Recommended low cost hardware in 2023

Hi all
what is the recommended low cost hardware for 3 axis machine which use servos and also has a spindle with feedback that can be used for synchronization. Better to keep some provisions for two more axis as well.

I have been looking at Mesa cards - although their functionality and price are really good many of them are out of stock. What other options are there?


Thanks
Sus

Can those servos do step/dir control, or are they analog?
If they can, go for Mesa 7i96S, it can be easily found and has everything for 5 axis and a spindle with 0-10V control. Not much inputs and outputs, but if you do need more you can add at any time a Mesa 7i84 that has another 32 inputs and 16 outputs. Very simple wiring by using a lan cable cut in half, and requires no flashing.

Another option is the Pico Systems Universal PWM controller and PWM servo amps. We have amps for both brush and brushless motors. The brush amps are $125 ea, the brushless are $150 ea, and the controller handles up to 4 axes and is $250. There is a spindle DAC option for analog spindle speed control at $50. Two controllers can be daisy-chained on one parallel port for more axes or I/O. Each controller board also supports 16 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs.
(Full disclosure -- I am Pico Systems.) There are no adapter boards, breakout boards or special cables required, except for an IEEE 1284 (EPP mode) parallel port cable.

Jon

I am new to servos. The manual say it has step/dir control. Also it has a absolution encoder for feedback.
I checked 7i96S and it does not seem to have encoder feedback inputs. I guess I need this for closed loop control?

I actually figured that 7I95T is available so just went ahead and ordered it. I hope it can serve my requirements.

OK, then our Universal Stepper Controller might be of interest. It has an option so that external encoders can be read in to LinuxCNC. This allows you to home the machine, then turn off the stepper drives and move tha machine by handwheels and retain the position alignment.
Jon