Are there any disadvantages to using Mesa ethernet boards over using a PCI board?

[JAZZCNC]

Is 1A enough to do everything? Thanks for the links.

How long is a piece of string.? Nobody can answer that unless they know what "everything" is.? Only you know what you are going to add to the machine and what current each "Thing" will draw.!
However, based on experience I can tell you 1A is on the low side. I'd go 2.5A minimum and ideally 5A to allow for future additions. That said always check the current draw of what your fitting to check you have enough spare capacity.

[Agathon]

Thanks again Clive, I'm inclined to go along the 7i76e route as it's a bit more compact and can be quickly plugged into different computers.

I take it that only inputs required for this board are the ethernet cable and a 5v power supply? My set up will be using conventional mechanical limit switches, VFD for spindle speed, 3 stepper motors.

It looks like this board can handle a great deal of limit stops - which I may want to try and handle the strange way the vertical axis of my machine can be positioned.

David

[Doddy]

Ethernet and a field supply (something around 6V-34V - but check the manual!!!) - you can derive the 5V for the logic from the field supply.

[Agathon]

Thanks Doddy - do I need a field supply if I'm not using proximity sensors?

[Clive S]

Thanks Doddy - do I need a field supply if I'm not using proximity sensors?

Yes. Always RTFM and check any jumpers on the board

Remember the Mesa card can handle 24V for the limit's which is better for noise regection

[Agathon]

Interesting - when I when to the checkout with the stuff I need there was no VAT, just DHL shipping.

[Agathon]

Thanks.