Does anyone have a general mach setup screen shot of the general config page for use with the Ethernet smoothstepper?  Not sure what things should be set in mach 3 for use with my new ESS and can't find much on the topic.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Chris

I have a ESS Ethernet and one of my biggest complaints is the TOTAL lack of product documentation. The Warp9 people don't realize that if the end user can't figure out to setup the product it's basically a worthless product. As example... the ESS config page has a ton of setting there is absolutely zero documentation on what they do or proper setup.

There is a second party write up how to config the Ethernet communication but its for Windows 7 not XP. So its allot of frustation to set it up if you aren't a pc wiz kid.

As far a Mach 3 there is nothing to setup except setting the kernal speed to 25khz and use your existing Mach 3 setting for homing, motor tuning etc.

Sorry for the rant... but Warp 9 expect the consumer to shell out $200 and be happy with no documentation.  

Ok Warp 9!
Are you just going to leave this here a unanswered?
Or are you going to support your customers as you should do.
I have just taken delivery of my Ess board + breakout board and to be honest from what I read, indeed your service is appalling I'm actually afraid of installing them.
I for one posted a message on Warp9 and it remains unanswered.
Unless you have a valid and just reason to ignore then may I suggest in the nicest possible manner that you jolly well pull your finger out.

I run a department of engineers who make up my team. We test new products often to destruction. We have
many Queens awards for industry. I I ignored my customers I'd be out of a Job.

Kind regards, and please take this message in the manner intended.
I hope your business thrives.

George

Well, maybe I shot from the hip! I just re read my post and it may have sounded a little harsh.

George

I am not sure that several months without an answer to a valid question is shooting from the hip. At $200 + a pop it's quite a bit more than a visit to Starbucks. Just my sentiments.
I did install an ESS on a big plasma machine about three months ago for a person who engaged my services to finish a job that was abandoned by the prior "CNC Specialist." I got it working, but the critical issues getting the THC controller and the ESS to work correctly were answered by the maker of the THC, Randy Ray in Texas, not the ESS forum. I also posted a question on the Warp 9 forum, and never received a reply.
When the ESS first connects properly, after you get the TCP working, it asks if you want to use the default settings.  I just click on yes, and it makes the connection. The pages of the ESS setup are pretty extensive, but I never messed with anything, except after I was assisted by Randy, that there is a Plasma check box in the setup that must be set. It seems to have a lot of check boxes for "future use" with no documentation that I have ever found.  I also find that rather odd, for a business with as much exposure as the Mach3 forum provides. I also learned all the negatives after the purchase, and had begun installation.

I decided to use the ESS after so many praises on the Mach3 forum, and the comments that is is more "noise" tolerant than the USB version.   Although I did not purchase the ESS, the person who owned the Plasma machine did, I am responsible for making the machine work if there are future problems. I am not pleased with the current state of affairs regarding support, but that is the way it is.

My next two CNC builds are NOT not including the ESS. I have decided to use the UC300-5LPT which is a USB connection to the computer, and it has 5 I/O ports plus an Analog I/O port. I am using the CNC4PC C-10 boards for I/O (simple, reliable, well proven), and will be using the Analog port for spindle motor control. It also has an extensive I/O set-up for buttons, relays, switches etc., and is very well documented. All programming of I/O is thru drop-down menus, that you scroll thru until you find the OEM you want. That is really slick.
CNC4PC is the US distributor. Last but not least, they answer all questions promptly, and they are not even located in the U.S. I have been very impressed with their approach to business. A question asked on their commercial website posts back an immediate response that they received your message, and will get back to you the next business day. They also publish their future enhancements that will be available in the near future.

One of the principal engineers of the company is also available on CNCZone.

In conclusion, the UC100, and 300 have totally automated setup for installing drivers and firmware, so there is no messing around with getting into Windows system. They have an option that you can have the computer log on to their website, to automatically check for the latest firmware, and install it automatically. I have one machine now running with the system for about 3 weeks, and it works flawlessly.

John

I had a couple issues with the ess, but found that the forum on warp9's website got all my questions answered and issues (so far) resolved quickly.
Don