Hello everyone,

I know that everyone can get the printer port address easily from Device Manager, by reading the top-left hex address.

But there are certain issues with certain PCI printer port cards, where they will randomly change the printer port address.

For example, today the LPT2 is 0fff, so i configured 0fff on Mach3. And it works flawlessly.

But out of random timing, the LPT2 will change to some other hex address, like ec00, or whatever it is.

So i was wondering if Brian can bringing a new approach for setting printer port address:

Mach3 detects the available LPT Cards, eg. LPT1, LPT2, LPT3 and lists them in a combo list box, then the user will just have to select which LPT to use.

Again as i've said, its easy for people to lookup for the hex address relative to the Printer Port Card in Device Manager, but, doing this will simplify the process, and also prevents the problem of random hex addresses from PCI Printer Port Cards.
(Note: I have proven this fact of wasting PCI cards, because I live in an area where unluckly, there are many thunder storms and lightings. The storm travels through the phone line, busts my modem, which is also connect to my computer through a RJ-45 Ethernet Cable. I have already changed more than a dozen of PCI ethernet cards and yet my motherboard is okay.)

I find External PCI Printer Port Cards produce better signals, eg - 5V signals, because embedded printer ports are mostly 3.3V.

Yes, breakout board with optocoupler or buffer will do, but if there is any electronic malfunction, where an current shocks and destroy the motherboard? I feel it better to waste the external PCI printer port card better than wasting a motherboard.

Thanks for reading this post, and I hope you guys will stand up for my request!

Thanks!!!

Regards

Charles