USB support for Mach3

[vrasak]

Here is another form of USB pod

http://www.super-tech.com/root/itm.asp?p1=itm-campod

the site claimed it can be used with Mach3

[joprinz]

Hi,
I know this is a pretty old post. I was just going through it and was wondering if there has been any development in the DIY segment of USB Support for Mach3. its been many years since this idea has been floating. Was wondering if anyone has made it work. Are there any open-source USB alternatives to using parallel port usable with Mach3 or EMC2 ?

Please Advice,

Joe!

[ger21]

Very few are using the ncPod, because development seemed to have stopped within a year of it's introduction.
The most popular USB solution for Mach3 right now is the Smoothstepper. A lot of people are using it. Unfortunately, it also suffers from development issues, as it's technically still in beta after about 2 years of being available. It's missing a few features, one of which is backlash comp. BUt for most users, it works very well.

Another alternative is the KMotion and KFLOP boards from http://www.dynomotion.com/
The developers seem to work very closely with users to implement features that users may need, that aren't already included in the plugin. I'll probably go with the KFLOP system on my next router, as it looks very promising.

[Switcher]

Very few are using the ncPod, because development seemed to have stopped within a year of it's introduction.
The most popular USB solution for Mach3 right now is the Smoothstepper. A lot of people are using it. Unfortunately, it also suffers from development issues, as it's technically still in beta after about 2 years of being available. It's missing a few features, one of which is backlash comp. BUt for most users, it works very well.

Another alternative is the KMotion and KFLOP boards from http://www.dynomotion.com/
The developers seem to work very closely with users to implement features that users may need, that aren't already included in the plugin. I'll probably go with the KFLOP system on my next router, as it looks very promising.

How does the KFLOP work?

I see they have their own cnc-control software, will you run the included cnc-control, or will the KFLOP work with Mach3?

[BobWarfield]

Amazing after all these years we still don't have a finished and well supported USB solution.

Smoothstepper is closest, but still no cigar.

Best,

BW

[ger21]

How does the KFLOP work?

I see they have their own cnc-control software, will you run the included cnc-control, or will the KFLOP work with Mach3?

There's a Mach3 plugin.

[cnckeith]

hello. just wanted to let you all know that Mach3 can communicate via ethernet cable to the AjaxCNC MPU11 CNC CPU. so you don't need parallel port or USB. good luck with your projects. Keith

[veteq]

That Ajax controller sure does look nice, but cann you buy it also without the PLC and servodriver, 1200 dollar is a bit much if you only need the controller!!!.

Otherwise i really like that Kflop from Dynomotion, there is only guy that uses it overhere, the product is just briljant, 200% i will use it on my mill!!!!!!!!!!!!!

People need to use it overhere, so there will be more info about it.
The makers are very nice and explain everything in mails and phone.....

[msimpson99]

The problem is the usb interface. No one seems to understand that USB is nothing more than a high speed serial interface. It also suffers from turnaround latency problems.

Unless you are going to offload many of the features done in Mach3 to the usb device its going to be problematic and expensive. If it costs more than $400 you might as well build a PC with a parellel port.

[yo3dlk]

Is not possible to use a USB-Parallel Port Adapter?
Cables Unlimited USB-1475-06 USB to Parallel DB25 Female Printer Cable at TigerDirect.com

[apollonono]

Hi yo3dlk
If it is a "PDIUSBD12" if one used a
Please see the following.
http://www.semiconductors.philips.co...IUSBD12-08.pdf
May be used if it is used.

[Al_The_Man]

Dynamotion/Kflop/Kanalog looks like it has potential, I would like to see it developed with a full blown front end system, rather than at the moment relying on Mach for advanced features.
The fact that it is a closed loop system, can operate step/dir or analogue drives, and has built in PLC I/O is a definate plus.
As well as USB communication.
Hopefully with it being partially open architecture, may encourage user development as well.
Al.