Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: npalen on November 29, 2017, 04:03:33 PM

Title: Moving Mach3 to Windows 7 Pro Issues--Need Help
Post by: npalen on November 29, 2017, 04:03:33 PM
Been running Mach3 on a Windows XP and now trying to upgrade to a newer PC with Windows 7 Pro 32 bit.  Having trouble trying to connect yp LPT1 and been playing with LPT1 port address to no avail.
Question on Mach3 requirement for a non-integrated video card.  I assume this means I need to install an "external" video card but the PC with XP has been running Mach3 without an external card.  Any recommendations on an external card?
Thanks
Title: Re: Moving Mach3 to Windows 7 Pro Issues--Need Help
Post by: joeaverage on November 29, 2017, 04:13:24 PM
Hi,
the PP may not run to well without an external card but it should run.

Are you 100% that Windows7 Pro is 32 bit, I thought Pro signalled that it is 64 bit.

Craig
Title: Re: Moving Mach3 to Windows 7 Pro Issues--Need Help
Post by: npalen on November 29, 2017, 04:39:54 PM
Solved problem by downloading a new copy of Mach3 which installed LPT1.  Everything working now.

This version of Windows 7 Pro is 32 bit. 
How can I determine whether an external video card would be of benefit with regards to the Post Processor?  Seemed to run okay on previous XP without external card except my contouring speed was limited to about 15 IPM or it started getting jerky.
Thanks
Title: Re: Moving Mach3 to Windows 7 Pro Issues--Need Help
Post by: npalen on November 29, 2017, 08:28:37 PM
I'm trying to understand the recommendation of a non integrated video card for Mach3.  That role does the video card have in controlling the CNC? 
Thanks
Title: Re: Moving Mach3 to Windows 7 Pro Issues--Need Help
Post by: joeaverage on November 29, 2017, 08:51:41 PM
Hi,
the video card doesn't have anything to do with the CNC part but it relieves the CPU of graphics tasks and therefore
the CPU can do a better job running the CNC.

If you disabled the toolpath display that would minimise the CPU load and for very large files with demanding redraws
it is recommended otherwise the CPU can run out of resources and the CNC will stop/stall.

I ran a single board PC based on a dual core Atom processor, very low computing power and even worse relied on
'on chip graphics', the worst of both worlds, with Mach3 and two parallel ports for a couple of years without major
problems. Just don't hit <regen toolpath> while machining. Just goes to show that even a very modest PC can do a good job.

I now use an ESS and things are better still, the motion is smoother, the motors run quieter, sweeter and cooler,
never have a problem with redraws.

Craig
Title: Re: Moving Mach3 to Windows 7 Pro Issues--Need Help
Post by: npalen on November 29, 2017, 09:17:55 PM
Thanks for the insight!  Very much appreciated.
What is an ESS?
Title: Re: Moving Mach3 to Windows 7 Pro Issues--Need Help
Post by: joeaverage on November 29, 2017, 09:24:41 PM
Hi,
ESS Ethernet Smooth Stepper by Warp9.

https://warp9td.com/ (https://warp9td.com/)

Craig