I am using Mach3 Turn and was wondering if anybody knows how to hook up a (5 pin) optical encoder directly to the parallel port.  The connector’s pins are
1=Gnd, 2=Index, 3=Channel A, 4=+5VDC, 5=Channel B. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Connect 5v and Gnd to the 5v power from your breakout or computer if you dont have a breakout. Connect the A and B channels to two Input pins and then set them up on the encoder MPG page of Ports and Pins.
 You will only be able to use the encoder for monitoring of the position and not for closing the loop.
Hood