usb - parallel

[universally]

mornin, just a quicky folks, would a usb 2 parallel connector be ok for the job, would it work ok, or would you recommend a installing a parallel port card, TIA

[Clive S]

mornin, just a quicky folks, would a usb 2 parallel connector be ok for the job, would it work ok, or would you recommend a installing a parallel port card, TIAFor the job of what? You need a motion controller if you whant to use the usb or fit a pp card in the pc.

[universally]

to connect pc to break out board

[komatias]

to connect pc to break out board


Hi,

there are a number of motion controller that do the conversion of the USB signals to something to plug in to the break out boards.

There is a very mixed reaction to using the generic USB to LPT adapters that can be bought in computer shops. I think it may be that they are primarily for printers and not for running CNC machines.

If you do not have a parallel port on your computer you should consider looking at a PCI card or even better a dedicated motion controller.

You may be thinking you can do it on the cheap but I found that you spend more time and money trying to make things work if you do not get a good solution.

[cropwell]

Mach3 uses its own drivers for the printer port. The timings are critical and you can't emulate that with a USB -> Parallel converter. It won't work and you will just be wasting time and money.