Has anyone used both programs? If so what are the advantages/disadvantages of each? Will Mach3 have a higher pulserate than 45kHz? Thanks if anyone can help with my decision-
Kevin

DeskCNC-
Has a CAM built in for making tool paths, very easy to use
Needs a external board to run machine
Pretty easy to create G-code and you can edit on the fly
NC side is not customizable as far as buttons, and has a few annoying quirks
handles excelon files, does a great job of creating files for engraving PCB boards
Can't program key short-cuts


Mach-
Needs no extra board
Totally customizable
Runs in a window environment
Pendant and joystick ready
Customizable screen and buttons
Can adjust feed rate on the fly

This is just a few of my findings

Thanks Paul, I think I'll try Mach2 unless someone else convinces me otherwise.

The PMDX breakout board looks good to me. Would you suggest any other breakout board instead?

Thanks,

Kevin

http://cnc4pc.com looks ready good, I have one coming in so will see.

If you can wait a few months, Gecko will be releasing their G200X. Which should eliminate the need for a breakout board, and generate step pulses at 400,000 steps per second for 6 axis, as well as having many more inputs and outputs available. A special version of Mach2 will support it (Mach4?).

Or just try Mach2 right now. Limited to 45Khz. Mo higher pulse rate for the parallel port.

I have a cnc4pc breakout board and 2 spindle encoders, the breakoutboard is large, but seems pretty good, It runs off 5v and only had 5v outputs for relays and such, I have an axxus technologies breakout board which is quite nice, has some 12v outputs for relays.

The spindle indexer(encoder) is pretty decent too, works great, have one on both my mill and lathe.

Jon

Thanks guys, the CNC4pc stuff is cheaper, I would also add the "charge pump" board (why don't they call it a watchdog timer?). PDMX has a relay though. I need to compare them more carefully.