Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => FAQs => Topic started by: havingfun on November 09, 2010, 09:18:03 PM

Title: Testing input from LPT2
Post by: havingfun on November 09, 2010, 09:18:03 PM

I added a second parallel port to an XP computer and having problems interfacing a switch to Mach2 current release.

In Mach 3 I setup LPT2 as 0XA400 (as reported by device manager) and set pins 2-9 as input.   Set Input4 to Enabled Port#2 Pin2.

With Active Low "X" the diagnostic screen shows "Green" regardless of grounding Pin2.
With Active Low checked  diagnostic screen shows "Black" regardless of grounding Pin2.

Pin2 shows 3.5V unless grounded.  With a 1K pullup to 5V the pin shows 3.54V.  Is this a normal voltage?

All other lines (except #18 ground) are left floating.

I tried Parmon (thanks Jen) but it does not show the port on A400.

Thanks for any help.

John

Title: Re: Testing input from LPT2
Post by: DaOne on November 10, 2010, 12:24:13 AM

I have yet to find a pci parallel card that allows 2-9 to become inputs. Tried at least 10 of them.  You can always try swapping the ports around and using the motherboard parallel port as port 2. Then enable 2-9 as inputs.

Title: Re: Testing input from LPT2
Post by: havingfun on November 10, 2010, 10:35:57 AM

Thanks for your prompt and helpful response.  Swapped the ports and same problem so presumably my motherboard parallel port will not accept input on 2-9.

However, through trial and error, Pins 10 (ack), 11 (busy), 12 (paper out) and 13 (select) all work as input on the PCI card.  Since 4 inputs are more than I need.  Problem solved.

Cheers.