Enjoy Warp Setting the number of processes per GPU. As of 1.0.7, Warp can run multiple processes on each GPU. If a GPU has enough memory to accommodate multiple movies in parallel, setting the number of processes to 2–3 will likely result in better resource utilization. To set this, start Warp 1.0.7+ at least once and close it.
Current Software Page
Which piece of software are you looking for:
- Our WarP 9 ™ motor is similar to the ADC 9' motor, but with numerous improvements. It is a 9.25' diameter, series wound DC motor with a double ended shaftOf the most notable changes, we have a larger com and utilize the large style brushes.
- Warp9 Tech Design, home of the ESS and USS SmoothStepper motion control boards for Mach 3 and Mach4.
SCU (System Configuration Utility)
This utility helps you to easily and quickly configure your Windows PC to communicate with your Ethernet SmoothStepper (ESS).
The SCU documentation has moved to here.
![Warp Warp](https://1d9wic1xtzvs27liaa2o9xbb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/Warp9-Adjustable-Spoke-Torque-Wrench-Kit-3.jpg)
One issue with the SCU that a few people see is 'CreateProcess failed; code 740'. This means that your PC is not running the application with administrator privileges, so you need to elevate the application to administrator. Right-click on the application icon and select Run as Administrator.
A very few people have reported that they can't run the SCU Installer, but they can run the 'SCU Application Only' by itself. Please try that if you are having problems.
If Windows asks you what kind of Network this should be, choose either Home or Work (they will both work fine).
If you are able to see your ESS pinging, but you can't connect to the ESS with Mach3 or Mach4, there is likely a firewall rule blocking communications. This video will show you how to reset the Windows Firewall.
If you see BootP packets coming in, then the ESS is set to work with the Configurator and not Mach. You will need to remove the Config Jumper for the ESS to communicate with Mach.
If you can't run the SCU whatsoever, please follow this manual configuration video.
If you still can't get your ESS to talk with your PC after you tried the manual configuration video (above), then something in your PC is blocking communications. This configurator trick should fix it:
1) Make sure that the SCU and Mach were all closed.
2) Power down the ESS, placethe config jumper on the ESS, and power it back on.
3) Use the configurator to program 10.9.9.9 into the ESS again.
4) Close the configurator and open the SCU, and power cycle the ESS. At this point you should see BootpRx incrementing, but if not something in Windows is blocking it(We are trying to track this down).
5) Power down the ESS, remove the config jumper on the ESS, and power it back on. You should see the pings field counting up.
6) Run Mach3 or Mach4, and it should work now.
The SCU:
- Gives you the ability to download and install Mach3 or Mach4 (an optional step if you have already done so).
- Gives you the ability to download and install the latest ESS Plugin for Mach (an optional step if you have already done so).
- Adds rules to Windows Firewall to allow Mach3 and Mach4 to communicate with the ESS, preventing frustrating firewall issues. (If you use a firewall other than Windows Firewall, you will need to manually configure that application to allow Mach3 or Mach4 through. Usually the firewall will ask you if it is OK to allow Mach to access the Internet. Say 'Yes', and it will be taken care of. If you say no, then you will need to figure out how to access your firewall's configuration utility in order to change the setting for Mach3's ability to access the Internet).
- Allows you to choose which network adapter will be connected to your ESS, and then it will automatically configure that network adapter to communicate with your ESS. (This requires that you directly connect your ESS to your network adapter, and that your ESS uses its default factory static IP of '10.9.9.9'.)
- Detects if your ESS is powered up and connected to your PC. It will then display information about the detected ESS(s).
- Provides support and numerous advanced troubleshooting techniques.
Since this utility needs to add new rules to Windows Firewall and modify your network adapter's settings (the black command windows popping up and disappearing) it will need to be run with Administrator level privileges. The utility will request those privileges automatically and you will see a 'User Account Control' message asking for you to allow it. You must say yes to run the utility, but we promise we are not doing anything else to your PC.
This utility requires .NET v4, which you can get here if you don't have it already, click on the big red download button. (Most people will have .NET 4 installed already, but if the SCU application just disappears when you try to start it, this is most likely your problem.) This utility works on 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Windows, and has been tested on:
- Windows 10
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 8.0
- Windows 7
- Windows Vista with Service Pack 1
- Windows XP with Service Pack 3
Documentation for the SCU is available here.
Mach4 Plugin for ESS (Ethernet SmoothStepper)
Warp 3 9x9
To install the ESS plugin please follow our Getting Started guide, here. This guide contains the links to the ESS Plugin and the Mach4 download page.
