This is my second retrofit, first for using Mach 3.  I can't get anything to work even to get a baseline on getting this thing running.  I am using "lowcostretrofit" system from Logitrol with "pacific scientific" servo's.  I've tried wiring the encoders multilple ways, tried swithing the power leads, nothing.   I installed the mach 1 license file into the Mach3 folder, and the limit switch's don't work no matter what I do.  If I set the ports and pins to "low active pin 10" for emergency stop, I can reset the system no problem, but it doesn't matter if the limit switch's are hooked up or not.  I can even unplug the 25 pin cable, which is a straight through, I verified it with a VOM, and the system will reset.  I've tried looking up the COM1 port under device manager, it says the port is labeled 03F8-03FF, even if you set it to 0378, it doesn't work.   I'm not a computer expert, and I have no clue what to do next.  Any help will be appreciated.  I've been surfing the forums all day and all night reading about other's problems and solutions, and nothing seems to work for me.?  I fallowed the instructions from Logitrol down to a "T", loaded the software from thier CD included in the package, removed that and downloaded the software directly from www.artofcnc.ca     ??  If i use a VOM, I do measure 5V between pins 25 and 3........  Don't know what to do next........
Michael

Hi Michael,

welcome, you are in the right place to get it sorted.

Are you setting up 2 or 3 axis?

What have you got set in ports and pins for your servos?

Graham.

 03F8 is the usual address for the Com port, you want to find the address of the Lpt port. O378 will be the norm if its an onboard port but just check anyway.
Hood
 

3 axis bridgeport mill. 
Xstep pin 2
Xdir pin 3
ystep pin 4
ydir pin 5
zstep pin 6
zdir pin 7
The thing that bothers me the most is I can't get the limit switch's to work.  Should this be my first concern?  According to Logitrol, the limit switch's should be "daisey chained", or what i call wired in series, normally closed, and complete a circut between pins 22 and 10 until a switch is actived.  I'm under the impression that when you break the circut by opening one of the limit switch's, pin 10 goes from being grounded, back to pin 10 high?
Michael

03F8 is the usual address for the Com port, you want to find the address of the Lpt port. O378 will be the norm if its an onboard port but just check anyway.
Hood
 

That might be it.  When I go into device manager, I get "PORTS-(com & ltp)", but it only lists "com1" and "com2"  Would it be possible that the LTP for was never installed or actived on this computer?  I had this computer custom built about 6 months ago by a former co-worker which I have no way of contacting right now.  I had him build the computer to run the MACH 3 program because I was going to update a PC controller on another machine, and ended up using it now to build a second machine.  It was built from scratch using all new parts from "micro-center", but I know nothing about initializing drivers.  Can anyone throw me a clue?
Michael

Michael,
     I have sent you a personal message.

Brett

Check in the BIOS to make sure the parallel port is not disabled. Windows should automatically install the correct drivers unless it is a PCI parallel port in which case it may or may not.

Hood

Brett, sent you an IM

Hood, you were right, the parallel port was disabled.  I was able to go into BIOS and enable it, but I'm not sure if it's working properly.  I still don't get any movement, but the limit switch's work.  The servo's will power up if I hold the "engage" switch on the logitrol box, and fight to hold thier position if I try to move them.  This makes me think I have the encoders wired correctly......  I think.  Other than that, they don't seem to have power and I can't get them to move.  How can I make sure that the parallel port is working properly?

Michael

How is your enable signal worked? is it through the estop?
You can check the PP with a voltmeter and toggle the activeLow , or jog, or change direction etc this is with the cable removed from the control but still connected to the computer. Some breakouts have LEDs to show pins are active so if yours does then you can see that way.

Hood