USB to Parallel port?

[TheDude]

Is there a usb-parallel adapter available that will work for the hobbycnc 4 axis kit?

Thanks..

[ger21]

No, but you can use an ncPod or SmoothStepper with Mach3 with your HobbyCNC. The ncPod is about $100 and the SmoothStepper is $155

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by ger21 No, but you can use an ncPod or SmoothStepper with Mach3 with your HobbyCNC. The ncPod is about $100 and the SmoothStepper is $155

Thanks Gerry. Do you have a link where I could read more about them and purchase one?

Thanks again..

duder

[ger21]

http://ncpod.oemtech.com/
www.warp9td.com

[TheDude]

So to install the ncpod board, the connection is as simple as,
out of my laptop with usb.
- into the usb ncpod board.
- out of the ncpod board hardwired Rs232 parallel cable.
- into my hobbycnc 4 axis board.
- hardwire out of the hobbycnc board to my steppers?

Correct?

Thanks for your help!

Steve

[ger21]

I think that's it.

[thekm]

want to know what's cheaper than all of these options?... a really cheap used PC from eBay. Could set up a specific computer to run the machine, add a wireless networking card to transfer the jobs and come in under $100. I bought a used 1ghz machine (should be more than enough) for less than $50 delivered. don't even need an extra monitor... use a monitor only for setup, then use VNC to watch the system from your lappy or wherever across the network. This way you could have a nice comfy office, and through VNC be seeing what the machine's doing. Thinking that I'll be going this way rather than fussing over USB's and docking stations for laptops.

http://www.realvnc.com