Stuart,
The CNC controller that you pointed at does not work with Mach 3 or any of the other software based CNC programs that are available.
It comes with its own CNC user interface software that is licenced to to be used with the controller.
The price includes this software and the hardware.
It is not just a way of getting the clock and direction signals from the software out to some hardware over a USB lead.
The clock and direction signals are generated in the hardware not the software.
Infact most of the processing is done in hardware unlike with mach 3 that takes over the PC.
It is also not limited to the capabilities of a legacy device like the parallel port, and either uses USB or Ethernet.
None of the controllers we sell work with Mach 3, they all come with their own software, that takes time and money to develope, update and add new features.
These CNC controllers are actually very competatively priced.
When you consider how much mach 3 cost and take that cost away from the cost of this controller, do you still think it is expensive?
Mach3 is $175 USD (About £115.00) so now get a good breakout board that has the same amount of I/O as the CPU5? This includes a PWM or 0-10V do control the spindle...
ok, now you are stuck, because to get the same amount of I/O you will need two breakout boards and a second parallel port or a PLC that works over modbus.
I am sorry if i sound a bit abrupt, but there is a lot of difference between mach3 and a CNC controller like the CPU5 or the other controllers we have on our site.


Quote Originally Posted by stuart576 View Post
I hadn't actually thought about only using it at high speeds, I might just implement it above a threshold as thats all I was worried about, high speeds. I am programming mine with PICs 16F628 although I broke one so I'm using a 16F648A not that it makes a difference. 4

I'm currently using a 4 lead motors, low torque that I had lying around. I've been looking at bigger ones which all seem to have 8 leads. Now I understand that this separates the coils but I'm not sure of the benefits as at the moment with my 4 lead motors I just use two coils and reverse the polarity. Couldn't I just join the two coils on each pole together on the 8 lead motors and use it the same as my 4 lead? I ask this because I have L293 Dual Half-H Bridge drivers by ST and I'm not sure how or whether the 8 lead motors would work with them?

Also I really don't understand why 3-axis controllers are so expensive i.e. CPU5A3 Economy 3 Axis CNC Controller is £215.00 and from what I can see all a controller is, is a serial interface to a PC, microchips to convert the Mach3 signals to pulses to the drivers and the drivers themselves? Which these parts can be salvaged or bought cheaply. Is it the plug-and-play aspect that makes the price so high?