[xander18]

So I have this preconverted X2 but it didn't come with a computer. I'm hooking it up to an old Compaq now and I have some questions about ports and pins.

As I understand it, ports are essentially an output and pins are essentially an input so I should be punching numbers into the 'port' column in Mach3's configuration?

Right now I'm just tracing wires off of the printer port adapter to the stepper motors and approximating the port numbers off of my adapter. But I haven't made the thing move at all yet. I thought I heard one of the stepper motors do something at one point but no movement.

Is there a step here that I'm missing? How can I confirm that my computer is actually communicating through the printer port? Since I'm not using a 4axis controller like a G540 there's no standard configuration for ports and pins, right?

[hoss2006]

Did the mill come with a breakout board and drivers?
you don't connect the steppers directly to the parallel port
Hoss

[hoss2006]

This is a typical system hookup.
http://www.kelinginc.net/G203WithC10.pdf
There are others but it gives you an idea of the layout, parallel port to breakout board to drivers to steppers plus
a power supply for the drivers and bob.
Hoss

[ger21]

As I understand it, ports are essentially an output and pins are essentially an input so I should be punching numbers into the 'port' column in Mach3's configuration?

No. Ports are parallel ports, and are numbered either 1 or 2. (1 if only using one port)
Pins are the 25 pins for each port. For step and direction signals, pins 2 through 9 are typically the ones used.

For example, the X axis would normally use pin 2 for step, and pin 3 for direction, both ports set to 1.

[xander18]

No. Ports are parallel ports, and are numbered either 1 or 2. (1 if only using one port)
Pins are the 25 pins for each port. For step and direction signals, pins 2 through 9 are typically the ones used.

For example, the X axis would normally use pin 2 for step, and pin 3 for direction, both ports set to 1.

Okay, that's what I have them entered as and Hoss' diagram and my tracing of wires in the controller all pretty much agree with that. However, still no movement. Could I be outputting through the wrong port? It's set to 0x378 right now, which was the default. I played around in the device manager to try to find the location of my printer port but it wasn't readily available.

[xander18]

I have movement!!
Lots more to figure out but I guess this issue is solved. Thanks for all the help guys.