Trained monkey looking to level up!

[dazp1976]

Thanks m_c. We're pootling along just fine at the moment, but you are right: there is the ever-present worry of PC failure and lack of parts. We've had some close calls.

I've never seen those motion controllers before, I'll have a read up on how I'd go about integrating one of those into our setup. Where did you learn about all this stuff?

You could change controller to an ethernet one like a UC400eth. (Better than USB) .
Get a couple of IDC26 to DB25 cables. Then use your existing parallel board with it on one of the ports and just change the pin numbers accordingly. You then have a second port for another parallel board if you want to add any other items later on.
Chances are you'd only need to deal with power supplies in the box that's all.
I'm assuming your system is using 5v? that all stays the same.
You'd just need a small extra one to power the new controller. (the UC400eth needs 24v I believe).