Originally Posted by
joeavaerage
Hi,
the ESS has in port one alone, 12 outputs and 5 inputs. Note that all those inputs are full speed.
Port two has another 12 outputs and 5 inputs, or alternately you could have 13 inputs and 4 outputs, again all at full speed.
Buy yourself a simple bi-directional breakout board like a C10 ($23.00) and plug it into the second port of the ESS. Now you will have direct access to all that extra
IO, including 2 outputs to signal your fifth axis stepper drive. Note that the G540 has four built-in stepper drives and you want to run five steppers. You will need a standalone
driver in addition to the C10.
Craig