Machsupport Forum
Third party software and hardware support forums. => Third party software and hardware support forums. => Topic started by: COASTEL on August 25, 2011, 04:16:19 AM
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I need to get a couple of usb-to-parallel interfaces that are known to work with Mach3. I have tried to contact www.purelogic.ru with no success. Does anyone know how I solve this problem??? :)
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USB to parallel will NOT work. It must be a true LPT port. Either onboard, PCI card or PCMCIA .
Hope that helps, (;-) TP
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I am aware that the PC requires running under a setup whereby it cannot be interrupted by the usual plethora of TSRs etc.....this does not explain the fact that MACH3 site shows this interface, and youtube shows it apparently running just fine. Either purelogic and youtube are lying/ misrepresenting...in which case those nice Mach3 people should stop supporting such iffy hardware and remove it from their site.....or the interface does indeed work. If it does work...I want one (actually at least two). What I seek is an authoritative categorical statement....not just received wisdom. I too won't believe it til I see one work reliably. Bottom line is that I, and others, will be forced to leave Mach3 over time because SPP is de facto obsolete.
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Coastel,
First, welcome to the forum ;)
Possibly you're seeing a motion controller such as "SmoothStepper" or "KFlop"? Those are not a USB to parallel port converters, they're actually an independent motion controller and take the processing duties that are normally run by the computer.
Please post the images, links, or videos that you're describing, and someone here will be sure to help you with that.
Dave
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Guys - I think what this is about is on the downloads/plugins page towards the bottom "PLCM Series Devices" PureLogic.
COASTEL - I think maybe you're not aware that the folks here on the forum are NOT Artsoft employees. If you're getting no reply from a THIRD PARTY company I'm not sure we can help you.
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MY, Goodness what have we here?? , Another "know all" that knows nothing at all and expects all things from everybody except himself.
Good luck with your adventure, YOU will need it.
(;-) TP
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I'm trying to buy this too.
http://www.purelogic.ru/
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Hello to all from Purelogic RnD Russia!
Glad to see that our products already has some requests.
Sorry that we do not has English version of the website - it is coming soon.
I hope that you will like our products.
Fell free to ask any questions and contact us via email info@purelogic.ru
BR
Purelogic RnD team
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Bottom line is that I, and others, will be forced to leave Mach3 over time because SPP is de facto obsolete.
Ok goodbye :)
Bottom line is PP has been obsolete(but very much still usable) for awhile, however, many people(including myself) use External Motion Controllers to run machines nowadays. The Smooth Stepper and Kflop being amongst them. They are outstanding products that only get improved as time goes by, you should look into them.
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Actually the question about it working or not deserves an answer. Surely the question as stated is in poor taste, but lets move above the written word.
I don't remember seeing anything ever posted about the devices and never even noticed the info in the downloads section.
Does any one know anything about it?
RICH
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As it was said, our PLCM-series devices are MACH3 motion controllers(USB and Ethernet), not just USB-to-LPT converters. While english manuals are preparing now, for further info, you can apply with specific questions via e-mail specified above.
RICH, You can check our info in "Plugins" section.
BR
Purelogic RnD team
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Certainly the OP might want to reflect on how and how not to word his posts if he wants to get help but I think he's long gone.
For me it raises the question of HOW and with WHOM exactly does someone arrange to have a product listed on the downloads page? To me it's allways seemed a little one-sided that you can only (officially) advertise your 3rd party product in the somewhat obscure "Third party software and hardware support forum" UNLESS it would seem, it requires a plugin. In that case it seems you can get a "full colour" ad on the "downloads" section.
That said, as far as this particular offering is concerened, reply #7 made me raise an eyebrow. The only "requests" I've seen are from people complaining that they don't respond to contacts about their products.
Ian
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Because links on download page at the present time leads to the russian version of website, we found it reasonable to specify email here.
We check and reply all inquiries coming to us.
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purelogic,
Does the product work seamlessly with Mach?
What are the know bugs? or What stage of development is the device at?
Does it address backlash or define any limitations as compared to using the PP?
Guess I'll waite to see the English manuals and then some reviews on the devices.
RICH
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Of course it works with Mach3(is it really worth to discuss?). We developed special motion plugin for PLCM series, so it works with Mach3 only.
As for known bugs, all bugs reported we usually fix in 1-2 weeks, and as far as internal firmware is easy to update, products are available without known bugs.
