Adding pci parallel port

[RedLabel]

I opened this one on the software section but I think it suits here better(the forum is very big). Here it is...

In short I'm asking if a pci add on parallel port card works with the boards like xylotex or not...


I was using mach with my cnc with great success 2 years ago (tried emc2, turbo cnc but mach seems to run better).
Unfortunately my previous motherboard is not working anymore. The new motherboard I purchased supposed to have parallel port but it turned out to be an "updated" version with 8 usb ports in the back lots of other ports but NO parallel port.

I did not use my cnc for the last year but now I'm planning to return to hobby and trying to figure out a way to use my new desktop with the boards like xylotex.

From the operation of usb ports it seems impossible to generate the signals needed for the controller so I ruled out simple usb to parallel port converters.


What about add-on pci parallel port cards? I think they should work properly.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815166007

Planning to purchase the card above. It can support up to to parallel ports. Do you think it will work well?



Suggestions are welcome...

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by RedLabel I opened this one on the software section but I think it suits here better(the forum is very big). Here it is... In short I'm asking if a pci add on parallel port card works with the boards like xylotex or not... I was using mach with my cnc with great success 2 years ago (tried emc2, turbo cnc but mach seems to run better). Unfortunately my previous motherboard is not working anymore. The new motherboard I purchased supposed to have parallel port but it turned out to be an "updated" version with 8 usb ports in the back lots of other ports but NO parallel port. I did not use my cnc for the last year but now I'm planning to return to hobby and trying to figure out a way to use my new desktop with the boards like xylotex. From the operation of usb ports it seems impossible to generate the signals needed for the controller so I ruled out simple usb to parallel port converters. What about add-on pci parallel port cards? I think they should work properly. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815166007 Planning to purchase the card above. It can support up to to parallel ports. Do you think it will work well? Suggestions are welcome...

Hi Redlabel,
An add in pci p-port card will work as long as it is a true p-port and not a USB based card.
When using Mach3 software you will have to make sure that the p-port address is set correctly in Mach3.
I have no experience with the particular card that you are looking at.
If you search the forums you should be able to find which card people are using.

Mike

[Tweakie]

I use a cheap, made in China, PCI card in my pc running Mach and it drives my router just fine.
If you are using Windows then the OS should find the PCI and install it. Then in Control Panel select the port to find the address that windows has chosen for it. This address is then entered in Mach or whatever.

Tweakie.

[RedLabel]

totallyrc: The card in the link seems to be a true pci card. Also in the reviews I see some of the customers are the ones who had problems with a usb converter and this card worked flawless for them.

Tweakie: It is great to hear that an oem card works.

Thank you both for the great answers.

By the way does pci or pci-e based card make any difference for this job. It should be the same but I may be mistaken and pci-e based ones are considerably more expensive.

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by RedLabel totallyrc: The card in the link seems to be a true pci card. Also in the reviews I see some of the customers are the ones who had problems with a usb converter and this card worked flawless for them. Tweakie: It is great to hear that an oem card works. Thank you both for the great answers. By the way does pci or pci-e based card make any difference for this job. It should be the same but I may be mistaken and pci-e based ones are considerably more expensive.

Pci or pci-e should not make any difference at all.
Except for the hole in your pocket.

Mike