Re: Newbie Question

> I've decided to "roll my own" minimill cnc conversion rather than buy
> something already built to save some $$$.
>
> I will be using stepper motors. I am trying to decide on a
> controller. I have been seriously considering the Xylotex paralell
> controller and the deckcnc serial controller.
>
> #1 What are the advantages and disadvantages of these controllers?
>
> #2 Are they in some way separated from the computer to prevent damage
> in the event of a mishap?
>
> Thanks in advance for your response.
>
> Jack

You are mixing apples and oranges here- the Xylotex is a driver board-
think of it as the power amplifier to drive motors. The deskcnc is a
signal generator- it does the real time pulse generation, it needs a
power amp, like the Xylotex or one of several other boards.

The deskcnc function can be done in software if you use Mach3 or EMC2.
You will need the Xylotex in either case, hooked to a parallel port in
the PC.

Deckcnc uses a serial port to the PC

ron ginger