Key features are listed in the Plugins (http://www.machsupport.com/plugins.php) section. Devices don't support backlash at the moment.
We'll inform community as soon as English manuals are available.
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is it really worth to discuss
Well yes, it's your product and desire to promote it. Need to understand that as a new product users will be interested in it's funtionality and any shortcomings the product may have as compared to what they are currently using. We have all been through a developement of some newproduct and certainly don't
want to end up with another piece sitting on the shelf. Not being negative.
I think the English manuals will remove the current cloud over the products.
Till then,
RICH
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RIch you made a good point . I had hoped to get a mach libary section for manuals started with little support offered . IT could ONLY help the support end a ton.
But here comes a completely UNKNOWN product and gets a front page position.
It would be different IF they were here every day to support it BUT we all know how that turns out. Every Body ELSE ends up having to do all their support work.
Might be time to think about it, (;-) TP
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Is there possibly a lot of talk on the Yahoo forum about this unit (I don't visit there much anymore)?
I haven't hear anything about this and it's already on the downloads page?
I need to wake up or something... :D
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I haven't hear anything about this and it's already on the downloads page?
Well this was the point I was making in my post above really - HOW does this stuff get there? do you pay? do you have to be in some private circle? do you have to do a special handshake? what? I'll soon be hopefully getting my new DTHC to market and a full colour ad couldn't hurt things. It doesn't need a plugin though so maybe I'm sunk ::)
Cheers
Ian
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I haven't hear anything about this and it's already on the downloads page?
Well this was the point I was making in my post above really - HOW does this stuff get there? do you pay? do you have to be in some private circle? do you have to do a special handshake? what? I'll soon be hopefully getting my new DTHC to market and a full colour ad couldn't hurt things. It doesn't need a plugin though so maybe I'm sunk ::)
Cheers
Ian
Yep, I was kind of backing your thoughts as well as adding my own. I guess talking to Brian is the key at this point?
Dave
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Well this was the point I was making in my post above really - HOW does this stuff get there? do you pay? do you have to be in some private circle? do you have to do a special handshake? what?
Just send a PM to Scott, and he'll hook you up. That's how I got my screensets posted.
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Gerry, you're an "in the know" kind of person, do you know much about this purelogic unit?
Thanks,
Dave
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HMM.....
I guess the real suprise is that for the longest period of time we all knew that no such thing as a USB to PP converter existed that worked with Mach.
( I'll skip the SS and a few others for this thread ). Now we have been informed that there is such a device. Nobody seems to know any specifics about it, how much it costs, etc, etc unless one can read Russian ( looked at the site pictures :), but you know my saying that i can't read it but can wirte it ???) .
Most of us over time have learned to be wary of new things since they just don't seem to add up to what we think or they claim they can do ( from expererince). So i am not about to get excited about a new product until the vendor provides documentation on the product, support, longevity, compatability with cnc systems, a history of the aforementioned etc, etc, etc. Also don't see any reason to expend my good time delineating what should already be available for understanding.
Thus the way i see it the vendor has some homework to do on presenting his product.
Till then, what more can one say,
RICH
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Rich I still don't think there is. That controller is a USB or ethernet controller similar to the SS just in a smaller more compact package.
(;-) TP
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TP,
That's the way I am taking it also. One must look beyond physical connections.
So one would think that the vendor would quickly be upfront and correct any implied incorrect statements.
Said i can't read :D :D :D Egg on my face. ;) Sorry about the statement crossed out above.
our PLCM-series devices are MACH3 motion controllers(USB and Ethernet), not just USB-to-LPT converters
RICH
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I guess the real suprise is that for the longest period of time we all knew that no such thing as a USB to PP converter existed that worked with Mach.
( I'll skip the SS and a few others for this thread ). Now we have been informed that there is such a device.
My interpretation is that the PureLogic device is a motion controller, similar to the SmoothStepper or KFlop. It's Not a USB to Parallel converter, and I didn't see anyone say that it was. Post # 10 pointed this out. And I think that what was said in post #14 was not the intent, due to the Russian to English conversion.
I really don't see what the issue is here. Imo, PureLogic did nothing wrong. Anyone who develops hardware or software can get their products listed on the download pages, all you have to do is ask.
I personally can't wait to get more info, as the more products that are available, the better it is for us, the users. Right now there appears to be quite a few new motion controllers available, but few people know about them.
