4140
« on: July 03, 2018, 07:03:16 PM »
Hi Klaus,
there is a parallel port option for Mach4, its called Darwin. There is a cost, $25.00.
It apparently works pretty well but is NOT fully featured, things like THC and lathe threading
are not included nor is there any intention to do so.
The other alternative is an external motion control board like a SmoothStepper. There are six
manufacturers offering boards and the required plugin. The cheapest start around $120 with
entry level capability, there are several more capable boards in the region $150 to $250 and some
very nice and very capable units for $600 plus add-ons.
Note that while Mach provides a full range of features not all boards support all features. You need to
do some research if you have a specific requirement like lath threading for instance.
Craig