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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    1072

    running mach3

    I tried running mach 3 with a notebook that has a lpt port configured the same as a desktop computer i was using.
    The cnc went crazy ,sounded like the bearing and gears were not meshing properly ,manufacturer says laptops and mach 3 don't get along very good ,the lpt port on the laptop can be used but has to be set up ,anyone have experience with this


    woodman

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Posts
    3215
    If I use my laptop to a driver board what does not require a BOB it does not work, if i use it with an iso. bob with its own 5v PSU it works fine. What Drivers are you useing and if so what BOB?

    Joe

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    1072

    mach 3 and notebook

    not sure what you mean about drivers there are no drivers for an lpt port ,i just replaced the dsesktop with a notebook same mach3 settings and it works fine testing with the arrow keys but when i run gcode the machine goes crazy and there are no settings to change.
    Its almost as if the notebook does not send a continuous signal,tried the bi direction and 2 other settings
    Other people are reporting the same problem and my notebook is older as new ones don't have a lpt port

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Posts
    3215
    Motor Drivers, not driver for lpt port that is built into windows.

    the problem is the 3.5v from the printer port on the laptop, the bob card will up this to the required 5v and improve signal strength. this was the case on mine and I run my CNC 4x4 Hybrid with a Toshiba laptop now.

    Joe

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35494
    It could be lots of things. Mach3 won't run on a lot of notebooks, and for some, you may need to disable a lot of things to get it to work properly. It varies from laptop to laptop. It could also just be as Joe said, 3.3V ports.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

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