3/9 Simplified
Our Mach4 plugins consist of 2 parts. The large file is the plugin software, and the 2nd file is a signature file that lets Mach know it was signed by the plugin developer. Mach will not run the plugin without both files being present. These files should be placed in the 'C:Mach4HobbyPlugins' folder. The extension 'm4pw' stands for 'Mach 4 Plugin Windows'.
Mach3 Plugin for ESS (Ethernet SmoothStepper)
For setup instructions, please follow our Getting Started guide!
Download the current Mach3 ESS plugin(s). Either version will support Mills Routers, Lathes and Lasers. For THC there is a difference between the two versions:
- ESS_Mach3_2019 02 25_v10w2a 10f1.zip (Released Feb 25th, 2019) This is for Mills Routers, Lathes, Lasers and the TMC3in1 style THC! Click here for details.
- ESS_Mach3_180220 u4f1L(Released Feb 20th, 2018) This is for Mills Routers, Lathes and Lasers. This was the last version that supported Proma style Up/Down THC or manual (Oxy/Acetylene) cutting!Click here for details.
Here is a video showing you how to Install Mach3 and the ESS Plugin.
You will find the latest Beta release of the ESS Mach3 plugin and the change logs in this forum thread.
Previous Plugin Versions (Yes, I have the latest version listed at the top of the previous releases, because there were multiple cases of people missing the current release in the section above, and using older releases by mistake. I had to add this disclaimer because multiple people started asking why I had the current release listed in multiple places, and what the difference was.):
ESS_Mach3_2019 02 25_v10w2a 10f1.zip (Released Feb 25th, 2019) This is the TMC3in1 style THC! Click here for details.
ESS_Mach3_181218_v10f1O.zip(Released December 18th, 2018) Click here for details.
ESS_Mach3_180220 u4f1L(Released Feb 20th, 2018) This was the last version that supported Up/Down THC! Click here for details.
Mach3 ESS 170807 u4f1J(Released August 7th, 2017) Click here for details
ESS_Mach3_170328_u4f1H(Released March 28th, 2017)
If you have an existing ESS plugin in 'C:Mach3Plugins', you need to close Mach3 and delete the old ESS plugin first (ESS_Mach3.dll or anything that has ESS in it and ends with .dll).
Disk cleaner 1 7.
Once the old ESS plugin is gone, you can double click on the new plugin, (ESS_Mach3.m3p), and a Mach3 helper application will copy the file to 'C:Mach3Plugins' and rename the plugin extension to ESS_Mach3.dll
If you can't get Mach to communicate with the ESS:
1) Close Mach,
Permute 3 4 4 cylinder engine. 2) Power Cycle the ESS
3) Right click on the Mach icon and select “Run as Administrator”. Mach should then connect to the ESS again.
Configurator
This will not setup your PC. The SCU found at the top of this page is the software that sets up your PC. The Configurator only changes the IP address of the ESS - most people will NOT need need to run this application.
Download: Configurator Utility v1.1
Each Ethernet SmoothStepper board is programmed at the factory with a static IP address of 10.9.9.9. If you have a need to change the address of the board, this utility will allow you to change it. Otherwise do not run this program. It has a specific purpose, which is to allow your SmoothStepper to fit into an existing network. We do not recommend integrating the ESS with other computers, printers, the Internet, etc. But if you must do so, you will likely need to use this utility in order for the ESS board to conform to your network. The best solution is to dedicate the wired Ethernet adapter of your computer to the ESS, and use another Ethernet adapter for communicating with other computers, printers, and the Internet. On a laptop, this is most often the wireless interface. A very simple an effective method of adding an extra Ethernet adapter is to use a USB to Ethernet adapter, PCI or PCI Express based Ethernet adapter. They are inexpensive and work very well.
Here is a video showing how to use the Configurator Utility and the SCU to change your ESS's IP Address.
The SCU and the Configurator Utility CANNOT both be running at the same time!!! They mutually block ports that the other needs. If they are both open, close both utilities, cycle power to the ESS and then start the utility you want.
Windows Driver for the USS (USB SmoothStepper)
You need to use a Window's USB driver and a Mach plugin for the USS.
- For Windows 10 and Windows 8.0 or 8.1 please use the current Windows USB driver (October 25th, 2015).
- For Windows 7, Vista, and XP please use: SmoothStepperUSBDriver2.08.30.zip
- Here are the older versions of the USB drivers (which you shouldn't need): Archived versions of the Windows Driver for USS (USB SmoothStepper).
USB Driver Installation: If you are having problems, please watch this short video (less than 2 minutes) on how to install the USB Drivers for windows.
If Windows did not give you the option to select the driver for the USS in the 'New Hardware Found Wizard', here is how to do it manually:
- Unzip the USB Driver you downloaded (above).
- Open the device manager by pressing the “WINDOWS” key and the “R” key at the same time.
