Choose the PwnCNC Conversion Kit Core or Advanced firmware level based on the controller features, automation, accessories, and future expansion your machine requires.
Quick answer: Choose Core for a conventional CNC router with manual tool changes, homing, probing, tool setting, spindle-speed control, and standard motion needs. Choose Advanced when you need an automatic tool changer, advanced auxiliary control, production-oriented recovery and testing features, or a stronger future-expansion path.
Core vs. Advanced: Choosing the Right Conversion Kit
PwnCNC's current Conversion Kit uses a MASSO G3 Touch controller and is available with either the MASSO Core or Advanced software tier. Both provide standalone CNC control without requiring a dedicated Windows computer to operate the machine.
The correct choice is not determined only by machine size or motor torque. It depends on the functions you need the controller to perform now and the upgrades you realistically expect to add later.
Always review the current PwnCNC Conversion Kit product listing before ordering. Available configurations, included components, pricing, and production time may change.
First: separate the firmware choice from the motor choice
There are two different decisions when configuring the conversion kit:
- Controller firmware: Core or Advanced
- Motor package: No motors, 2 Nm closed-loop motors, or 3 Nm closed-loop motors, when offered
These choices solve different problems. The firmware controls which MASSO functions are available. The motor package determines the motors, matched drivers, torque level, and associated motion hardware supplied with the selected configuration.
Important: Advanced firmware does not automatically make the motors stronger or the spindle more powerful. Likewise, selecting 3 Nm motors does not add Advanced software features.
Side-by-side overview
| Decision area | Core | Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Best general fit | Conventional CNC routers, makers, hobbyists, and small shops needing capable standalone control without advanced automation. | ATC machines, production-oriented shops, complex accessories, advanced automation, and users planning significant expansion. |
| Motion control | Up to five-axis motion with axis slaving, subject to the selected machine configuration. | Includes the Core motion capabilities. |
| Closed-loop motor feedback | Supported. | Supported. |
| Homing and gantry squaring | Supported when the machine and sensors are configured appropriately. | Supported. |
| Probe and tool setter | Probing, auto tool zero, and tool-setter functions are supported. | Supported, along with the additional Advanced tool-management features. |
| Manual tool changes | Supported with tool-change messaging and alert capability. | Supported. |
| Automatic tool changer | Not included in the Core feature tier. | Supported. Choose Advanced for a PwnCNC ATC installation. |
| Spindle-speed control | Advanced spindle control is supported, including common VFD, PWM, and step-based methods when properly interfaced. | Includes the Core spindle-control capabilities. |
| Wi-Fi and MASSO connectivity | Supported for applicable MASSO PC, cloud, and mobile functions. | Supported. |
| Dry Run | Not included. | Included for safer job verification. |
| Jump to Line | Not included. | Included for supported job-recovery workflows. |
| Advanced auxiliary control | Standard inputs and outputs for a conventional configuration. | Expanded AUX input/output control using G-code for more complex machine functions. |
| Production features | Focused on core machining and manual workflows. | Adds features such as extended tool/work offsets, alarms, cutter compensation, QR job loading, and automatic lubrication support. |
| Future Dominator Pro path | Not the preferred choice when a future Dominator Pro electronics migration is an important goal. | Recommended when future migration to a Dominator Pro is part of the plan. |
| Later software upgrade | Can be upgraded through MASSO when an eligible firmware upgrade is available. | Advanced functions are already unlocked. |
For MASSO's current tier definitions and complete feature matrix, see the official MASSO Controller Portfolio.
Choose Core when...
Core is usually the right fit when most of these statements describe your project:
- You are converting a conventional three- or four-axis CNC router.
- You plan to change tools manually.
- You need homing, axis slaving, gantry squaring, probing, or a tool setter.
- You want the controller to start, stop, and control the speed of a compatible spindle or VFD.
- You want closed-loop motor feedback using compatible matched motors and drivers.
- You may use an MPG, rotary axis, laser, or another feature specifically supported by the Core tier.
- Your required inputs and outputs fit within a straightforward machine configuration.
- Keeping the initial conversion cost lower is more important than purchasing automation features you may never use.
Core is not a low-quality controller or a motion-performance downgrade. It uses the MASSO platform with a streamlined feature license. For many routers, Core contains all the functionality required for normal cutting, homing, probing, spindle control, and manual tool changes.
Choose Advanced when...
Advanced is usually the better fit when any of these statements describe your project:
- You are installing a PwnCNC automatic tool changer now.
- An ATC is a realistic future upgrade, even if you will begin with manual tool changes.
- You need Advanced AUX inputs or outputs controlled through G-code.
- You want Dry Run for job verification.
- You need Jump to Line for supported recovery workflows after an interruption.
- You need extended tool or work-offset capacity.
- You need controller-managed alarms, coolant functions, or automatic lubrication.
- You need cutter compensation, QR-code job loading, or advanced multi-head features.
- Your production workflow benefits from greater automation and less operator intervention.
- You expect to migrate the controller and electronics into a future Dominator Pro.
- You prefer to install and document the advanced platform once instead of upgrading firmware and adding hardware later.
If an ATC is part of the plan, choose Advanced. This is the clearest dividing line between the two firmware levels for most PwnCNC customers.
