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17-02-2015 #1
hi
I am just starting with my first cnc machine, I have bought a mach3 licence and also have cad/cam software. my problem is getting mach3 to talk to my computer. I decided to go down the route of a usb to parallel converter so I contacted star tech with the use I wanted to put the converter to, I also suggested a model in their range, after a while talking to their technical department the sales person said the tech team recommended for use with a cnc machine the Star Tech ICUSB2321284.
has anyone else had any experience with this converter and so could advise me.
kendrick
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17-02-2015 #2
There are NO USB to parallel port converters that will work with Mach3.
You have two options.
1) Add a PCI parallel port.
2) add a USB or ethernet motion controller, like the UC100 or Smoothstepper.Gerry
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UCCNC 2022 Screenset
Mach3 2010 Screenset
JointCAM - CAM for Woodworking Joints
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17-02-2015 #3
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18-02-2015 #4
Hi
Its for use with a laptop with no built in parallel port running windows 7 I Have worked out how to make a power setting with NO power saveing features at all.
if as you all say a usb to parallel converter will not work then could I use one of those PCMCIA parallel port cards?
kendrick
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18-02-2015 #5
Why not buy a second hand dediacted PC off fleabay, they're only about £50 for a base unit?
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18-02-2015 #6
I've just been investigating a diferent route a dedicated usb to parallel port adapter designed for use with Cnc machines the UC100 at a little under £100 not the cheapes but can easily move from computer to computer.
kendrick
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The Following User Says Thank You to Kendrick57 For This Useful Post:
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18-02-2015 #7
That's not just a usb-parallel converter, that's a motion controller in its own right. I've no experience of them but in general terms an external motion controller like this, in conjunction with Mach3, can solve a lot of timing and parallel port issues, particularly if you are using a laptop with its more problematic timing characteristics.
It might not be the cheapest usb-parallel converter but it's pretty cheap for a motion controller.
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18-02-2015 #8
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18-02-2015 #9
A friend of mine with a UC100 actually switched from Mach3 to their UCCNC software, and found that it performed better than Mach3. It's 1/3 the price as well. The downside is that it's new, and right now doesn't have as many features as Mach3 does.
Gerry
______________________________________________
UCCNC 2022 Screenset
Mach3 2010 Screenset
JointCAM - CAM for Woodworking Joints
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18-02-2015 #10
as far as the UC300 is concerned that would require a major modification of the cnc's controller box not somthing I want to do with this machine, the UC100 is to a major degree plug and play.
I already have the Mach3 license I did not think that UCCNC was compatable with the 6040 China machine I bought, before jazz and the rest of those out there that hate the chineese cnc range of machines sorry it's a fait accompli I am only interested in constructive comments on questions asked not my choice of machine.
kendrick
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