Hi, will a UC-100 work with Mach4?  Also can I upgrade Mach3 to Mach4?

At this time the UC-100 is advertized as supporting only Mach3.

PMDX offers a similar device for Mach4. See:

http://www.pmdx.com/PMDX-411

Mach4 is considered a new product and no credit is given for an upgrade from Mach3.

Would I need a plugin for running straight to the parallel port from my breakout board?  With Mach 3 I have to have the UC100.

Yes, to run a parallel port device from Mach4 you need the legacy plug-in. See:

http://www.machsupport.com/shop/parallel-port-legacy-plugin-for-mach4/

There a few things to keep in mind when using this plug-in:

1) It requires that the operating system be 32 bit. A 64 bit system will not work.

2) The operating system must be Windows 7 or older. Win8 and Win10 will not work.

3) Lathe threading and plasma cutters with Mach4 doing the THC are not supported.

4) There are no plans to enhance this plug-in later.

Ok my system is 64bit. 

Will Mach3 run 5 axis independently without pairing axis?

Will Mach3 run 5 axis independently without pairing axis?

Yes it will.

Tweakie.

At this time the UC-100 is advertized as supporting only Mach3.

PMDX offers a similar device for Mach4. See:

http://www.pmdx.com/PMDX-411

Mach4 is considered a new product and no credit is given for an upgrade from Mach3.

Looks like the pmdx only supports 4 axis.  I need 5 axis support.

Looks like the pmdx only supports 4 axis.  I need 5 axis support.

Perhaps take a look at the ESS http://warp9td.com/
That will work 5 axis with either Mach3 or Mach4.

Tweakie.