CNCdrive UC300ETH Mach3 plugin is now available

[John S]

What help do you need or what is missing according to you?

Wiring diagram or more information.

Well, the 13 page about the network setup is a bit too much, probably could be cut down to 1 or 2, but if it was, I bet you somebody would complain about being too condense. Actually, 5 pages are about wiring and that's all needed, at least for most people. I agree though that they should have combined the UC300USB and UC300ETH manuals, because especially with Mach3, some features are not explained in the UC300ETH manual.

We must be looking at different manuals then. Last page in mine where it finally lets go of the ethernet wrestling match is page 18 of 22
Pages 19, 20 and 21 cover pins in terms of inputs and output numbers, page 22 is a picture

No, they are called Port #1, Port #2, Port #3, Port #4, Port #5 and Analog. Pins which are called "Input" are input pins, and those called "Outputs" are obviously output pins. Analog input 1 and 2 marks the pins which have the function of being analog input 1 and 2, likewise for analog outputs 1 and 2. If an input or output pin has the same name, it has obviously the same function because they are opposite each other and they are electrically connected to each other, for example there are two pins marked Analog input/output 1 and 2 and those are obviously the same (i.e. analog input 1 on pin 3 is the same as analog input 1 on pin 11) and not typo.

I think all that is very clear to anyone with a not so negative attitude.

Not being told anything and my reply is negative. ? Then to be told on a forum I need one of Arturo Duncan's cards to make it work ?

Would it really hurt being more positive...?

Perhaps they assume that a person buying such card knows why he/she is buying one and can connect it. Regardless of which, it is mentioned in the manual that it should be connected to a breakout board, and all those I have seen had a diagram about how to connect a machine to their BOB.

Just looked at the CNC4PC site and the M44 board which now tells me I need a C23 / C25 / C32 M21 / M23 / M25 / M27 / or M41 board as well.

Glad that cleared that up.

You know it just might, note I said might, not really matter. Why? because people who are seriously interested have a different attitude and are willing to risk this small sum of money just to try it out. Also, people in general know that CNC Drive is providing excellent support, so I am pretty sure that a person who has problems with connecting the motion controller would get all the help needed. But... there will always be people who are never going to be satisfied... If they would have a manual containing hundreds of pages, describing basically everything, the price of the product would be higher and then some other people would complain that they are too expensive. Remember that CNC Drive is not a hobby for them, it is a company paying their daily bread. Also, perhaps very high volume is not their target, some time it is better to find the customers who KNOW what they need and want than finding too many customers who don't have a clue.

No, you don't need to be an EE to be able to use their products, but sure, you need to have some basic electrical understanding about what you are doing and why. You not really qualify as an EE if you manage to connect their UC300ETH.

Did you ever see the picture of the shelves above my desk where I have probably built over 100 CNC machines ?
It's full of boards that don't work, promise the earth and never deliver or take your money and never reappear again.

Sorry negative or not, I don't have the time to piss about and why should I . ? If the manufactures can't supply a finished working product then stuff them, there are plenty who can.

I'm SERIOUSLY PISSED OFF wasting months and years of my life whilst idle people get others to do their work for them.
Why should I buy 2, 3 or even 4 pieces of equipment off different suppliers who won't even talk to one another and I'm expected to be UNPAID piggy in the middle.