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Testing LPT Port
« on: March 06, 2008, 12:05:12 AM »
Is there a way to test whether or not your lpt port is working properly? I cannot get my steppers to jog or turn with Mach3. I'm at a loss and have debugged everything except the lpt port. Not sure how to do this as I've been spoiled with USB most of my computer life and LPT is a fairly alien subject to me.
Re: Testing LPT Port
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2008, 12:13:30 AM »
Hello,
Here is one of several topics found with the Forum Search.  http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,4574.0.html
It may help you.
RC

The Forum SEARCH is a powerful tool.
« Last Edit: March 06, 2008, 12:15:23 AM by Overloaded »
Re: Testing LPT Port
« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2008, 12:26:00 AM »
I'm not sure if I'm doing this correctly, but I seem to be getting a constant 0.03 v when i put my meter on pins 25 for ground and 2 for x-dir. Those are the settings for my controller. That is what I have set within mach3.
Re: Testing LPT Port
« Reply #3 on: March 06, 2008, 12:34:33 AM »
Are you jogging x left and right ? One direction should read 0v, and the other direction should read 5v.
Re: Testing LPT Port
« Reply #4 on: March 06, 2008, 12:36:32 AM »
I'm getting 0.03v constant, jogging or not. I am jogging the x left and right and nothing changes. I do have a constant voltage of near 5v on pin 4 and some of the other higher pins...not on pin 2 like I should.

Offline Chip

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Re: Testing LPT Port
« Reply #5 on: March 06, 2008, 12:43:51 AM »
Hi, Emtffkev

Not all printer port's use/support all the Gnd. pin's 18-25, So try the others Gnd pin's also.

Your axis dir pins need 0 for one dir and 5 Volts for the other dir.

Some printer port's only putout 3 - 3.5 volts and don't work very well if at all.

Hope this Helps, Chip

« Last Edit: March 06, 2008, 12:51:14 AM by Chip »
Re: Testing LPT Port
« Reply #6 on: March 06, 2008, 12:52:07 AM »
Thanks Chip, I realized that as I posted. That's what I get for trusting my memory.
And.....it's late.
Thanks for the correction,
RC
Re: Testing LPT Port
« Reply #7 on: March 06, 2008, 12:58:17 AM »
Ok, checked with all grounds and getting same readings...

I am getting 3.5v on 2 of the pins...4.5 on others...and .03 on the rest beside grounds...

None are changing with or without jogging...they are all a constant voltage.
Re: Testing LPT Port
« Reply #8 on: March 06, 2008, 02:05:20 AM »
The only other item  I've seen mentioned is to try the other driver in the Mach3 folder.
Might try it if you haven't already.
RC
Re: Testing LPT Port
« Reply #9 on: March 06, 2008, 01:23:54 PM »
Just want to update...All works fine now, I needed the alternate driver and everything works ok. Got the motors spinning like mad...

Thanks!