Can't make Mach3 communicate with the drive box

[Chris Dalyai]

Hi, I'm a total newbie to CNC, this is my second post. The first one got lost somewhere on this forum.

I have the same problem others are having with LPT interface, Mach3 will not communicate with the drive box.

1- I tried a suggestion of auto-run mode, using a jumper between pins 14 & 15 on the DB25. This is supposed to make the motors move back & forth.

2- Checked windows hardware system for proper address for the parallel port in Mach3 and the computer.

3- Checked windows setup for system settings.

3- Did a physical port test using a multi-meter set for DC volts.

4- Made sure my computer was running in 32 bit mode. 

Here is what I discovered... According to MACH3 manual the Input signals, to the computer need to be supplied with some current (less than 40 microamps) for “hi” inputs and will supply some (less than 0.4 milliamps) for “lo” inputs.

I found all my readings for "hi and  lo" to be the same. They all read "hi". 

This is a video on how I took the readings https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=uglCm_qsojk

Hope some one reads this and knows how to fix the problem.

[Jeff Pollard]

Hi,

  You mention Input signals.
  Input signals have nothing to do with operating the drive box.
  The drive box requires output signals to go from the PC to the drive box.
  Inputs are for reading switches, etc.

Jeff 

[Chris Dalyai]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for your fast response.

If you watch the first part of the video starting around 1:50 min. and going to around 4.25 min. you can see the test I made on my LPT port pins.  The problem I have is  geting a reading around 4 volts when the right arrow key is pressed and the reading stays at 4 when I press the Left arrow key.

The result of my testing is the low reading reads the same as the high, at 4 volts. I do not get a low volt reading on any pen. Here is the link again for the video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=uglCm_qsojk

Any thoughts?

PS Have a blessed Easter weekend.

[Jeff Pollard]

Hi,

  By your comments (I did not watch the video)...:
  If you are not getting a change on the pin then Mach is not controlling that pin properly.
  Either your parallel port settings are wrong, or your setting that controls the jogging are wrong.
  You need to look at the Mach manual to get this straightened out.
 
Jeff

[Chris Dalyai]

Problem fixed...

I got another computer and put minimal settings in just to see if a motor would turn. Success !!!

Much3 just couldn't take control of the LPT on the other computer even though it indicated the driver loaded and the drive test indicated excellent.

Thanks for you help Jeff...