new computer question

[studysession]

Hi -

I have been a long time user of Mach 3 and now need to replace the computer I have been using for many years. I had a break in and all my computers were stolen.

I go to best buy and couple of other places and find that most of the computers these days do not have parallel ports on them and only offer USB. Has anyone gotten Mach 3 to work with USB? What do I need to do to get it working with USB?
Can I use a USB top parallel converter?

Thanks -
Keith

[Hood]

The USP to Parallel Port adapters are no use as they have no control over the timing that Mach requires.
You could either  get a PCI parallel port card or use something like the SmoothStepper which is an external motion controller that connects to Mach via USB.

[studysession]

Thanks for the quick reply. Never heard of smooth stepper before, are many people using it?

[Hood]

Yes, I have been using them for approx 3yrs and I would guess there are thousands using them. Some things dont work in the SS yet such as Backlash comp and THC but Greg is working on things at the moment and although its taking time he is getting close.
Do some reading up on them, there is a SmoothStepper section to the forum which has info.
Hood

[studysession]

Thanks!

[studysession]

I was looking at the website and can't find any pricing info -
http://www.warp9td.com/

Do you know the approximate cost??

Thanks

[Hood]

$150 as far as I know.
Hood

[Hood]

http://www.warp9td.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=33

[studysession]

Thanks!


Because they are small and cheaply priced. Could I run this with Mach 3 on a netbook?

[Hood]

I use Via Pico mobos in my mills and lathe so dont see a prob with a netebook.  http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=11693
Hood