Figured I would post this for those searching for such info. I searched extensively and found a post on cnczone over a year old where someone used a cheapo pcmcia card with success.
First, I realize laptops and add on pcmcia parallel ports are not recommended with mach BUT there are many using them with success. My HP laptop actually puts out cleaner pulses than my desktop did. Of course I had to disable all the power management features. I now have the cnc bug bad and am going to be adding a VFD, another stepper axis, a tool touch plate and more to come I am sure but was out of pins on the bob.
Here is a link to the $20 board.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=370146495921I installed it per the directions and it installed as LPT3 at address FCE8 which I found could not be changed. So, I just entered that address into mach's port 2 address and tested. I ran my present mill setup from it just fine, no apparent problems. Motors, spindle relay, coolant, all worked just fine.
Figured this info may be usefull to those searching. I'll post it on the yahoo group also.
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