Ok chaps, what step/dir. controller should I use?

[GalaticDan]

Hi,

I've just got a simple step/dir. set-up working on 3 axis on one of my project ideas using the PC's parellel port and TurboCNC under DOS.

What next?

It's slow and I hooked up a scope to the Parellel port and it's strobing step pulses around 2KHz (if I'm reading it correctly). I've played with the parameters until I got bord. Looked on ebay a bit and draw up the following question...
What's the best/most cost effective step/dir. controller board out there? My drivers can accept 20KHz pulses. I want to ditch the idea of using the PC's parellel port. Thing is TurboCNC reads GCODE so I'd hope a cost effective contoller exists for say PCI or USB which reads GCODE's directly and translates them into step/dir. pulses...

Let me know if I'm way off the ball as any feedback welcome. I'm going to ask the shopbot boy's to see if they know what controller is used...

Cheers

GalaticDan

[motomitch1]

http://cpwojcik.home.att.net/Qstep/Page_3x.html