Yes thats correct, normally the ribbon cable would fit right into the socket on the left side just beside the centronix connector.
Are you wanting a bigger pic of the PMDX or are you meaning a bigger view of the cabinet and its components?
Hood

Probably just a wider shot of the PMDX and SS. I've contacted the company that sells this unit and requested postal charges to Australia so I'm close to buying one.

Thanks in advance

I am also wondering what board to use... I need something without built in features, all I need is screw-terminals, and selectable direction (for pins2-9) and some protection...
i would add relays and fancy circuits separately.

Am I right to suppose that as SS goes from the USB there is no need for charge pump circuity? Or there is still good use for it, to output the ENABLE signal for the drives?

The PMDX-122 looks nice, it is almost what I need, but its price is quite high... (And I am in the EU, ordering and customs is problematic)

Hi,

Have a look at the MB-02 that I sell. It will be in stock by next weekend.  It can connect to the Smoothstepper via a 26pin-26pin IDC cable. It has buffers on all inputs and outputs along with a few other features.

http://homanndesigns.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22&products_id=59

Cheers,

Peter

That's a nice looking BoB Peter.  ..    Nice price too!
Checked the link, not much description there. Pretty straightforward.
Is there a pdf for it ?
Can you explain the "few other features" mentioned above ?
Can see the 5v or 0v common, 2-9 as IN or OUT and optional ENABLE.
Also, what is the shipping to USA ?
Thanks,
RC

No worries Pete, sorry I should have checked you first. I have subscribed to be notified when stock arrives. I have not bought anything yet.

Cheers

That's a nice looking BoB Peter.  ..    Nice price too!
Checked the link, not much description there. Pretty straightforward.
Is there a pdf for it ?
Can you explain the "few other features" mentioned above ?
Can see the 5v or 0v common, 2-9 as IN or OUT and optional ENABLE.
Also, what is the shipping to USA ?
Thanks,
RC

RC,

The BOB has 2 enable inputs, one for a logic hi enable and 1 for a logic lo input. Either one will enable the BOB.

The BOB inputs and outputs have pullup resistors. You can set wither they are pulled hi or lo depending on your setup. 

The Common jumper allows you to set the common pins to either 0V or 5V depending on your drives, etc.

The D2-D9 jumper allows you to set the parallel port pins D2-D9 to inputs. This is useful for when you are using a 2nd BOB connected to a 2nd parallel port.

The BOB has a USB connector so you can  power it off your PC if desired.

Shipping to the USA is about US$15.00


Cheers,


Peter.

Hi Peter,
   Thanks for the info.
Please verify that "It has buffers on all inputs and outputs" implies opto-isolation ?

Regards,
RC

Judging by the photos that board is not opto-isolated 

It has a few ICs that act as buffers. The LPT can't sink or source much current, by running through a buffer gate you get the same logic signal but greater fan-out (stringer signal).

Hey thanks for that Jeff.
Some folks use the terms interchangeably.
I may go another route then.
As I recall, Warp9 recommends isolation with the SS.
RC

I recommend optical isolation whether your using a SS or not. It is simply the best way to prevent most of the little gremlins from getting into your controls. Some of the Gecko drives have the Step/Direction lines optically isolated at the drive, the G540 has built in optical isolation on all inputs/outputs. So, in those cases your set.