TMC module without TMC driver

[MHA00000]

Can I use a TMC2209 module (EN, step and direction pins) without enabling the TMC driver in the additional modules in the additional modules? If yes, will be the stepper motion is smooth and silent as would be expected from TMC module?
Edit: If no, Can I use 74HC595 pins as UART?
Also, what is the difference between software and hardware UART?
I will be using ESP8266 NodeMCU with 74HC595 ICs.
Thank you.

[Paciente8159]

You can use the TMC2209 in standalone mode without the TMC module. In standalone mode the TMC will basically be like an A4899 but more silent.

About the 74HC595 has a software UART pin..currently yes it's possible...but I was planning on removing that possibility to make the shift register more responsive for step generation.
It is still possible to do it, but would require to create a customized SOFTUART that updates the extended pin on each change.
I'm still thinking a bit on how I should tackle this.

About the ESP8266...there is (still experimental but promising) new branch that uses the SPI port and the new shift register module (supports both output pins via 74HC595 as well as inputs via 74HC165). Besides 3 pins for the SPI signals 1 additional pin for the 74HC595 (optional) and 1 for the 74HC165 (optional)

[MHA00000]

That is just brilliant. I will wait for the new ESP8266 branch to be released then use it. Many thanks.

[Paciente8159]

Check this #835

[MHA00000]

Will try it ASAP.
Many thanks.

[MHA00000]

Thank you for adding 74HC165 in HAL config in uCNC config builder. How can I choose 74HC165 pin as input?
I can't find 74HC165 config in board pin mapping.

[Paciente8159]

Ups. I forgot to add it.
I've updated the builder to include those fields