- When the 'Run' box opens up, type in 'devmgmt.msc'.
- Find the USB SmoothStepper in the list of 'Other Devices'.
- Right-click on the SmoothStepper, select 'Properties', and there will be an option for 'Update Driver Software..'.
- Browse to the unzipped USB Driver files, and it will install the USB driver for you.
The USS Mach Plugins are in the following sections.
Mach4 Plugin for the USS (USB SmoothStepper)
Currently there is not a Mach4 USS plugin, only a Mach3 USS plugin. We may release a Mach4 USS plugin in 2019. The ESS has both Mach3 and Mach4 plugins.
Mach3 Plugin for the USS (USB SmoothStepper)
Are you running the recommended version of Mach3? Please click to find out.
Please use the current USS Mach3 PlugIn 2014-01-04 : SmoothStepper_v17fe.zip
An 'm3p' file is a 'Mach 3 Plugin' file. Once downloaded, double-click the file and it will self install itself as a dll in the PlugIns directory of your Mach3 installation.
Note: When you run Mach and choose a motion control device, there is a box you can check that says 'Don't ask me again'. Next time you run Mach it won't ask you which plugin you want to use, and it will automatically run the same one. This has caused a lot of headaches for users in the past, so please be aware of it. What you will need to do is reset this option. In Mach, go to the pull-down menus and choose 'Function Cfg's'. Under this menu you will find an option named 'Reset Device Sel..'. If you choose this, then next time you run Mach with the same profile it will ask you which device you want to use. A lot of users have banged their heads against the wall trying to figure out why the features of the new plugin weren't working. It was because they weren't running it.. Another note to make is that it isn't a good idea to have more than one SmoothStepper plugin active in the plugins directory. It might be more broad than that, in that you should only have one motion control device plugin in the folder at the same time. I don't know that for a fact but it would not surprise me. For some reason the files interact with each other because Mach loads all of them at startup. The best way to manage plugins is to rename the ones that you are not using. If you change the extension from '.dll' to '.m3p' (Mach 3 Plugin), Mach will leave them alone. If you ever want to reinstall a plugin, simply double-click it and Mach will rename the file from .m3p to .dll. If you double click on the .M3P file while it is still inside the zip file folder, you will get an error saying that it can't be deleted. This is okay, since the file should already be copied to 'c:Mach3plugins' and renamed to have a .dll extension.
Note: When you run Mach and choose a motion control device, there is a box you can check that says 'Don't ask me again'. Next time you run Mach it won't ask you which plugin you want to use, and it will automatically run the same one. This has caused a lot of headaches for users in the past, so please be aware of it. What you will need to do is reset this option. In Mach, go to the pull-down menus and choose 'Function Cfg's'. Under this menu you will find an option named 'Reset Device Sel..'. If you choose this, then next time you run Mach with the same profile it will ask you which device you want to use. A lot of users have banged their heads against the wall trying to figure out why the features of the new plugin weren't working. It was because they weren't running it.. Another note to make is that it isn't a good idea to have more than one SmoothStepper plugin active in the plugins directory. It might be more broad than that, in that you should only have one motion control device plugin in the folder at the same time. I don't know that for a fact but it would not surprise me. For some reason the files interact with each other because Mach loads all of them at startup. The best way to manage plugins is to rename the ones that you are not using. If you change the extension from '.dll' to '.m3p' (Mach 3 Plugin), Mach will leave them alone. If you ever want to reinstall a plugin, simply double-click it and Mach will rename the file from .m3p to .dll. If you double click on the .M3P file while it is still inside the zip file folder, you will get an error saying that it can't be deleted. This is okay, since the file should already be copied to 'c:Mach3plugins' and renamed to have a .dll extension.
Warp 30t
Warp 360 Heli
Differences between the USB and the Ethernet SmoothSteppers (USS and ESS)
Warp 36
When comparing the USS to the ESS there are a few significant differences to be aware of:
1) The USS can be powered directly via USB. However, you need to make sure that you are using a quality USB cable. Some inferior USB cables can't carry a sufficient amount of current, in which case the 5V logic of the USS may perform erratically. If desired, the USS may be supplied by a separate 5 V power supply. The ESS MUST have a 5 V power supply in order to operate (For more details, please see the '5V Power for Ethernet SmoothStepper' section of this FAQ.
Warp 3 90 Degree
2) The ESS has a larger FPGA than the USS, which means it is capable of more features than the USS. Design updates are also easier to make because of the additional capacity. The ESS also has a microcontroller, which is used for additional processing that the USS would be unable to do.
3) The ESS uses Ethernet, which by its design, electrically isolates your PC from your CNC equipment. This means noise and voltage spikes from your motors will not flow back into your PC. The ground of the USS is directly coupled to your PC. USB isolators are available that provide isolation similar to that of Ethernet.
