Hobby-CNC Workflow - SKETCHUP + CAMBAM + MACH3

[m_c]

The issue with the PP is speed, and stability.
Even with a rock solid system, the PP is still limited to the number of pulses it can output, which for the majority of users isn't an issue, but for those running a system needing high step counts, it's an issue. Speed isn't just a Mach issue, it's a EMC issue aswell. There is also the issue PP isn't good at handling quickly changing inputs.
As for stability, it's a typical driver issue. For CNC the PP has got to be perfect, and no driver is ever going to be 100% perfect on every system.
The PP driver has been completely re-written for Mach 4, and all reports are it's solved a lot of issues, however it won't ever run on anything past windows 7 or 32bit, due to how MS are locking down the core of windows in 8/64bit onwards.

As for the original USB Smoothstepper, and the Ethernet SS, the ethernet is more expensive because of the additional ethernet bits, and I think it also has more onboard memory. The main benefit of the ESS, is reliability. USB can have issues with interference causing the SS to lose communication and requiring a complete system reboot to work again. If you have the money, I'd get the ESS, as it eliminates a possible issue. And yes, if you don't want to risk cooking the SS, a BOB is still recommended, plus it makes wiring far easier.

[Iwant1]

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. Looks like most guys have already stressed over PP issues enough to make me just want the smooth stepper from the get go.I now need to research which smooth stepper most people are using, and the corresponding BOBs.

Thanks Adil