others saying that it works fine. Same is true for every option! They can't all be right.