My biggest concern with these devices, though, is the current state of Mach3. I don't think a lot of people trust any of the newer versions. The lockdown is broken, and the development versions always seem to fix one thing and break another. I think the best thing Brian could do would be to just lock it down and move on to the new version, as the last 2 years of applying band-aids haven't instilled any confidence in the user base, from what I see.
Say I want to buy a motion controller for use with Mach3? I'd be very concerned about which versions of Mach3 their plugins were compatible with. And if version 4 ever materializes, will a new plugin be available?
Until Mach3 development stabilizes, I'm very hesitant to spend money on a motion controller.
Look at how long the smoothstepper plugin has been in development. When version 4 comes out, will they have to start over with a new plugin???
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Thanks Gerry,
I corrected my reply. I also have similar concerns as you have stated.
RICH
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Thanks for the input, Gerry, well said.
Dave
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Gerry - thanks for the tip re: getting things posted on the downloads page. Simple when you know how. ;)
Meanwhile FWIW I agree absolutely with everything you've said about Mach's current state. I've stuck steadfastly to 3.042.020. Yes it has bugs (mainly ones I was blissfully unaware of until reported by Ray) but they've never caused me personally any issues and I figure on better-the-devil-you-know. Later versions? - no thanks.
Cheers
Ian
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My router is running 3.042.020 as well. Rock solid, too, even on a $20 1Ghz Dell from Ebay
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When I was running into problems running the USB LCD DRO, I upgraded to that version (with Terry's and others help), and it's been running solid for me as well.
Of course, on the other hand, with hearing what Ray does with Mach 3, and what I do with Mach 3, he's light years ahead of me.
Dave
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I run V.020 as well here. Very stable and the bugs are KNOWN.( YES it has bugs ,lots of them). BUT here ALSO it runs in a very basic mode as well. IF you venture out of MACH3's comfort zone then expect trouble The MORE you load MACH3 the worst the bugs become. IF you are running macros then staight CB macro run dependably. MIXED CB and Gcode with motion you are own your own and it becomes VERY CPU specific and time sensitive (at least it does here).
It does parametric Gcode Very well but really needs the Basci conditional code added.. It does SIMPLE subs OK, But fails on complex subs.
It does BASIC tool comp ok but fails with deep subs and parametric Gcode.
It runs BASIC macros ok BUT is terrible with mixed code macros CB and Gcode.
I also found IF you load up mach with a lot of gadgets and plugins and such (like RAY(;-)) THEN prepeare to be in for a LOT of work chasing things you would normally never see. BEEN there done that many times over the last 5 years.
I found IF you use the computors basic resources a great deal can be done. BUT if you add a lot of extra gadgets that require a lot of MACH's resources(attention) WELL you can figure that one out(;-).
Some say it ain't so BUT the proof is in the pudding.
IF I were the head nut I would simply DRAW a line in the sand and annouce that THIS is what MACH3 will be. Then spend some time to flush out the remaining bugs and FIX them if it can be done(Don't yank their chain, give them an honest try to get it done)
Then close out MACH3 and it will BE what it will BE.. THEN UPDATE THE DARN MANUAL to reflect HOW Mach3 is to work AS A CNC machine controller AND its limitations.
THEN get to work on Mach4. AT that point one should have free rein to get it done.
Just to make a POINT MACH3 is a great thing to own it allowed MANY thousands of people to experience the CNC world without breaking the bank. It allowed a NEW level of low end CNC machines to be used in a shop enviroment to HELP make a living for many people.
Probably the BEST $159 you could possibly spend in your lifetime(;-).
But it IS what it IS.
Your mileage may vary due to local conditions, (;-) TP
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This thread just keeps getting better and better! ;D
Thanks for everyones input, I've learned a lot in this one.
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Yous guys are what make Mach as good as it is. The amount of talent, patience and experience yall offer to the folks getting started is awsome.
Yes please take a bow you deserve it.
MACH3 is about where it can be made to take care of itself for the masses. A little more stablity and a little more work on manuals AND then a basic manual telling how to put it ALL together and design a part then cam that part then MAKE it.
Then a good library section to hold it ALL in one place. Would it not be nice if someone ask aquestion on tool comp and you were able to answer with Go over to the libary and download the ToolComp manual and look on PAGE 27 . That will explain what you need to know. If you need help get back with me. AND you now has a good BASE to explain things further.
