Hi crchisholm,
Does the ESS need to be part of a network, or can I use a null modem cable (cross over cable) to hook directly to the computer?
You don't need a network, in fact better off without it. The ESS, or alternate board of your choice, plugs into the Ethernet port of
your computer. The manufacturer recommends that the wifi be disabled, you want your computer to concentrate on Mach4, nothing
else. Neither do you require a crossover cable.
I am unfamiliar with the Geko540 but from other posts it sounds like it doesn't need a BOB. A BOB is just an amplifier/buffer, it doesn't
add any real functionality, but it is a convenient place to hook up limits switches and the likes.
The stepper drivers are in the Smoothstepper, right?
No, the drivers are in the 540.
Is the VistaCNC pendent a necessary ingredient to this setup or just a convenience that I could get later?
No it is not necessary but useful to have.
If you had elected to use the parallel port, exactly what would that look like?
A printer port cable would plug in to the BOB and the drivers, switches and similar would hook to the BOB.
The ESS is a natural fit for a BOB or BOBs. It has three 26 pin sockets which plug by ribbon cable to a BOB.
As I had two BOBs already that's what I did, additionally I have three separate drives, one for each axis and the
BOB allowed me to 'direct' the required signals to each one.
Daz-The-Gaz is right, there are six manufacturers of Mach4 ready controllers, three of them have high end products
which don't suit your budget.
Of the 'value' makers are Warp9 with the ESS, PMDX has two Mach4 ready boards and PoKeys which also has two
Mach4 ready boards. All three are good value and are highly regarded.
The PMDX boards, at least to my knowledge are USB boards with higher latency and have the equivalent of one
'ports' worth of connections. They enjoy flexible power supply arrangements and have buffered/opto isolated outputs
and probably don't require a BOB. The company enjoy an excellent reputation for support.
The ESS is Ethernet connected, ie fast, a definite plus and has three 'ports' worth of connections. They don't have
analogue inputs like their competitors and as I said above a natural fit with a BOB. Their technical backup from
personal experience is superb.
I have recently had the opportunity to read the PoKeys tech literature of both their Mach4 ready boards. Both are
Ethernet connected have even more IO than the ESS, have analogue inputs, multiple MPG inputs and can communicate
via MODBUS. Neither seem to require a BOB. The 57CNC has extra plugs and terminals than its cheaper sibling the 57E.
They are very cost competitive and flexible. I have no personal knowledge of their support practices but feel if it had
been lacking reports would be on the forum.
The UC series of controllers are to my knowledge Mach3 only at this time. They have a wide user base which attests
to their value and functionality.
Craig
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