Mod I/o Question

[Chaoticone]

I was wondering about a mod I/O.
1. Can I simply hook a mod I/O straight to a printer port?
2. With a mod I/O do you have to have a rack and, or a power supply like a PLC.
3. Do you use software to config. a mod I/O or can this be done in Mach like a breakout board?

[Peter Homann]

Hi,

Answers to the question are below.

I was wondering about a mod I/O.
1. Can I simply hook a mod I/O straight to a printer port?
2. With a mod I/O do you have to have a rack and, or a power supply like a PLC.
3. Do you use software to config. a mod I/O or can this be done in Mach like a breakout board?

1. The ModIO connects to the PC via the serial port, NOT the printer port.

2. It all depends on how you plan to use the ModIO. It can be powered from a 9V-24V plugpack or via a PLC style power supply.

3. Mach 3 has a config screen  accessed from the Modbus Dialog page. Standard configuration is similar to setting up the parallel port pins. More complex tasks may require some script programming.

Also John Prentice is currently writing a "Plug-In" for Mach3 that will make the configuration even easier.

What type of things are you wanting to do with a ModIO?

Cheers,

Peter.

[shawn_clmachine]

I'm going to use my for front panel stuff.

Feedrate Override, Spindle Override, MPG, buttons ....

[Peter Homann]

I'm going to use my for front panel stuff.

Feedrate Override, Spindle Override, MPG, buttons ....

Hi Shawn,

Ok, the best way to power the ModIO is probably from a DC power pack, 9V -12V dc. The feedrates can be via potentiometers connected to the analog inputs. MPG ans other buttons/switches via the discrete inputs. If you have more than a few switches, it may be better to use the ModIO switch matrix module.

The customisation section of the Mach support Wiki has a few good examples on doingthis.

Cheers,

Peter.

[Chaoticone]

Thanks Guys,
    Shawn your a man after my own heart. I was also thinking of panel controls, especially analog.