Re: Prolight 2000 - converted to Gecko and BOB - question on parallel port conection
I dont know for sure but it looks like it should be pretty straight forward. Some pictures of the boards with the camera closer would be great. We need to see the markings on the BOB.
Regarding the DB25's, pull the cover off and see where each goes. But as you read in Mach, 2 ports can be used for more inputs/outputs if needed. I am guessing #1 is for the motion control and #2 is being used for pendants pin assignments and #3 is the physical connection for the pendant itself.
Do you have any experience setting up Mach 3 or 4? Are you aware of how to use MDI? Understand GCode? Just trying to get an idea of where to help. It can be pretty daunting, especially if it is all new to you.
Do you or dont you have the PC with the dual ports and Mach 3 installed?
If so fire it up.
If not it will take a bit of configuration of a PC with 2 ports and Mach itself.
And it is unlikely that it would damage the machine or pc if the ports were reversed but you would get no operation. Steppers are very forgiving too. Just keep your body parts out of any pinch points and be ready to press the Estop. Proceed with caution but not fear.
Also dont just plug in or unplug the cables powered up. Turn off the power to both the PC and the machine, give them 10-15 seconds to power down before disconnection. Make the change, power up, restart Mach.
A lazy man does it twice.