Hello Guest it is March 28, 2024, 07:02:49 PM

Author Topic: Adding additional I/O  (Read 3196 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Adding additional I/O
« on: December 30, 2014, 11:27:30 PM »
I recently purchased a used Patriot VFD with Mach 3 control.  The original owner had only used the machine in manual, so I have been working through getting everything configured.  I have been using a CNC router for many years, but am new to Mach 3.  It has been a bit slow going with Mach 3 having such a full range of options and flexibility. 

I have run out of I/O.  I want to add some limit switches and coolant control and my Geckodrive G540 I/O is full.  I am not really up on the best option for expanding the I/O.  From my web searches, I turn up breakout boards, but they all have axis drives,...  Is there a good choice when all I want are digital inputs and digital outputs?  It would be cleanest if the outputs could drive solenoids, but I can add solid state relays if necessary.  My control PC has a second parallel port.

Thanks for any help.

Offline olf20

*
  •  325 325
    • View Profile
Re: Adding additional I/O
« Reply #1 on: December 31, 2014, 08:00:45 AM »
Add the second PP to Mach with a Breakout board
and you have another set of I/Os.
This is a simple answer, but if you look in the
manual it will help you with the steps.
This also has been discussed many times on
the forum.
Hope this helps.
olf20 / Bob
Mach3, Atlas Knee Mill, 4th Axis, VcarvePro, ESS, Super PID.
Been Heating with corn since 1998
Re: Adding additional I/O
« Reply #2 on: December 31, 2014, 09:48:13 AM »
Sorry, I wasn't very clear....  I understand the process but was asking for a recommendation for a good secondary I/O breakout board.  I don't want one with axis control,...  Just digital I/O

Offline olf20

*
  •  325 325
    • View Profile
Re: Adding additional I/O
« Reply #3 on: December 31, 2014, 07:27:23 PM »
How many do you need? I have used these boards before with
great results.
http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=45
If you are looking for another type of I/O then maybe someone
else like Hood will chime in.
olf20 / Bob
Mach3, Atlas Knee Mill, 4th Axis, VcarvePro, ESS, Super PID.
Been Heating with corn since 1998
Re: Adding additional I/O
« Reply #4 on: January 01, 2015, 02:04:22 AM »
Thanks, that looks like just what I need

Offline BR549

*
  •  6,965 6,965
    • View Profile
Re: Adding additional I/O
« Reply #5 on: January 01, 2015, 03:22:46 PM »
The second LPT port does not HAVE to drive axis you can set it up to do Inputs as well. Check the manual (;-)

(;-) TP