Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: mrpeja on June 18, 2010, 12:42:27 PM

Title: Paralell port trouble
Post by: mrpeja on June 18, 2010, 12:42:27 PM

Hi,
I just installed brand new 2,2 GHz main board and Mach in demo mode. I tested printing on Laser printer. Is OK.
But I have no communication with machine, no Charge pump signal, all inputs are inactive.
 Any idea?

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: mrpeja on June 18, 2010, 12:55:51 PM

Let me post more data:
I measured with scope direct on port. Port address is ok in Mach and the same as in Windows.
Maybe demo mode has no output to port?

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: Hood on June 18, 2010, 01:09:28 PM

What do you mean by Demo mode?
If you are meaning you chose not to load the driver then it wont output, if you are just meaning you have no licence then it should work fine.
Hood

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: mrpeja on June 18, 2010, 01:11:15 PM

I mean, i loaded driver, I don't have license yet

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: Hood on June 18, 2010, 01:14:33 PM

Then it should work fine if you have it configured correctly.
Hood

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: mrpeja on June 18, 2010, 01:15:59 PM

It looks I must examine parallel port extension cable I buyed.
Thanks Hood

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: Hood on June 18, 2010, 01:17:49 PM

I would say check directly on the port with your meter or scope and that will let you know if the problem is in the computer or outside.
Hood

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: mrpeja on June 18, 2010, 01:20:36 PM

That's interresting ! This port is working for printer and not for Mach !

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: Hood on June 18, 2010, 01:23:27 PM

Is it an onboard port?

Hood

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: mrpeja on June 18, 2010, 01:31:53 PM

Yes, it is onboard port

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: Hood on June 18, 2010, 01:34:27 PM

So address should be 378,
Have a look in Bios and see what mode it is set to, been a long time since I used a PP but think EPP is best if I recall.
Hood

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: mr.c on June 18, 2010, 01:43:37 PM

You do need to check your cable. A printer cable will operate your printer but it may not have wires for every pin. You need a data cable that have all the pins wired.

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: mrpeja on June 18, 2010, 03:23:40 PM

I have set standard port. Tomorrow I'll try EPP mode.
Also, I have bougt parallel data cable, but for sure, I'll examine it tomorrow.
Hood, if you are online, can we chat?

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: mrpeja on June 18, 2010, 03:36:59 PM

I think I discovered the source of the problem. When I unplug printer cable and observe Diagnostic screen in Mach, then I see changes. So, parallel port is working good. It must be a problem with my breakboard. I'll se tomorrow,
Regards to all

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: simpson36 on June 21, 2010, 07:24:52 PM

Remove the printer driver. Deactivate the print spooler.

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: mrpeja on June 22, 2010, 03:43:13 PM

Hi simpson36,
Which one printer driver to remove? Windows or Mach?

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: simpson36 on June 22, 2010, 04:44:09 PM

Windows printer drivers can take over the port and will typically poll the port either occasionally or constantly (Epson is particularly bad) to determine if the printer is still attached, needs ink, etc. If your print spooler has anything in it waiting to print, (or sometimes even if it doesn't) it will also poke its head in to see what's going on with the port.

These activities can interfere with Mach's port driver. Many people have posted here that removing a printer driver cleared up a random port problem, and it stands to reason considergin how the PC communicates internally.

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: mrpeja on June 23, 2010, 08:46:56 AM

Hi folks,
thanks for your efforts.
My problem was malfunction of breakboard (DIY)
Regards

Title: Re: Paralell port trouble
Post by: mrpeja on June 23, 2010, 09:31:17 AM

Another question,
Which Parallel port mode is the best for Mach3 CNC controll?
SPP, EPP or ECP?