Getting started and already confused

[A_Camera]

You can't use a USB to parallel port converter you must use a motion controller like the UC100 or something similar, or use the parallel port of the PC directly.

[m_c]

From your other thread -

oh on a side note I just seen a thread about the parallel ports and it was mentioned that a parallel port to USB connector will not work... I am confused because the machine came with a Parallel port to USB connector?

A standard usb to parallel port adapter won't work. The timing for a generic parallel port is not that strict, and is not good enough for motion control. There are however adapters that look very like a standard adapter, but are in fact dedicated motion controllers in a standard case (UC100 & PMDX-411 are two from reputable sources).

What drivers were supplied, and what does the adapter show up as when connected to the PC?

[Palletlad]

Sorry just re read your response and seen the last line, I will get back to you tomorrow with the answers to your questions as its late and the garage is all locked up now.
I brought an lpt lead thinking I can overcome this problem but realised I have the incorrect male connector on one end and not two female connectors.

[Doddy]

Back to basics : Does your computer have a parallel port? And, if so, does the cable you bought allow you to connect the computer parallel port to the CNC controller?


(it's probably easy and more confidence inspiring if we can get you working on the default parallel interface before worrying about the motion controller).

[magicniner]

Back to basics : Does your computer have a parallel port? And, if so, does the cable you bought allow you to connect the computer parallel port to the CNC controller?

Not forgetting a 32 bit version of Windows as parallel port support has been "retired" by microsoft in the 64 bit versions.

[cropwell]

Not forgetting a 32 bit version of Windows as parallel port support has been "retired" by microsoft in the 64 bit versions.

32bit desktop PCs are getting cheap as owt, because a hell of a lot are going to recycling.

For CNC I only use a 32bit machine, plenty powerful enough for Mach3 and I also use the onboard LPT port and a PCI parallel port card. The Internet gateway is disabled on the CNC computer, but it can still access the Internet enabled LAN network storage box to store working files, so I can get to my files from anywhere (private cloud !)

This discussion is confusing as it is split over two threads !!

[magicniner]

This discussion is confusing as it is split over two threads !!

Is there an echo in here? :D