Hi Azalin,
I found the thread:
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,35622.0.htmlIt seems to me that if you are contemplating buying an external motion controller then it makes sense to get one that will meet your needs now and someway into
the future. If you follow my argument then the PoKeys 57CNC is a better choice than the 57E or 57U, regrettably somewhat more expensive too.
Using that same logic then the 57CNC is competing with the ESS by Warp9 and the PMDX-424. Both are good, both manufacturers support is excellent and they all
cost near enough to the same. The 57CNC is remarkably flexible with analogue inputs that the other two lack and also the low level programming available in the
PoKeys products. The Warp9 and PMDX products have grown and developed as Mach specific products. When I was selecting a controller it was my understanding
of the parallel port that I had been using for some years which leaned me to both PMDX and Warp9. In the event I chose an ESS. I would have been happy with
any of these three products. Now that my understanding has broadened somewhat from the pure PP mentality the 57CNC looks very attractive.
I had originally intended to use the Darwin PP and even bought a license but never got around to using it. Once I had the ESS sorted and running I didn't want to go
back. The smoothness of motion allowed me to push up my traverse speeds by 33% without any extra heat generated in my steppers. They even sound better...they seem
to sing rather than squawk like the did on PP.
I rather think that NFS might decline a refund. My suggestion is carry on with Darwin, get it working as well a you can while you formulate a plan for future development.
A good external motion controller like the ones I've mentioned would be a superb investment in your hobby.
Craig