USB to Parallel adapters?

[Chris64]

Anyone ever try one?

I didn't realize until just now that my computer doesn't even have a parallel port. Of course I could another dedicated machine for a controller, but there's no denying that parallel ports days are numbered. I do like having all my software on a single laptop though.

I saw this, for $14 seems like it would work great. Essentially making your CNC USB (without a Grex). I wonder if the Address would be the same (0x378) if it doesn't have a parallel on board...or how would you get the address?

http://sewelldirect.com/usbtoparallel.asp

Thanks

[dewme5]

I'm guessing if $14 would replace $300 marriss would not have wasted his time.

[Chris64]

Thanks Mr. unhelpful ;-)

Grex does WAY more than just that offers a USB port...I just put that comment in because I knew I'd get a smarty who would say "just get a GREX." So much for that plan.

Anyway, question is still pending.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Chris64 Anyone ever try one?

They won't work. You can get an ncPod or in a month or so the SmoothStepper should be available.

[Switcher]

Gerry,

Has anyone got NcPod up & running?

If that board works, I can see it changing diy cnc, BIG time. The reason is they posted the source code on their site.

I downloaded the SDK, & just tried the VB.NET sample, I got an error (couldn't find a DLL) I didn't really read any documentation, I just wanted to see some code!

This looks like a great start!

I would really like to get a lot more info on If others are working on NcPod projects, can you post any other related links you might have?

I can see a lot of custom made (Open Source) cnc Controls being made in the future, that means a Free Control for everyone.

My main concern is the max. stepper size it will run.

Below is a screenshot of the opensource VB.NET control included in the NcPod SDK. It's a simple bare bones control, but a darn good place to start building on!



.

[WayneHill]

Fred Smith wanted me to write some code for the Nc-Pod, but he never got the prototype over to me to work on. Oh well....

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Switcher Gerry, Has anyone got NcPod up & running?

A lot of guys are using it with Mach3 and the Mach3 plugin for it. Not sure if anyone is using it any other way. But for Mach3 use, the SmoothStepper supposedly offers far superior performance, as it was designed specifically for Mach3. For $155, it offers 4Mhz step rates and emulates 2 parallel ports, so should have enough I/O for most people.