I'm having a problem that seems familiar on this support forum (and also the buildyourcnc.com support forum "buildyourtools."): a port address / communication issue. I'm wondering if there is a generic troubleshooting path for dealing with this? I've been taking steps as I dig them up, but really I'm running blind.
I have a newly assembled D.I.Y. Blackfoot 4.0 CNC with parallel port breakout board attached to stepping motor drivers. It is attached to a D.I.Y. PC I built with off the shelf part: Windows 7 32 bit, Asix PCI parallel card, ASUS P8-77 motherboard, Intel Core i3 3.3 GHz, Nvidia GT 520 video card. 4GB ram, usb network connector. The PC is working - I'm writing this on it...
Problem is revealed when I try "automated setup of inputs:" it does not recognize the signal break from the test leads I connected at the BOB. Error message: " ... you have a wiring problem (not with test leads) or have not properly enabled your printer port." Also, I can't get the motors to jog with the arrow keys.
On the software side, Mach3 is running, as is the parallel port driver. So far I have been able to run the Mach3 driver test - It says "System is excellent" (positive reinforcement?) with pulses at about 2400 per sec. So I'm pretty sure that it is a LPT3 parallel port or after (like the cable or BOB).
The Mach "getportaddress.exe" produced a text file report: "LPT1:&H / LPT2:&H / LPT3:&HC040" which somewhat resembles the second line of addresses in Windows "device manager": CO50-CO57 C040-C047.
Mach 3 does not accept C040 in the port address box
Suggestions would be very appreciated - though really experienced users might consider putting together a troubleshooting roadmap for future newbies like myself.
Regards
Phil