Ethernet SmoothStepper CNC Motion Controller

I was prepared for all sorts of issues, but it was the most painless thing I've done in CNC.I had been using an old Windows XP-based, Pentium 4 computer to run my CNC tools with Mach3 since 2007, but the computer started having issues and working unreliably. I tried to replace it with another old, virtually identical machine, and found it had different hardware issues. In the intervening months, I went through two other computers, went to Windows 7 64 bit - only to learn Mach3 won't support 64 bit windows, and finally running LinuxCNC.I bought this smooth stepper to move back to Mach3 on a younger, faster Windows 7 computer. It worked fantastically. The ESS has three parallel ports on it, and with very little effort, I am able to control all three of my CNC machines under Mach3 just by running three different configuration files.I've been running it a couple of months now and it works great. Between their online support videos and installation software it was easy to set up and get running. I could have avoided a few months of pain swapping computers and going down the whole LinuxCNC path if I had done this sooner. The Warp9 Ethernet Smooth Stepper is the way to go.

I love working with the Ethernet Smooth Steppers (ESS). They work reliably once the initial network setup is completed in windows. A good setup guide can be found here: http://www.soigeneris.com/Document/Warp9/Installing_and_Configuring_the_Ethernet_SmoothStepper.pdfI have used these ESS units on several CNC builds and they have provided very fast and reliable movement of both servo and stepper motors at very high pulse signal rates.The only problems you may at times experience occur when the control PC is powered down but the ESS is not and the ESS's connection to the PC is lost. When the PC is powered back on and tries to connect to the ESS via the control software, (Mach 3 in my case) an error message may be displayed that it can not connect to the ESS. However, the solution to this is simple. Just turn the power off to the ESS and back on then restart Mach 3.RBBuildItLikeBeal.com

I purchased this because it claims to be easy, but the product does not work. I tried it on several different computers ... even a brand new computer without any software.WHAT A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY!!! Don't BUY this!

I bought a cheap 6 axis to start, after days of trying couldn't get the CNCTOPBAOS's controller to work. Bought this instead. Do yourself a favor and buy Warp9's smooth stepper ESS 6 axis motion controller. It is supported by Mach 3/4 and comes with hundreds of pages of support. With links to useful third party apps. It also comes with software to optimize it and the computer you use to control it. Setup took a couple of hours with deterministic results... IE the vector always pointed toward the goal line. As soon as my Taig Nema 23 mounts arrive, I'll be cutting. Update: I just wanted to point out that IDC breakout boards sold on amazon have a different pinout than the one used by this product. Do yourself a favor and pay attention to the Smooth stepper pinout! if you do this works flawlessly.

Its the warp9 ESS. If your on this page then you know what it is.Haven't powered this one yet, but I'm sure we're good.Happy machining.Above is my written review that apparently I've never posted after years of owning this! It was still in my Amazon cache after those years. Anyways, was on here showing a budy this board and thought I'd leave a review.This board is awesome. Not only is it fast and reliable, It gives more in's and outs for things like mpg controllers and switches and such. As a vet now I highly recommend this as a no brain investement for anyone that can utilize it. Great product.

I purchased my first Ess to use with gecko 540 s on an openbuild ox cnc. I knew nothing about them or how to wire the cnc. The Ess was generally easy to set up, works very well with my 64 bit intell I5 computer. The only issue I have ever had was when I shut down the system without turning off the Ess. It disconnected. Restarting the computer and the Ess got everything sorted. I haven't seen any lag or missing steps. Problems that I have encountered were generally on Mach 3's end.

This is the second project that I have used the smoothstepper for. It is a well designed product that works flawlessly. At least I have not found any flaws. The support website contains an abundance of information that I have referred to often. I highly recommend this product

The photos would have you believe the product comes with two cables. Don’t believe it. You only get the card. Other vendors have the same product for $7 less and their ad accurately shows only the card without cables.