diff --git a/docs/electronics/Controller.md b/docs/electronics/Controller.md index 0e7e675e372e03504d148b04e3a2e55c6b8417bb..5e36e24990b7b655c16a2cc74b97a712e13e5fc3 100644 --- a/docs/electronics/Controller.md +++ b/docs/electronics/Controller.md @@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ Note that MKS Smoothie clones are not recommended. See this [FAQ](http://smoothi ### 1. Best Mach3/Mach4 CNC Controller: -### [Ethernet SmoothStepper (ESS)](https://www.amazon.com/Ethernet-SmoothStepper-CNC-Motion-Controller/dp/B00R8FNLW4?crid=XHXT2KHN1OFG&dchild=1&keywords=cnc+board+controller&qid=1589076258&sprefix=cnc+board%2Caps%2C357&sr=8-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=mellowpinecnc-20&linkId=46199c984e8a39b5de2eb19cc44c4bc6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl): +#### [Ethernet SmoothStepper (ESS)](https://www.amazon.com/Ethernet-SmoothStepper-CNC-Motion-Controller/dp/B00R8FNLW4?crid=XHXT2KHN1OFG&dchild=1&keywords=cnc+board+controller&qid=1589076258&sprefix=cnc+board%2Caps%2C357&sr=8-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=mellowpinecnc-20&linkId=46199c984e8a39b5de2eb19cc44c4bc6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl): - the Ethernet SmoothStepper (ESS) is a high-performance, **6 axis external motion controller for Mach3 and Mach4**. it is capable of producing pulses at very high frequencies and with extremely low jitter compared to the Parallel Port driver and microcontroller based solutions - Motor control capability Up to **6 Motors (Step and Direction, Quadrature, or CW/CCW)** and max frequency upto 4 Mhz. - The Ethernet SmoothStepper (ESS) requires an external 5 V **power supply** to operate. The ESS has a typical current draw of 0.3 A (when Ethernet communications are active) but can consume up to 0.5 A. [We strongly recommend at least a 1.0 A supply.]( https://warp9td.com/index.php/documentation/doc-ess#EssExternalPower) @@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ One of the best breakout boards for using with the ethernet SmoothStepper is the ### 2. Best LinuxCNC Controller : The best motion controller for running a LinuxCNC based CNC machine is the Mesa 7I76E controller board. -[Mesa 7I76E CNC Controller]( http://store.mesanet.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=290) : +#### [Mesa 7I76E CNC Controller]( http://store.mesanet.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=290) : it is beneficial to have a separate ethernet controller card like Mesa 7I76E instead of just using your PC as the controller for several reasons: - An ethernet based card like Mesa 7I76E eliminates the need for having a computer with a parallel port and you can run it off even a laptop. - It transfers the bulk of the heavy lifting off your computer to the card like the hardware step generation and encoding. @@ -205,4 +205,44 @@ Aside from saving money, using Raspigcd also affords you the opportunity to crea ### 4. Best GRBL CNC Controllers : These [seven are some of the best GRBL CNC controllers](https://theedgecutter.com/best-grbl-cnc-controllers/) that have been enumerated for better guidance of an Arduino user. These controllers are mostly used by DIY enthusiasts when they are building their own custom DIY CNC machine. +4. Best GRBL CNC Controllers : +These [seven are some of the best GRBL CNC controllers](https://theedgecutter.com/best-grbl-cnc-controllers/) that have been enumerated for better guidance of an Arduino user. These controllers are mostly used by DIY enthusiasts when they are building their own custom DIY CNC machine. +## Masso CNC Controller : +---- +Masso also enables you to handle compatibility issues with ease than other controllers. With Masso as a CNC controller, you no longer have to worry about frequent crashing of the PC hard drives, virus and file corruption. Also the Masso G3 is many times faster that its previous version Masso generation 2 controller since the new version has better performance and also seamless spindle control and many other functions. + +[Specifications:]( https://theedgecutter.com/masso-g3-cnc-controller-review/) +- One of the core areas where Masso triumphs over others is that it comes with lighting fast startup times +- It usually takes less than 10 seconds to boot. In other words, you are all set to commence with your G-Code in no time +- With Masso, you eliminate the cost of hardware systems. There is no need of any UPS or hardware +- You can use this controller in environments that are heavily polluted +- No cooling fans required. It comes equipped with its own cooling system +- You can resume the machine right after power failure +- Masso has detailed documentation on their website for wiring instructions for all popular VFD spindles. + +***Drawback***: +- It is worth noting here that the Masso G3 controller has only two Y axes. This is the reason that you have to order the 4-axis version so that the controller can work properly with the machine. Always remember that the this controller doesn’t come with stepper drivers. Hence, you need to get two stepper drivers and connect to the Y-axis. +- Also, note that you need to get separate stepper drivers for the X and Z axis also. Thus, for many people out there, getting a 4-axis Masso CNC controller is a practical choice. With a 4-axis controller, you would be able to slave the Y axis to A-axis. Furthermore, would have the option to wire up the 4-axis Masso directly to the controller. +### Recommended Model: +#### [Masso G3 CNC Controller](https://www.masso.com.au/product/mill-router-cnc-controller-g3/) +- Masso G3 has control software for three types of CNC machines, CNC mills, CNC lathes, and CNC plasma cutter. +- The hardware is the same (Masso G3) for all three types of CNCs, but the software is different. +- It needs a power supply that can deliver 12 and 24 VDC voltage with a minimum 1.5A output. + +Some other Masso [models](https://www.masso.com.au/product-category/masso-cnc-controllers/) can be found here. + + +### Best PlanetCNC Controller-Best CNC Controller : +---- +#### Specifications: +- PlanetCNC has – [to some opinion](https://mekanika1.odoo.com/blog/learn-1/what-is-the-best-cnc-control-software-14) - the easiest to use interface that allow a quick taking in hands. It also has a handy G-code manipulation window that allows maximum flexibility. The user interface can also be customized. +- PlanetCNC control system is quite popular among the hobby CNC crowd who love it for its ease-of-use and value for money +- All the needed features a CNC milling machine needs are offered, without unnecessary options making the use of the machine more complicated. It goes straight to the point. +- They make two controller boards, Mk3/4 (4-axis) and Mk3 (9-axis). +- Of these, the 4-axis Mk3/4 is more popular among hobbyists. +#### Recommended Model: + [Mk3/4 USB CNC Controller](https://planet-cnc.com/product/cnc-usb-controller-mk34-4-axis/) : +- As a CNC plasma controller, the Mk3/4 is preferred over GRBL, Mach, and LinuxCNC by many people +- With 3 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs onboard, the Mk3/4 is a breakout board and controller rolled into one. +- If you wish to connect a stepper driver that connects with a DB25 cable, like the Gecko stepper driver, you need to get the DB25 adapter sold by PlanetCNC.