Hi Pirate,

Welcome.

Sounds like you need to get an older PC (perhaps second user) which has an LPT parallel port.
Mach3 does not run successfully from a laptop unless you use an External Motion Controller (such as the ESS http://warp9td.com/ or similar)

Tweakie.

Thanks Tweakie, but why have the USB socket on the board if its not used, and is the 15 D socket no use if I get a gender bender to connect it to the LPT1 on the board.

Regards Pirate

Thanks Tweakie, but why have the USB socket on the board if its not used, and is the 15 D socket no use if I get a gender bender to connect it to the LPT1 on the board.

Regards Pirate

The USB socket is just to provide the 5Volt power from the PC to the board - the board is driven by the LPT port and should be connected with a 25 way, LPT parallel port cable.
Gender benders will not work in this instance.
Mach3 does not run successfully from a laptop.

Tweakie.

Many thanks Tweakie.

All understood now.

Regards Pirate

hi im ECNC .. im newby and i would like to now more about mach3

Question is there any problem running Vcarve Pro with Mach4  I just start built my cnc router and purchased Mach 4 and now want to get Vcarve Pro. wanted to know if i will encounter any problems.  The manufacture of Vcarve pro said that it works with Mach 2 and Mach 3,  any input will help.

Thanks

Question is there any problem running Vcarve Pro with Mach4  I just start built my cnc router and purchased Mach 4 and now want to get Vcarve Pro. wanted to know if i will encounter any problems.  The manufacture of Vcarve pro said that it works with Mach 2 and Mach 3,  any input will help.

Thanks

The Gcode created with Vectric V-Carve Pro works just fine with Mach4.

Tweakie.

hernandd58 I have used V carve pro 8.024, using the mach3 ATC mm no problems at all

Hi all

I am new to cnc and have built a gantry mill/plasma table. I have just finished hooking everything up and am getting it going. I WILL have questions latter. I seem to have a glitch when homing.
I have built miniature gas and steam engines, two motor trikes, gattling gun and many other projects. I needed a new challenge and learning cnc machining seems to be a good challenge.
My job to make money to fund the fun is an electronic technician. I will be back with details on my homing glitch

trike2

Hi my name is Jay. I spent many years as a manufacturing engineer programming and processing parts on CNC machines. For the past 15 years i was an engineering manager and have the pleasure of managing some great engineers over the years. I am now the plant manager of manufacturing plant where we have about 60 CNC machines, mostly Okuma HMC's, 3 axis and 4 axis lathes and and a few VMC's. I have never really had any interest in cnc outside of work. My hobbies include woodworking and RC helicopters. Recently I decided that a small tabletop CNC would be a great tool that i could use for both of these hobbies. I'm looking at buying one of the chinese tabletop machines which up until two days ago i didn't know existed. I am currently recovering from knee replacement surgery so i have had a lot of time to researching on the net. This has landed me on this site and I am looking forward to learning how to setup Mach3 on the machine and learning some new stuff.