Beginner question

pl7i92 wrote:

therfor most are retrofitting a older MAHO at 1500 USD or simular

Where ??? Last time a checked a month ago, nothing usable under 6800 Euro!

google.com ???

www.amci.com/industrial-automation-resou...ls/stepper-vs-servo/

www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=yS83X...K2CYMQ4dUDCAU&uact=5

The first one is short and easy to understand.

Sorry, i thought i already replied, must have been another thread.
For step dir type of control (all steppers, new servo drives)
Mesa, for me always as follows
5i25 with 7i76 PCI
6i25 with 7i76 PCI-E
7i92 with 7i76 ethernet
7i96 ethernet (cheapest option, less IO )
7i76E ethernet
All of them offer the same functionality and number of IO, the difference is only in how it communicates with the PC.

For servo systems with analogue control, usually +-10V:
5i25 with 7i77
6i25 with 7i77
7i92M with 7i77 ( M version can be attached directly to 7i77 so no cable needed)
There are other boards and options, with much more IO or other stuff. All of the above have at least another header to control other boards or IO ports or SSERIAL stuff.

Depending on how much you are willing to invest, the main choices there would be 7i92 with 7i77 for servo or 7i76E for steppers. For the price you get very reliable controllers and plenty of IO, expandable to a lot more, and THE best support on planet earth provided by PCW.
If in doubt, just check the "show your stuff" thread on my shop update, i have Mesa boards literally hanging on walls !