4) Pin out: It is important to note that Port 2 on the USS and both Ports 2 & 3 on the ESS are functionally different than Port 1. Pins 2-9 of Port 1 are always outputs, whereas Pins 2-9 of the other port(s) may be used as inputs or outputs. The direction of these bits is set in the SmoothStepper’s configuration dialog. These pins have weak (47k) pull down resistors. If a pull-up resistor is desired instead of a pull-down, a pull-up resistor with a maximum value of 4.7k can be added and it will behave similar to the dedicated inputs of each port (pins 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15). When using a breakout board that uses logic ICs to drive those pins (most breakout boards), the resistor becomes irrelevant.
5) Plugin Support: We plan on supporting both the USS and ESS in Mach 3 and Mach 4. However, there are many more ESS boards than USS boards out in the field, which means that we will get new features running on the ESS first and then port it to the USS once it is stable. Please remember that currently, the USS only works with Mach3 and NOT Mach4. The ESS works with both Mach3 and Mach4.
While the USS is a good product, we think the ESS is even better!
Product Details of the USB and the Ethernet SmoothSteppers (USS and ESS)
Since the SmoothStepper outputs 5V signals (with currents limited to 24 or 32 mA, dependent on the selected output pin), you will need a motor driver between the SmoothStepper and the motor itself. For your axes (X, Y, Z, A, B and C), the SmoothSteppers can control stepper motor drivers and digital servo motor drivers. We do not support analog servo motor drivers or PWM servo motor drivers.
*SmoothStepper Motor signal outputs are only 5V and 24 mA or 32 mA. This will not drive a Stepper Motor directly, and you will need a Motor Driver for each stepper motor. Digital Servo Motors typically have a motor driver built into their controller. For a Spindle that is controlled by a 0V to 10V Analog signal, you will need a Break Out Board that can convert a PWM, Step/Dir, CW/CCW or Quadrature signals into a 0V to 10V analog signal (and also provide one or two relays to control the VFD). | ||||
**Requires that your USB port supplies a stable 5V (+/- 10% minimum, but +/- 5% preferable). | ||||
*** With the use of a 5V power supply that is isolated from your PC. | ||||
**** Assuming the USB Isolator also provides power isolation in addition to isolation of the data signals. | ||||
CNC Motion Controller | ESS (Ethernet SmoothStepper) | USS (USB SmoothStepper) | ||
Image | ||||
Price (USD) | $180.00 | $180.00 | ||
PC Interface | Ethernet | USB | ||
Documentation | ESS Manual | USS Manual | ||
Mach4 Plugin | Yes | No - Hopefully in 2019 | ||
Mach3 Plugin | Yes | Yes | ||
I/O |
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Current Drive Output | All pins are rated for 0V to 5V. Cdock dock customization for macos 3 0 4. The following output pins have a drive (sink) of +(-) 32mA:
Click here for more details. | All pins are rated for 0V to 5V. All output pins have a drive (sink) of +(-) 32mA. | ||
Pulse Output Capabilities | Up to 4 MHz, Step and Direction, Quadrature, CW/CCW | Up to 4 MHz, Step and Direction, Quadrature | ||
Motor Control Capability * | Up to 6 Motors (Step and Direction, Quadrature, or CW/CCW) Plus a Spindle (Relay, PWM, Step and Direction, Quadrature, or CW/CCW). | Up to 6 Motors (Step and Direction or Quadrature) Plus a Spindle (Relay, PWM or Step and Direction) | ||
Encoders/MPG | > 4 MHz capture rate Mach3: Up to 5 total Mach4: 7 Encoders, 3 MPGs | Mach3: Up to 5 total (Encoders + MPGs) | ||
Configurable Noise Filtering per Class of Input | Mach3 Input Classes: Limits, home, probe, E-Stop, Jog, Encoders/MPGs Mach4: Each input individually configurable | Mach3 Classes: Limits, home, probe, E-Stop, Jog, Encoders/MPGs | ||
Features |
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Power Source | External 5V Power Supply Required | USB Cable** or optional External 5V Power Supply | ||
Electrical Isolation | Full Electrical and Noise isolation for your PC*** | Electrical and Noise isolation for your PC when a USB Isolator is used **** | ||
PC Configuration Utility | The System Configuration Utility is provided to configure your PC for use with the ESS in as few as 3 mouse clicks. | No configuration utility needed. | ||
Windows Drivers | No Drivers for the ESS. (Your computer should already have drivers installed for your Ethernet Card.) | A Warp9TD USB SmoothStepper driver is provided for Windows XP through Windows_10 |