OR go over and get the Screens/config manual page 31. top rh side 3rd row down THERE is where you make that change at.
I have found THIS generation of DIYs is NOT anything like the last generation(;-) where they had more mechanical knowledge to start with. NOT knocking this GEN it just has to be approached differently. They did not learn electronics or mechanics in High school or trade school or from life itself. They also do NOT like to read. LARGE manuals tend to intimidate them over smaller handout 10-15 page ones that ONLY explain a single subject. (personal observation here)
Back when raising kids IF the wife wanted that lamp fixed or Change its looks I had to LEARN to do it. Today they just go to Wallyworld and BUY another and most times they do NOT get what they really wanted BUT that is the way it is they just accept it.
OK enough rambling, (;-) TP
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little more stablity and a little more work on manuals AND then a basic manual telling how to put it ALL together and design a part then cam that part then MAKE it.
TP,
Not as easy as it sounds since it all depends on where the reader is coming from. Each subject matter, even a word can become a book very quickly. I probably put a hard 250 hours into the LC manual and I sometimes wonder if anybody ever took the time to even work through the tutorials. The guy that wrote the Mach 3 Manual spent 6 months on it. Don't remember how long the LT Manual took but it was at least a 150 hours plus and it's supplemented by 7 somewhat specific appendixes ( i do remember sanitizing 350 pages of text for it). A good example of a specific subject is the Threading on The Lathe Manual and even that just brushes the surface.
But it is interesting, since just the other day someone called me and asked how to wire and configure their limit and and home swithces for a mill.
Here's the reponse after some general discussion:
-Read your PDMX Manual on how to hook up the wires to the break out board.
-Have a look at Using Mach 3 Mill Manual, section 4-8 to 4-11 and also 5.3 and also understand 5-17, then have a look at section 6-2 page 12-1
and also read about G28, G28.1, G30 on page 10-17
- Also have a look at Mach 3 CNC Controller Software & Installation Manual section 4-9 to 4-15 and also section 5-5 to 5-6
- It may be better to just look at Mach 3 Tutorial on setting up a 3 axis machine so have a read of page 11 to 14.
- You may also want to look at the MSM Manual page 61 for kicks
We decided on a house call :).......was easier ;)........heck...... free beer & pizza :D, what more could one ask for ;D
BTW, I don't have or use limit or home swithces on any of my machines ??? Can only write and not read ::)
RICH
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I have a 20 page manual for my screenset, and when I send it to people, I tell them to read the manual to learn how to set it up. The most common questions I get are explained in detail on the second page of the manual. >:( >:(
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MOst of those problems are easy. In MOST cases I find IF you force them to read they will IF you just keep throwing them fish then they won't ever learn to fish(;-) Normal for this generation(;-).
I call it the instant grits generation. Somewhere along the line you just have to STOP helping them UNTIL they start to help themselves. I usaully comes with a suggestion to perhaps learn to play golf instead of learn CNC because learning CNC is tuff. OH YEA they say???? I 'll show you. "OK" let me know IF you get stuck. (;-) OR they just learn to play golf(;-).
OH MAN where do you get jobs that pay in beer and pizza ????? (;-)
(;-) TP
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Then a good library section to hold it ALL in one place. Would it not be nice if someone ask aquestion on tool comp and you were able to answer with Go over to the libary and download the ToolComp manual and look on PAGE 27 . That will explain what you need to know. If you need help get back with me. AND you now has a good BASE to explain things further.
I know that this has gotten off topic, but I'll post anyway :D.
I retrofitted a series I Bridgeport and the "hardest" part of the whole process was cleaning 20 years of oil/coolant /dirt off of it. It was relatively easy. Then I moved on to Mach3. Use the manuals you say. Which one? the Mach1.84 one? the Mach2 one? The titles leave a bit to be desired and explain obsolete features and gloss over others.
The information is available, but it's not as easy as you, who have "grown up" with Mach make it sound.
My observations parallel yours. "LOCK" Mach3 and live with whatever limitations it has, and put out Mach version 4 (that works) when it's ready, so the rest of the add-on industry can continue to evolve without the shadow of impending change looming over their head. JMHO ;)
Dean
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Guess I'll waite to see the English manuals and then some reviews on the devices.
We finished PLCM-series manual, pls see it at our site here (http://purelogic.ru/doc/PDF/Controller/english/plcm-e3.zip)