Parallel Port Testing/Problems

[buz0340]

Hello,

I am trying to test a stepper motor driver via my parallel port but am having troubles. I do not think that my computer is sending the signals to my parallel port. I have both KCam and Mach3 installed. If I can, how would i hook up a multimeter to my parallel ports to see if there is a step and direction signal. also, what should I see. I installed a program called Portmon which is suppose to monitor my port activity, but it hasnt showed anything. Do I need to install a new driver for my parallel port? maybe change a setting?

I am not the best with electronics, just enough to get by.

I am running Windows XP and I made the driver boards from the book by Geoff Williams, "CNC Robotic - .....".

Thank you ,

Brian

[buz0340]

Hello again,

Well I have been searching around and reading a lot. A couple things I can try are to change the parallel ports address/ configuration in the BIOS. It is originally 378-37F, 778-77D, IRQ7, DMA3. It has the following options to be changed to:

378-37F, 778-77D, IRQ7, DMA1
378-37F, 778-77D, IRQ7, DMA3
278-27F, 678-67D, IRQ7, DMA1
278-27F, 678-67D, IRQ7, DMA3
3BC-3BE, 7BC-7BE, IRQ7, DMA1
3BC-3BE, 7BC-7BE, IRQ7, DMA3
378-37F, 778-77D, IRQ7
278-27F, 678-67D, IRQ7
3BC-3BE, 7BC-7BE, IRQ7
378-37F, 778-77D
278-27F, 678-67D
3BC-3BE, 7BC-7BE

Does the IRQ or DMA effect the parallel port/CNC program operation. I just dont think the program is driving the port.

Any help would be great.

Thankyou,

Brian

[buz0340]

Problem Solved!!!

It was one of those, " I can't believe I am such an idiot", problems. But I will blame it on the gremlins under my bed. My wires werent connected properly.

Brian