Hi,
if you have a Mach3 license then it still works and makes sense to carry on.
I use Mach4 and have done for eight years, and in my opinion is vastly better. That does not mean that it cuts more accurately or faster but rather
its about the ability to customise your machine. Mach4 is definitely better for that. Having said that for a three axis machine you don't really need any
of the Mach4 goodness, Mach3 will work.
Mach4 costs $200. No upgrade from Mach3, its a totally new product. Mach4 requires an external motion controller, I'd recommend an ESS ($190). Note the ESS
can use either Mach3 OR Mach4, so even if you decide months from now that you want Mach4 the same ESS will work. You'll need a breakout board, or maybe more than
one if you want a lot of IO. A C10 is $23.00 and has 17IO's. A C25 is $29.00 and has 34 IO's. Note neither the C10 or C25 have a relay for the spindle nor a PWM circuit
for the spindle, you'd need to do a little electronics to add those. There are many breakout boards that work with an ESS, right up to an MB3 ($180) from CNCRoom with
51 IO's, all the relays, PWM circuits, inputs, differential motor outputs 'you can shake a stick at'.
I would suggest if possible to reuse your existing five phase steppers. If you post some closeups we may be able to learn enough about them to get them working.
As I posted earlier I have 4 'kick arse' 5 phase Vexta drivers that'll make your machine sing. I'd sell the lot for $200, remember I'm in New Zealand....so it might cost a penny or two
to get them to wherever you are.
Note sure what the gadget is that you linked to, can you post a pic of the circuit diagram on the side?
I use Fusion, a paid subscription, but is available free to hobbyists. There are other CAD/CAM that would do what you want, I think if Tweakie reads this he will know the
one I'm thinking of, I cant remember it offhand.
Craig