Missing information for Mach3 settings

[regpye]

Ok well you might be screwed then regards proper slaving, you could always just connect both drives to one motor output, it's not the correct way but will get you working. The downside is you can't home each side independent to square the gantry without getting creative.

That was the whole reason for setting this system up. The machine was already working fine using GRBL, USB and no problems from the plasma. The only problem I had was that the gantry was so wide that it didn't stay square, so that is why i wanted to have Y and A slaved together for homing. I know that GRBL 1.1h also has slave options, but wanted a change from using UGCS.

I do have another board that has a parallel port, I might give that a try, maybe it has the same problem?

[dazp1976]

That was the whole reason for setting this system up. The machine was already working fine using GRBL, USB and no problems from the plasma. The only problem I had was that the gantry was so wide that it didn't stay square, so that is why i wanted to have Y and A slaved together for homing. I know that GRBL 1.1h also has slave options, but wanted a change from using UGCS.

I do have another board that has a parallel port, I might give that a try, maybe it has the same problem?

Assuming there are ballscrews on either side of the gantry...... Could it be possible to redisgn it a little?.
Put a timing pulley on the end of each screw, belt them together, mount a single stepper in the center.

Mind you. If considering spending on that, may as well just get a different controller!.

I bet a cheapo parallel card will end up working straight off the bat.



You have to watch what you buy when it comes to controllers. Most of these non brands are rip-offs from others and it's hit and miss, especially some of the usb ones.
The biggest gripe I have is... Why do people still buy nvem / nvum??. Do they NOT read the forums or reviews, or do any research at all??.

Parallel cards are usually fine because the PC does the work and all they do is turn voltage on/off. But it all depends on how many outputs/inputs you need.

[regpye]

Assuming there are ballscrews on either side of the gantry...... Could it be possible to redisgn it a little?.
Put a timing pulley on the end of each screw, belt them together, mount a single stepper in the center.

Mind you. If considering spending on that, may as well just get a different controller!.

I bet a cheapo parallel card will end up working straight off the bat.



You have to watch what you buy when it comes to controllers. Most of these non brands are rip-offs from others and it's hit and miss, especially some of the usb ones.
The biggest gripe I have is... Why do people still buy nvem / nvum??. Do they NOT read the forums or reviews, or do any research at all??.

Parallel cards are usually fine because the PC does the work and all they do is turn voltage on/off. But it all depends on how many outputs/inputs you need.

Ideally I would like to have 8 inputs if using Mach3. That way I could control the homing on a slaved axis, all the limits and also run 4 relays that would make the THC standalone work better. My 1500mm wide mill has ballscrews with stepped down belts and it works great. That machine is controlled with Estlcam and has a lot of spare inputs.

[dazp1976]

Ideally I would like to have 8 inputs if using Mach3. That way I could control the homing on a slaved axis, all the limits and also run 4 relays that would make the THC standalone work better. My 1500mm wide mill has ballscrews with stepped down belts and it works great. That machine is controlled with Estlcam and has a lot of spare inputs.

If you prefer seperate equipment: UC400eth + 2 of whatever bboards you desire/prefer. 24out/10in
Go all out with the UC300eth Max from cncroom: (uc300+ ub1 + ud1 + license). Around 36out/49in.
If prefer all in one type: The AXBB-E. 16out/6in. Has port3 standard LPT for a further 12out/5in (use IDC26-DB25 cable with cheap bob).

Gives you options of using Mach3 / 4 or UCCNC.