Hi,
Answers to the question are below.
I was wondering about a mod I/O.
1. Can I simply hook a mod I/O straight to a printer port?
2. With a mod I/O do you have to have a rack and, or a power supply like a PLC.
3. Do you use software to config. a mod I/O or can this be done in Mach like a breakout board?
1. The ModIO connects to the PC via the serial port, NOT the printer port.
2. It all depends on how you plan to use the ModIO. It can be powered from a 9V-24V plugpack or via a PLC style power supply.
3. Mach 3 has a config screen accessed from the Modbus Dialog page. Standard configuration is similar to setting up the parallel port pins. More complex tasks may require some script programming.
Also John Prentice is currently writing a "Plug-In" for Mach3 that will make the configuration even easier.
What type of things are you wanting to do with a ModIO?
Cheers,
Peter.