Adding more inputs - how?

[tjb1]

My plasma table is going to be using Mach3 and a Gecko G540. How would I add more inputs to this configuration? Im guessing from what I have read that it will require another parallel port on computer but im not sure what else from here.

Thanks.

[doorknob]

It sounds like you will need a parallel port expansion card in the PC, a 25-pin straight-through cable and a parallel port breakout board. It is possible that you may also need a power supply for the breakout board, or perhaps a USB cable can provide the required power.

[tjb1]

Something like this? - eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

Edit: Looks like above one is just a breakout and would require more work to do anything. Seems I really need something like this - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Parallel-Por...ht_2050wt_1396

[doorknob]

The second one should do the trick.

[tjb1]

Is there a special card I need or just any parallel port card?

Syba PCI Card Parallel Printer Chipset DB25 1 Port Expansion for Printer Scanner | eBay

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Best Connectivity SD-PEX10005 PCI-Express Card 1x Parallel Port, MCS9900 Chipset

or is there a specific chipset or bit(I seen one on ebay said 32 bit on it) I need.

[doorknob]

You listed one card that has a PCI interface and another card with a PCI-Express interface. They are not the same thing.

Which type to get would depend on which type of interface you have available on your PC's motherboard (it is possible that you could have one or the other, or you could have both).

I have no direct experience with any particular parallel port expansion card. Once you determine which type of card you need, perhaps someone who has experience with a specific board can give a recommendation.