Also grateful to Andy for starting this thread, I'm sure it helps lots of guys new to cnc. One area where I need some clarification is on no.6
Quote Originally Posted by WandrinAndy View Post
6. A motion-control-device such as ESS Ethernet-Smooth-Stepper.
From what I've read people having issues with parallel ports resort to getting smooth steppers. What confuses me is, are these a direct replacement to a cheapy BOB, or an addition to it. Also the pdmx 126 which alot of people here are using, is a BOB with smooth stepper plugged in. Can't we just use the smooth stepper? Then there usb SS and ethernet SS, which is better and why is ethernet more expensive?

If You recommend that for first time users like myself, a normal cheap BOB will do the job, is there a way to test is the PP on my pc is 3.3v or 5v, as I read this is where problems arise with PP's.

Thanks