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Author Topic: help with mach3  (Read 2977 times)

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Re: help with mach3
« Reply #10 on: August 05, 2018, 04:52:22 AM »
Hi,
Windows 10 (64 bit) does not support Mach's parallel port driver. Nor will any conventional USB-to-parallel converter work.

If you wish to continue to use a parallel port then the PC will have to be Windows 7 or earlier, like XP, and 32 bit.

If you want to use Windows 10 then you will need an external motion controller like a SmoothStepper or a UC300.
A UC100 is another popular choice. It plugs in to your PC USB port and has a DB25 parallel port plug on the other end.
You might say its a USB to parallel adapter, its not. It has an FPGA IC inside it and it generates the pulse streams, a job
that used to be done by Machs parallel port driver right inside the PC's CPU. That makes it way too clever to be called an adapter.
Genuine UC100's cost $120US Don't get ripped by the Chinese look-a-likes on EBay or Amazon. Go Direct to CNCDrive or
their nominated distributor. If you try to buy cheap you will get ripped every time.

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: help with mach3
« Reply #11 on: August 05, 2018, 05:02:02 AM »
thank for the advise  i am in New Zealand  so have to find out the excase rate . i might have to change my computer back to window 7 and then buy a uc100 i hope.
Re: help with mach3
« Reply #12 on: August 05, 2018, 05:16:21 AM »
Hi,
I'm Kiwi....I live in Akaroa....the aerial view of my home is part of my signature.

The UC100 is good but it is limited to one 'ports worth' of IO, that is 12 outputs and 5 inputs. That's enough for a really simple
machine but you will run out of inputs if you want any extra features like probes and separate home switches.

The Ethernet SmoothStepper has three ports for 51 inputs and outputs, the PoKeys 57CNC has 57 inputs and outputs and the UC300
has 5 ports for 85 input and outputs. These devices cost a bit more, about $150 to $200US. I personally think they are worthwhile
because of the extra things you can do with your machine.

Currently $1NZ buy 77cents US.
$120US=$156NZ
$150US=$195NZ
$200US=$260NZ

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: help with mach3
« Reply #13 on: August 05, 2018, 05:19:54 AM »
i am in christchurch
Re: help with mach3
« Reply #14 on: August 05, 2018, 05:26:55 AM »
Hi,
well that makes near neighbors.

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: help with mach3
« Reply #15 on: August 24, 2018, 06:53:48 PM »
hi all
Good news i have my cnc router working great not .
With a good friend we working it out and found out it was my computor have to update the system.
All working great now  thanks


Peter
Re: help with mach3
« Reply #16 on: August 24, 2018, 08:33:59 PM »
Hi Peter,
gotta luv it when a plan comes together!

But 'Don't worry there is still plenty of time....for it to all crap out yet!'  ;D

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'