Originally Posted by
adprinter
I am not very experienced with electronics. Can you please list the Model Name or number for the "2 Port PCI Card that's modified to work with a G540"? I went to the PMDX website, but am unsure if what I was looking at is the one which you are referring to- PMDX 108 Input, seems correct. But as I said, I am unsure. The PC I am using for the CNC is a Dell Optiplex GX260 1.8Ghz P4 processor, which has a built-in parallel port (with 5VDC support). Would the card you are referring to, be used to REPLACE the existing parallel port, or simply used as an additional parallel port? (It is the additional Inputs of a 2nd parallel port that I am after). The specific things I want to be able to do include:
1-wire EACH limit switch to it's own circuit X=2, Y=2, Z=2, A=1
2-wire up a probe system, for use with the Mach3 2010 screen set-
(which actually uses 2 probes, 1 to be placed in a variable position on the stock surface, with the other mounted in a fixed location on the table for measuring tooling length offsets)
Currently, I am using the built-in parallel port, and have the limit switches wired in series for each axis with the switches wired in Normally Open logic. I originally had them wired in Normally Closed logic, but damaged contacts on the Normally Closed side of some of my switches, made it necessary to change to the Normally Open logic circuit.
All switches are wired to a simple screw terminal strip, which is wired to the G540. The 5 inputs are completely filled, with this arrangement. Charge pump=1, Neg/Pos Z=2, Neg/Pos Y=3, Neg/Pos X=4, Home A=5. This leaves no room for connecting additional inputs to the G540. So, I am aware that an additional Breakout Board of some type will be needed, (in addition to the 2nd parallel port). The thing I am confused about, is how to actually wire things to take advantage of the additional inputs (and still be able to wire them into the G540).