Quote Originally Posted by Chaz View Post
Just took a look at the controller. This is a standalone controller and replaces the board I have or is it only a 'interface' changer from USB to Parallel port?
The UCx00 replaces the need for parallel port in the computer. UC100 and UC300 are plugged in to a USB port, the UC400 is an Ethernet controller and is plugged into a local network just like any other network device, like your PC. You can also plug it directly into the PC.

The UC100 is like a printer port converter, it converts USB to parallel port signals directly and you can plug it into the cable you have from your lathe. Nothing else is needed.

The UC300 converts the USB into 5 parallel ports and it has also separate analog outputs and inputs, but needs a box and a short ribbon cable to allow plugging it in to the lathe cable. I think it is delivered with one such ribbon cable. Power can be taken from the USB, or a separate 5VDC supply to supply power to the UC300.

The UC400 has two parallel ports out, nothing else. It needs also a box and a separate power supply because Ethernet does not carry the power, plus a similar ribbon cable as for the UC300.

I have only experience with the UC300, but based on my experience and what I read about the others, I trust the company and their products. It provides very good support via mail, Balazs (the owner) speaks/writes in very good English and replies fast to any questions. Everything is made in Hungary and in my opinion well documented. I bought mine directly from CNCDrive.