CNC Controller board

[alansmith]

Hi everyone!

I need help in finding a controller board for my drivers to my cnc machine.
Originally it is a China machine with an PCI controller(Chinese) (3 axis) and i want to change controller to make it more compatible with other software.
Here is descriptions of Driver inside(see attached file).
I want a board operated trough paralell port.
Any suggests?

[jalessi]

Alansmith,

Lots of companies make breakout boards that interface to a parallel port that will work with your drivers, see the links below.

http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/prod...roducts_id=161

http://campbelldesigns.net/breakout-board.php

http://www.pmdx.com/PMDX-122


Jeff...

[cabnet636]

look at wincnc or mach 3

http://www.wincnc.net/

jim

[KOC62]

alansmith,

Are you saying that you have the drivers as shown in the attachment? It doesn't look like a pci card to me.

The driver in the attachment doesn't need a controller board since it already has an opto-isolator and can be connected to a parallel port. The actual pins used on the parallel port is dictated by the software used. For example, Mach3 has a certain pinout given in their installation manual. Mach3 provides a pinout for STEP and DIRECTION for each axis used, which I interpret is the PULSE and DIRECTION on your driver.

[Torchhead]

Originally Posted by KOC62 alansmith, Are you saying that you have the drivers as shown in the attachment? It doesn't look like a pci card to me. The driver in the attachment doesn't need a controller board since it already has an opto-isolator and can be connected to a parallel port. The actual pins used on the parallel port is dictated by the software used. For example, Mach3 has a certain pinout given in their installation manual. Mach3 provides a pinout for STEP and DIRECTION for each axis used, which I interpret is the PULSE and DIRECTION on your driver.

The Motor Drives are very similar to other opto input Step & Dir drives. The opto needs +5 as the source (common) just like the older Gecko 201. Trying to sink the 10 to 15 ma with a raw parallel port is a stretch. With most on-board ports running at 3.3V the connection to a source with a 5V pullup could cause port problems on the PC. You will have to supply the 5V from an external source or steal it from the PC power supply.

A breakout serves to easily access the port signals and should sink or source sufficient current. Just as important a good BOB will provide:

Opto isolated inputs
Input connection terminals
Signal buffering and conditioning for better noise immunity
Indicators to help with troubleshooting
High current outputs for driving external Relays
Power to drive the optos (+5 regulated)
Power to drive the relays (+12 to +24 VDC)
Separate "floating Power" to drive the opto input
Plug-n-go support for MACH3

Some of the more advanced BOB's also offer

Expanded Inputs (more inputs from one parallel port)
Expanded Outputs to drive more Relays (more outputs from one parallel port)
Integrated power relays for AC or DC loads
Future expansion options. (plug-in Spindle Speed, more relays and DTHC)
Option for Step & Dir monitor (Pulse Sniffer)
Options for controller layout using a modular card approach.
Small, easy to mount compact size
Complete, concise user manuals
One button install/Auto-load of MACH setup (profiles, screens, plug-ins)
Support for EMC2 (drivers, setup and help)
Custom Cases/enclosures/mounting plates
Active On-line support forum
Phone support
Extended Warranty


TOM Caudle
www.CandCNC.com
www.CandCNC.com/UBOB.htm