As someone else suggested, if I were buying one today, I would buy the ethernet version as opposed to the USB version.I think it would be easier to setup. There are other motion control boards besides the Smoothstepper, but ASAIK the Smoothstepper is the most popular. An additional problem is that many computers are made today without the traditional parallel output ports. With laptops, the signal to the printer is much weaker, hence the need for a Smoothstepper. With desktops that have parallel ports, the issue is whether the signal coming from the parallel port is a strong and consistent 5v signal - if it is not, a Smoothstepper board will correct that problem. If possible clear all other programs off of your computer, and turn off any automatic updates - such as windows. Any interrupt will threaten the flow of data to your machine (not good).
Parallel port cnc breakout update#
My understanding.when using either a laptop or a desktop computer, make sure there are no programs that will interrupt to update or refresh the computer. But I use Mach3 and a USB Smoothstepper board, with a laptop computer. I also have a little knowledge (a dangerous thing).
Are there advantages to be gained by using a motion control board.ĭoes a motion control board replace the breakout board?Īm I anywhere near right in my description? So, is there really a problem with timing.
I saw one example, but can not not find it now, that was a small board contained in the housing for a parallel port plug.
Parallel port cnc breakout code#
More mucking showed me there is a solution known as a "motion control board" which takes the processing of G code off the the pc processor, solves timing problems and, it appears, can be connected to the PC by a USB port. In mucking around this and other forums, it appears that perhaps there are, or can be, timing problems with that setup due to the PC operating system which may, or may not, be busy with other tasks. So my cnc kit came with a 24 volt power supply, break out board and a parallel port cable to attach my breakout board to my PC's parallel printer port. If any of this doesn't make sense, please feel free to correct any miss-understanding.
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