[bkboggy]

ger21 -- correct, I would have to get myself the 64bit versions of the software. All of the programs that I am looking at have 64bit versions, except Mach3. Thanks for the computer system tip.

jalessi -- Thanks, I will contact them and make sure that it is. I would do the dual system thing, but I can't afford to buy two OSs at this time. Will a parallel port card be sufficient?

Bubba -- Is Turbo CNC as good as Mach3? Mach3 is not very expensive and it seems to be amazing.


One thing I'm confused with is this:

Why would I need to get SmoothStepper with Gecko540?

G540 discription:

The G540 is a complete 4-axis system which plugs directly into your computer via the parallel port and to your motors through DB9 connectors. It contains four of our G250 drives, our own breakout board and a hard anodized aluminum case.

So, it can run CNC on its own, right? It is a motion control system by itself, is it not? So, the only reason I would be getting SmoothStepper is because it can run stuff with a 64bit OS? Why? If Mach3 doesn't run with a 64-bit OS, how would SmoothStepper enable that option?

Also, SmoothStepper discription:

The SmoothStepper is a motion control device that connects to the USB port of a computer. It accepts commands from a software package such as Mach3, and produce very high quality pulse trains that drive step & direction motors. At this time the only software package it works with is Mach3, but a Software Development Kit (SDK) is planned, which will allow you to control the SmoothStepper with your own software.

So, that means that I can connect G540 to SmoothStepper via parallel port (which is on SmoothStepper board?) and then connect SmoothStepper to my computer via USB? Would that let G540 work? It requires parallel port if it's connected directly.