[laoadam]

Hi all.
this may be a stupid question.
that is how to know if my machine is connected with MACH3 PC or not, are there any sign on the interface of the software?
Thanks
diyer

[cncmakers001]

Hi all.
this may be a stupid question.
that is how to know if my machine is connected with MACH3 PC or not, are there any sign on the interface of the software?
Thanks
diyer

At the bottom of the MACH3 window, the status bar provides important information about the connection.
If MACH3 is successfully connected to your CNC machine, the status will display something like “MACH3 Controller” or “Connected”

[laoadam]

Great thank you.

I'll check it, because the machine not be used for a long time, and I didn't get any thing when turn it on.

one more thing is can MACH3 be able to use USB - DB25 adapter cable? because I like to use laptop to connect to my CNC which used old style control board, may save time if no need to shift to FluidNC?

[joeavaerage]

Hi,

MACH3 be able to use USB - DB25 adapter cable?

No. The earliest Mach3 machines are controlled by a parallel port. The 'motion control' was known as the 'Parallel Port Driver' and actually resided on the PC within the kernel.
A USB-to-Parallel cable WILL NOT replicate that behaviour.

All development ceased on Mach3 ten years ago. Not withstanding it still works and has a loyal fanbase it is obsolete. If you like Mach, then get Mach4 and be done with it. I have used
Mach4 and an Ethernet SmoothStepper (motion control board) for ten years and is light years ahead of Mach3.

Craig

[awerby]

Mach3 can be run on your Windows laptop using a UC100 motion controller, which goes between the 25-pin connector and a USB port. It's the most economical solution to this issue that I know of - get it here: https://cnc4pc.com/uc100-usb-motion-controller.html It will work with Mach4 too, if you decide to upgrade.

[joeavaerage]

Hi,
if you like the idea of a UC100, and note that it is a genuine motion controller with an FPGA inside, then get genuine.
Don't buy one of the many Chinese fakes on Ebay, Amazon etc. Buy direct and get the genuine article.

Craig

[laoadam]

Thanks.
I am looking for change, not sure Mach4 or FluidNC, or some thing else yet.

[laoadam]

good.
I'll do research on it.