USB and Ethernet Mach3 motion controller PLCM-E3

[John S]

I'm a bit confused, although that's not hard
It says " Controller can be connected to any BOB or CNC driver box (destined for LPT-port) via DB-25 connector."

If you are using the parallel port they why the ethernet and USB connections ?

Can you use this on just USB or ethanet and forget the BOB and parallel port ?

[Jonathan]

I'm a bit confused, although that's not hard
It says " Controller can be connected to any BOB or CNC driver box (destined for LPT-port) via DB-25 connector."

I assumed that meant the output of the controller can be connected to a parallel port connector on your control box. Some sort of simple cable to convert the connectors on the PCB to a DB-25 connector.

[Purelogic R&D]

It says " Controller can be connected to any BOB or CNC driver box (destined for LPT-port) via DB-25 connector."
If you are using the parallel port they why the ethernet and USB connections ?

Pls do not confuse connector with port. PLCM-E3 have 3 output ports, pinouts are similar to LPT, but it doesn't mean that they are the same.

So if you have already built your box and you plug this in between what do you achieve except a hole in the wallet ?

Stability, speed and torque.
Of course, if you absolutely satisfied with how do your CNC system works, you don't need PLCM.
But in most cases, due to PC motherboards' hardware issues, MS Windows and Mach3 architechture, output freq. on pins of PC's LPT-port is very unstable.
Who have such possibility - just use your oscilloscope to check this.
So, this causes a) step missing b) limiting maximum of speed and torque.
You can check this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gi2B2qUJ_k
This test shows that no-load max. rotating speed higher up to 40% with PLCM.
Also, there are one issue in mach3 with late changing DIR signal.
Also, i think most of Mach3 users know, how sensitive it is to Windows interrupts. Suddenly started screen-saver can make the part you're processing now into the garbage.
You can also check first question in our FAQ.