ETH-COMPACT is a 6 axis high performance motion controller for CNC machines designed for use with popular Mach3 CNC control software in Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11 operating systems with 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) architectures. As an external controller, it brings various improvements in comparison to using Mach3 software with parallel port.
ETH-COMPACT motion controller could be also controlled with motion control software mikroCNC.
Motion controller ETH-COMPACT with its integrated 32-bit microcontroller takes over all real-time tasks that require precision timing. Therefore, computer CPU is less loaded, so that Mach3 now can work on less powerful desktop, laptop, and even tablet computers.
The Ethernet connection with a computer is considered to be one of the most robust connection types, so it is suitable for application in difficult industrial conditions. It should be noted that wired Ethernet connection also features galvanic isolation between ETH-COMPACT motion controller and a PC computer.
ETH-COMPACT motion controller offers:
- 24 TTL general purpose digital outputs with maximum uotput current 32 mA,
- 24 Schmitt trigger general purpose TTL digital inputs, Pull-up resistors 4.7 kΩ, and
- 2 analog inputs in 0-5V range.
Mach3 plugin contains integrated latest compatible firmware version, so in case that firmware has to be updated, this process is automatic and easy for the user.
Main features of ETH-COMPACT motion controller
- Ethernet 10/100 Mbit connection
- all jogging modes
- spindle PWM output, adjustable frequency 10 Hz – 200 kHz
- spindle index input, adjustable divider
- spindle step/dir axis
- spindle relays (M3, M4 and M5)
- coolant relays (M7, M8 and M9)
- ESTOP input
- MPG (encoder) inputs, all Mach3 MPG modes + hardware mode
- freely assignable functions to any of inputs and outputs
- adjustable active signal state (low/high) for all inputs and outputs
- homing/referencing (single axis and multiaxis)
- hardware limit switches
- softlimits
- limits override, auto/manual/external
- charge pump outputs, adjustable frequency (12.5 kHz and 5 kHz)
- slave axes
- probing function (G31)
- laser M10p1/M11p1, e5p1/e5p0 fast outputs (#1-6)
- laser PWM, power compensation (PWM duty cycle can change in relation to velocity of movement), adjustable arbitrary relation curve
- laser PWM, gate by M10/M11
- laser gray level (8-bit) engraving
- shuttle mode, adjustable acceleration time
- detailed adjustment for debouncing of all input signals
- offline mode
- threading on lathe using Mach3turn, G32, G76
- THC function (integrated and external controller support)
- THC advanced options (kerf detect, THC lock, low pass filter...)
- Backlash compensation
Image Gallery
https://www.audiohms.com/en/cnc-electronics-products/motion-controllers-and-breakout-boards/motion-controllers/eth-compact-motion-controller#sigProId9f5aaa4293
Technical specifications
| Function | Description |
| Connection with PC | Ethernet 10/100 MBit, TCP/IP - data buffer size of about 1 s for stable communication, Auto crossover detection |
| Number od axes | 6 (including Spindle axis if Spindle axis is Step&Dir type) |
| Digital outputs |
- 24 general purpose TTL digital outputs, maximum current on digital outputs 32 mA |
| Digital inputs |
- 24 Schmitt trigger general purpose TTL digital inputs, Pull-up resistors 4.7 kΩ |
| Maximum STEP signal frequency | 200 kHz or 100 kHz (adjustable in plugin) |
| STEP pulse width | 2.5 μs (optional 5 μs) |
| PWM output frequency | 10 Hz – 200 kHz |
| PWM duty cycle resolution | 16-9 bits, depending on frequency; 16 bit for f ≤ 2kHz |
| Frequency of signal on Index input | ≤ 10 kHz |
| Pulse width on Index input | ≥ 100 ns |
| MPG/encoder input (x4) frequency | ≤ 10k steps/sec |
| Number of analog inputs | 2 |
| Analog input range | 0–5 V, 10 bits |
| Number of Charge pump outputs | 2 |
| Charge pump frequency | 12.5 kHz or 5 kHz |
| Power supply | 15 – 27 VDC / 1 – 2 A (power consumption depends on attached peripherals) |
| Dimensions | 91 mm x 115 mm x 28 mm (ETH-COMPACT) 100 mm x 118 mm x 39 mm (ETH-COMPACT-AL) |
| Weight | ~ 90 g (ETH-COMPACT) ~ 190 g (ETH-COMPACT-AL) |
Index signal can be set on inputs 1-20, recommendation is to use fast TTL inputs
NOTE: Shown specifications are subject to change without prior notice
DOWNLOADS
| Document & Software | Description |
 ETH-COMPACT User's manual |
ETH-compact motion controllers User's manual |
 eth_config.zip |
Network parameters confuguration software |
Mach3 Plugins & Screens for ETH-COMPACT motion controller
| Date | Plugins & Screens | Description |
| June 2025. | ethmci_drv108_58.zip |
Plugin v1.08 & Firmware v0.58 - Added ability of fine adjustment of gantry squareness on referencing by specifying a non-equal values of home offsets for master and slave axis |
| May 2025. | ethmci_drv108_fw57.zip |
Plugin v1.08 & Firmware v0.57 - Fixed the error in setting voltage value for the kerf detect function of internal THC regulator - Improved controller compatibility of the Shuttle mode with motor drivers from other manufacturers (DIR signal stability) |
| March 2025. | ethmci_drv107_55.zip |
Plugin v1.07 & Firmware v0.55 |
| January 2025. | ethmci_drv107_54.zip |
Plugin v1.07 & Firmware v0.54 - Fixed problem with Probe function that sporadically occurred as delay in stopping after the contact |
| December 2024. | ethmci_drv106_fw53.zip |
Plugin v1.06 & Firmware v0.53 - Fixed problem of activating SoftLimit when the current position is exactly at the limit - Resolved the issue of incorrect PWM output for raster engraving in laser power control using A axis |
| May 2024. | ethmci_drv106_fw52.zip |
Plugin v1.06 & Firmware v0.52 - Fixed problem in plugin that causes configured controller IP address in control software to be lost after program restart |
| October 2023. | ethmci_drv105_fw52.zip |
Plugin v1.05 & Firmware v0.52 - Fixed problem with network initialization that could sometimes appear with some controllers |
| August 2023. | ethmci_drv104_fw51.zip |
Plugin v1.04 & Firmware v0.51 - Added support for generic MPG pendant operations |
| March 2023. | ethmci_drv103_fw51.zip |
Plugin v1.03 & Firmware v0.51 - Correction: squaring the gantry when referencing master and slave axis does not work corectly |
| November 2022. | ethmci_drv_102.zip |
Plugin v1.02 & Firmware v0.44 - Initial version of plugin |
| August 2022. | PlaAohmsETHMCI.zip |
Modified Plasma screen for ETH-MCI motion controller |
Mach3 plugin contains integrated latest compatible firmware version, so in case that firmware has to be updated, this process is automatic and easy for the user.