Features that do not automatically require Advanced
Customers sometimes select Advanced because they assume one of the following requires it. Under MASSO's current Core tier, these functions may already be supported:
- Five-axis motion and axis slaving
- Closed-loop motor-feedback inputs
- Probing and auto tool zero
- Tool-setter support
- Manual tool-change messages and alerts
- MPG support
- Wi-Fi connectivity for applicable MASSO services
- Spindle RPM control for compatible VFD, PWM, and step-based systems
- Parking offset
- Laser-control functions
Feature availability does not guarantee that a third-party accessory is electrically or mechanically compatible. Sensors, VFDs, probes, MPG devices, rotary axes, and other equipment must still be verified and wired correctly.
When Core can save money without limiting the project
Core provides the best value when the finished machine will remain a conventional router with manual tool changes and a manageable number of accessories. Paying for Advanced does not improve cut quality by itself. Cut quality and motion reliability also depend on the machine's mechanics, motor selection, tuning, spindle, tooling, feeds and speeds, and installation quality.
If all planned features appear in the Core tier and the machine does not need Advanced automation, Core is generally the sensible choice.
When buying Advanced now may cost less overall
Core firmware can be upgraded later through MASSO, but the software upgrade is only part of a future expansion. Adding an ATC or advanced accessories may also require:
- Additional cables, connectors, and panel inlets
- Pneumatic components and an appropriate enclosure
- Tool-change sensors and interlocks
- Additional relays, power supplies, or interface hardware
- Revised wiring and cable routing
- New controller configuration and testing
- Additional machine-specific mounting or fabrication
If these upgrades are already part of the near-term plan, selecting Advanced at the beginning can reduce duplicated wiring, configuration, documentation, and downtime.
Motor package: no motors, 2 Nm, or 3 Nm
After choosing Core or Advanced firmware, select the motor package independently.
| Motor selection | General use | Important considerations |
|---|---|---|
| No motors | Qualified projects supplying or reusing verified compatible motors. | Motor specifications, drivers, feedback, wiring, connectors, shaft dimensions, and controller compatibility must all be confirmed. |
| 2 Nm closed-loop | Common hobby and prosumer CNC conversions where the machine's size, mechanics, and torque needs suit the package. | Verify mounts, shafts, couplers, clearances, and machine-specific loading. |
| 3 Nm closed-loop | Heavier gantries, more demanding machines, or builds that benefit from additional torque headroom. | More torque does not correct binding or poor mechanics. Verify physical size, mounting, couplers, acceleration goals, and application needs. |
When selected, the current 2 Nm and 3 Nm packages include motors for X, Y, and B plus a Z-axis motor with an electric brake. Confirm the current product listing before purchase because package options and inclusions may change.
Do not choose by machine size alone
A larger machine does not automatically require Advanced firmware, and a smaller machine does not automatically belong on Core. Consider these as separate questions:
- What controller features are required? This determines Core or Advanced.
- How much motor torque is appropriate? This influences the motor package.
- Will the components physically and electrically fit? This is determined through the compatibility checklist and machine-specific research.
Decision worksheet
Mark every feature you expect to use during the life of this conversion, not only on the first day.
| Planned requirement | Needed now | Likely later | Typical minimum tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional CNC routing | ☐ | ☐ | Core |
| Axis slaving or independent gantry motors | ☐ | ☐ | Core |
| Closed-loop motor feedback | ☐ | ☐ | Core |
| Probe or tool setter | ☐ | ☐ | Core |
| Manual tool changes | ☐ | ☐ | Core |
| Compatible automatic spindle control | ☐ | ☐ | Core |
| Rotary or additional motion axis | ☐ | ☐ | Core; verify complete configuration |
| Automatic tool changer | ☐ | ☐ | Advanced |
| Advanced G-code-controlled AUX functions | ☐ | ☐ | Advanced |
| Dry Run | ☐ | ☐ | Advanced |
| Jump to Line | ☐ | ☐ | Advanced |
| Extended tool/work offsets | ☐ | ☐ | Advanced |
| Advanced alarms, lubrication, or coolant control | ☐ | ☐ | Advanced |
| Future Dominator Pro migration | ☐ | ☐ | Advanced recommended |
Simple selection rule
- Choose Core when every required feature is supported by Core and you do not have a realistic ATC or advanced-automation plan.
- Choose Advanced when you need any Advanced-only feature, plan to add an ATC, or want the preferred electronics path toward a future Dominator Pro.
- Pause before ordering when machine compatibility, motor fit, sensor logic, spindle control, power, or required I/O remains unknown.
Before placing the order
- Complete 02. Conversion Kit Compatibility Checklist.
- List every controller feature and accessory required now or likely later.
- Choose Core or Advanced based on those functions.
- Choose the motor package separately based on the machine and verified mechanical fit.
- Review the current product page for exact inclusions, options, pricing, compatibility, and lead time.
- Identify every machine-specific coupler, bracket, cable, connector, sensor, or adapter that is not included.
Support scope
PwnCNC Support can clarify the documented operation and intended use of PwnCNC Conversion Kit components. The machine owner or installer remains responsible for verifying third-party compatibility, mechanical fit, wiring, safe installation, configuration, and machine-specific fabrication.
For product-specific questions, email [email protected] with the machine brand and model, intended accessories, selected motor option, and the specific Core or Advanced feature you are evaluating.
