Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: astro10 on August 14, 2015, 12:38:08 AM

Title: Mach 3 USB Output
Post by: astro10 on August 14, 2015, 12:38:08 AM
Does Mach3 output something via USB? I see a lot of these Chinese USB breakout boards "http://www.ebay.com/itm/Upgraded-5-Axis-CNC-Breakout-Board-for-Stepper-Motor-Driver-Mach3-USB-Cable-/310702269807?hash=item48574c656f" which seem interesting.

I only care about outputs. This computer is only being used to debug my stepper motor drivers, not run my actual CNC machine (which has a printer port).

Thanks!
Title: Re: Mach 3 USB Output
Post by: JohnHaine on August 14, 2015, 05:17:13 AM
The reason these BoBs have a USB port is usually just to provide a +5V computer reference supply for the opto-isolators.  They do not process any signals on the USB port and indeed don't look at the data signals at all.
Title: Re: Mach 3 USB Output
Post by: makapan on August 14, 2015, 06:47:44 PM
I don't agree. I have a Xulifeng BOB that has 4 axes plus digital I/O also a Pokeys 56U that has 55 configurable I/O.
Both have drivers for Mach3.
Hope this helps.
Title: Mach 3 USB Output
Post by: JohnHaine on August 15, 2015, 09:29:39 AM
You miss my point.  The item to which the OP linked is clearly a parallel port BoB, and it says that USB is for power.  At least two other types of BoB are the same, I have one of each.  Yes Mach can output via USB with a suitable driver, but not to this board.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Mach 3 USB Output
Post by: makapan on August 16, 2015, 12:41:35 AM
sorry I read it too quick, misunderstood you