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Parallel port issue
« on: May 08, 2019, 06:38:10 PM »
I have 2 CNC machines running on Win XP each sing a Gecko G 540 interface on Mach 3 on a common computer using 2 printer cards
Both have run without problems for several years.
Now both have same issue - when I jog one motor all motors move!
The Mach 3 configuration of both machines appear to be unchanged
I have re-installed Mach 3 and re-installed the printer card drivers but the problem continues.
Any help is much appreciated.

Offline reuelt

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Re: Parallel port issue
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2019, 05:21:42 AM »
I would replace both the parallel port cards and new parallel port cables.

Since Gecko G540 runs at high voltage, it is very likely that both the buffer chips in both the parallel port cards could be FRIED and shorted.
"the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord"
Re: Parallel port issue
« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2019, 02:13:07 AM »
In the meantime I established that the printer ports actually derived from a dual card so as both machines had same problem (ie  all motors turning when one motor was jogged ) the printer card may be the issue.

I installed two new printer cards but now I just cannot get the motors to jog using either card no matter what I do even reducing the Mach 3 configuration to the bare minimum.  The old card continues to activate all motors when one key is pressed.

The Gecko G 540 stepper is in its normal state showing no fault condition and the motors are locked ie full torque and the Diag screen looks normal.

Both machines have worked perfectly for many years so the motor wiring and printer leads etc are totally serviceable.

Attached is my config file.


Regards  Paul Hinson

Offline TPS

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Re: Parallel port issue
« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2019, 02:31:09 AM »
in your XML the port adress for port#1 is set to B907.

is this realy the right adress? have you checked in Windows System config?
anything is possible, just try to do it.
if you find some mistakes, in my bad bavarian english,they are yours.
Re: Parallel port issue
« Reply #4 on: May 10, 2019, 02:53:39 AM »
Yes - I know it looks odd - I thought so too.  But that was what Device manager provided under the resource tab.
Thanks for your input.

Offline TPS

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Re: Parallel port issue
« Reply #5 on: May 10, 2019, 03:40:29 AM »
is the new Printer Card 3.3V or 5V Version?
anything is possible, just try to do it.
if you find some mistakes, in my bad bavarian english,they are yours.
Re: Parallel port issue
« Reply #6 on: May 10, 2019, 05:08:18 AM »
I have no idea. But it is fairy new.  How can I tell?

Just to confirm - I re-checked the card in Device Manager and can confirm its address is B907 at LPT3.

Thanks

Offline TPS

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Re: Parallel port issue
« Reply #7 on: May 10, 2019, 05:11:21 AM »
anything is possible, just try to do it.
if you find some mistakes, in my bad bavarian english,they are yours.

Offline Tweakie.CNC

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Re: Parallel port issue
« Reply #8 on: May 10, 2019, 05:19:34 AM »
I have no idea. But it is fairy new.  How can I tell?

This may help you decide;

https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=34848.0

Tweakie.
PEACE

Offline reuelt

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Re: Parallel port issue
« Reply #9 on: May 10, 2019, 06:00:00 AM »
PIN 16 must be configured for "CHARGE PUMP" output or Gecko G540 will not enable the drives.
"the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord"