Mach usb/parallel port?

[BjdfNtPT]

Hello All!

I'm new to cnc, haven't gotten a machine yet... It will probably be a Zenbot controlled by mach..

Small shop space, 10'x14' with other woodworking tools.

My question is why can some cnc machines like the shark/pro run Mach from a laptop using usb connection rather than Mach's stated required parallel port? Does it work because it stores the code on the memory card and then it feeds it to the machine without the "pulses" that disrupt?

I would much rather have a laptop in my small space rather than trying to fit a desktop and try to keep it somewhat dust free.

What happens when all of the old computers with parallel ports are gone?

Thanks for your time!
John

[ger21]

My question is why can some cnc machines like the shark/pro run Mach from a laptop using usb connection rather than Mach's stated required parallel port?

Because the Shark doesn't use mach3.

What happens when all of the old computers with parallel ports are gone?

People have been saying that for 10 years now, and parallel ports will be available for at least another 10, imo.

There are other options for using Mach3 without a parallel port. Most popular is the SmoothStepper, from www.warp9td.com.

If you look here, you'll find more options. Some are rather expensive, though.

[BjdfNtPT]

Thanks for the quick reply Gerry!

I guess I assumed that the sharks ran mach from a laptop since it was listed in compatible software, I'm still learning.

The stepper looks very interesting and a possible solution, thanks for the link

[Torchhead]

Rather than worrying about new computers that have no parallel port, revel in the fact that all of those fast 3GHZ Pentium 4 machines with a full set of ports and with XP Pro included are showing up in droves as corporations rotate in new desktops every 3-4 years. For the same price as an external USB card you can get a really nice refurbished machine dropped on your doorstep by the Brown Truck. I just bought a 3GHZ Dell with 1G RAM, full ports and 40 G HD on an ebay auction for $39.00 plus 27.00 freight. Another EBAY store has reconditioned Dells for $144.00 with a new keyboard and mouse and XP Pro license and loaded.

While I understand the attraction of wanting a laptop in a cramped space you need to consider the machine controller as dedicated. Shops with moving machinery (and moving people) with dust and debris are hostile environments for laptops.

The Shark is, in my estimation, a machine for beginners and casual hobbyists. It's light duty and and as you progress you will want a machine that has more capabilities. The bad part with most of these stories is what you think you will be doing with a machine often ends up being far from what you end up actually doing with it a year or two later.

TOM caudle
www.CandCNC.com
Totally Modular CNC Electronics

[BjdfNtPT]

Thanks Tom for the reply. It worked kinda like when you slap someone that's hysterical. I lost sight of the bottom line and let some secondary concerns crowd it out.

John

[Torchhead]

It's easy to spin-off in the technical minutia and lose perspective. When it gets to the electronics of the equation, the most common refrain I hear is "I don't have any problems with building the mechanical parts but I don't understand electricity/electronics". I understand. I am a terrible welder and if it weren't for CNC i could not mill out anything more complex than a straight line!

It gets compounded at times because there are scores of "kitchen Experts" there ready to ply you with gallons of (their) knowledge.

There are always dozens of ways to do things. Most will work, but not all are cost effective (note I did not say "cheap"), or will work best for the specific type machine and cutting you aim to do.

I have to bite my tongue at times when I see posts from the armchair engineers that I know will just end up with the builder having to do it again or fight hours of frustration from noise or grounding issues. Since I sell electronics my advice has to stay generic, or I get members that run out screaming from the bushes about my "advertising" for free on the list.

All I did was "slap" you with a logical argument based on facts

TOM caudle
www.CandCNC.com