Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Podbuilder on January 23, 2022, 01:07:19 AM

Title: Mach3, Windows and Parallel Port Usage.
Post by: Podbuilder on January 23, 2022, 01:07:19 AM

I've been using Windows XP for 10 years with Mach3.   I'm trying to use autoleveller software for PCB cutting. It basically surface maps the Z axis.  The issue I have is the Autoleveller software requires Java 8 and XP doesn't support Java.  So what's the newest Windows operating system will work with Mach3 / Parallel Port and Java 8.  I just installed Windows 8.1 only to find it isn't compatible.

Title: Re: Mach3, Windows and Parallel Port Usage.
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on January 23, 2022, 01:29:01 AM

Requirements if using the parallel port for machine control:

Desktop PC with at least one parallel port
(Laptops are not supported)
32-bit version of Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
(64-bit versions will not work)
1Ghz CPU
512MB RAM
Non-integrated Video Card with 32MB RAM
(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)

Title: Re: Mach3, Windows and Parallel Port Usage.
Post by: JohnHaine on January 23, 2022, 02:30:02 AM

I believe that Windows 7 can support the parallel port, but not sure if it supports Java8.  I have just upgraded my shop PC to a mini Win10 machine using UC100 motion controllers and it works fine, requiring very little reconfiguration.

Title: Re: Mach3, Windows and Parallel Port Usage.
Post by: JohnHaine on January 23, 2022, 02:36:18 AM

Another approach would be to use a separate pc to generate the gcode file to do the probing and correct you pcb gcode?

Title: Re: Mach3, Windows and Parallel Port Usage.
Post by: Podbuilder on January 23, 2022, 05:15:59 AM

Windows 7 seems to be having issues also.  I downloaded a windows 7 ISO and installed it on a spare drive. 30 days to try it out.  Re-installed a fresh version of Mach3 / Java and Autoleveller.  However, the system crashes and reboots at every attempt to open Mach3.   So I'm a bit stuck.  Seems the parallel port driver might be causing issues.

Title: Re: Mach3, Windows and Parallel Port Usage.
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on January 23, 2022, 06:21:09 AM

Quote

However, the system crashes and reboots at every attempt to open Mach3.   So I'm a bit stuck.  Seems the parallel port driver might be causing issues.

This thread refers;
https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=38269.msg259712#msg259712

Title: Re: Mach3, Windows and Parallel Port Usage.
Post by: Podbuilder on January 23, 2022, 06:59:29 AM

Perfect.  That fixed it.  ;D

Title: Re: Mach3, Windows and Parallel Port Usage.
Post by: Podbuilder on January 23, 2022, 07:12:47 AM

Has anyone tried the autoleveller program to surface map for cutting PCB?  Looks interesting.

Title: Re: Mach3, Windows and Parallel Port Usage.
Post by: joeaverage on January 23, 2022, 05:06:56 PM

Hi,

Quote

Has anyone tried the autoleveller program to surface map for cutting PCB?  Looks interesting.

I uses it daily and have done for seven-eight years, first with Mach3 and Windows 7/parallel port and for the last seven years Mach4/ESS. I'd be lost without it.

Craig