New Mobo

[cropwell]

My old motherboard worked fine for about three months, then it started freezing and spoiled a couple of pieces of work. The problem gradually got worse until eventually Windows would not boot. At that point I decided another MoBo might be a solution, so I got one for free from a mate who runs a PC repair business. Board, memory and processor had been in a customer's machine before he upgraded and AFAIK working as files and settings were transferred from it.

In my working life as a freelance IBM Assembler programmer,I had a few occasions where the client had a problem, didn't know the cause and expected me to fix it within his timescale. In this case I am my own client, I can understand the frustrations and don't have the pressures.

I have done a clean install of XP pro up to SP3 reinstalled Mach3 and set it up to use the native LPT1 without the PP board in the machine. PROBLEM PERSISTS

My next step is to try another computer, I have one spare.

The only up-side of the issue is that I am saving money by not breaking cutters. Is there a market for 3.17mm diameter TC rods about 25mm long ?

[Jonathan]

I have done a clean install of XP pro up to SP3 reinstalled Mach3 and set it up to use the native LPT1

Perhaps try LinuxCNC? Even if you don't want to use it in the long term, if it works you'll know it's a software problem.

The only up-side of the issue is that I am saving money by not breaking cutters. Is there a market for 3.17mm diameter TC rods about 25mm long ?

I occasionally use the bench grinder to turn them into V-cutters, which are fine for simple PCBs. I've got enough for now though!

[cropwell]

I am not against Linux, but I didn't know there was a CNC flavoured one. I have got Ubuntu, so I will load that and try it. However, I am going to try one more time to use Uncle Bill's operating system on another computer.

[Jonathan]

pop over one night with a packet of hob nobs and we'll bang them on the T&C grinder and make them into proper engraving cutters.

Two packets surely as they're half price at Sainsbury's!

I have got Ubuntu, so I will load that and try it.

Just to be clear you have to use the version specified on the LinuxCNC site, else it almost certainly wont work.

[John S]

Just to be clear you have to use the version specified on the LinuxCNC site, else it almost certainly wont work.

don't fooking work anyway unless you are a geek or have hairs for a beard.

[John S]

[QUOTE=cropwell;32713 Is there a market for 3.17mm diameter TC rods about 25mm long ?[/QUOTE]

pop over one night with a packet of hob nobs and we'll bang them on the T&C grinder and make them into proper engraving cutters.
Not a Tuesday night, that's pub night, bastard of a job but someone has to do it.