[SatanKlawz]

I just noticed that my computer that I will use for my setup does not have a serial port that matches the gecko G540. I did find a serial to USB cable though. Is anyone using one of these ?

[ger21]

It's a parallel port, not serial, and no, you can't use a usb to parallel adapter cable.
You can either add a PCI parallel port card, or use an external motion controller (assuming you're using Mach3).

[SatanKlawz]

Yes mach 3, what's the best route?

[BanduraMaker]

Get some sort of USB motion controller. UC100 is a drop in for Mach3->G540.

Lot's of folks here are using the SmoothStepper but I believe there's a bit more wiring and an enclosure involved in that rout. UC100 plugs right into the G540.

[SatanKlawz]

Why is that thing over $100????

[ger21]

Why is that thing over $100????

To try and make money?

There are probably several hundred hours invested in it's development, and several hundred more writing the Mach3 plugin that allows it to work with Mach3.

It's not just a parallel to USB converter.

It's a motion controller. Mach3 sends low level commands to the UC100, which takes those commands and generates the step and direction signals. Motion controllers also handle homing, jogging, and I/O themselves, and have to pass this info back and forth to Mach3.

These are very complicated devices. There are probably at least 15-20 different Mach3 compatible motion controllers, and the UC100 is probably the cheapest one.

[cuttingchips]

I have been using an Ethernet Smoothstepper and recently purchased a UC100. They both seem to work fine. To me, the biggest advantage is that an old computer with a parallel port is no longer required. I am able to use either of these controllers with a modern laptop. If you think about it, the UC100 doesn't really cost much more than buying a 10 year old Dell computer. Which is what I did before the parallel port on my Dell Optiplex GX620 quit working.

As a side note, the UC100 was easier to install than the E SmoothStepper. I've read online reviews where people say the UC100 seems flimsy, but it seems sturdy enough to me and it hasn't been an issue since my laptop doesn't move around while running a program.

On threading, the ESS does a good job but is only to use a single index (hole or flap) per revolution. Some people will say the more the better. I've looked online for info about threading with the UC100 and have found conflicting info.... so if anyone has something to say about that it would be of interest to me.

[cuttingchips]

My UC100 is used with a Gecko G540 and runs without a problem.

[BanduraMaker]

Why is that thing over $100????

Yea, what Ger said. $100 is dirt cheap for what you're getting. Recalibrate your expectations.

[morestuff]

Get some sort of USB motion controller. UC100 is a drop in for Mach3->G540.

Lot's of folks here are using the SmoothStepper but I believe there's a bit more wiring and an enclosure involved in that rout. UC100 plugs right into the G540.

----
Just in case anyone is seeking a similar solution that works with Mach4, have a look at this:

PMDX.COM - Products for CNC and motion control applications

Regards,
Steve Stallings
PMDX.COM - Products for CNC and motion control applications

[SatanKlawz]

----
Just in case anyone is seeking a similar solution that works with Mach4, have a look at this:

PMDX.COM - Products for CNC and motion control applications

Regards,
Steve Stallings
PMDX.COM - Products for CNC and motion control applications

That looks nice, is that just as good of a solution as anything else?

[ger21]

That looks nice, is that just as good of a solution as anything else?

Note that the PMDX boards do not work with Mach3. They are Mach4 only.

[SatanKlawz]

Ahh! Good catch

[SatanKlawz]

Before I plunk down on this is there ANY advantage to buying this over just getting a pci to db25 card? The card is WAY cheaper...... If there is an advantage I would gladly pay for it but if it just about the same I would rather save the $$$.

[ger21]

1) If you need to run at 100Khz pulse rate. In most cases, the parallel port will be limited to around 60Khz.

2) If you want to use a modern, 64bit OS. The parallel port must be used with a 32 bit OS.

3) If your parallel port is not running "perfectly", then a motion controller will probably run your motors smoother and faster. Unfortunately, about the only way to tell is to get your machine running with a parallel port, then run it with a motion controller and compare the difference.

Some people that switch to a motion controller see a huge increase in performance. Some don't see any difference.

[SatanKlawz]

Ahh, is the uc100 considered a "motion controller"

[ger21]

Yes.

[SatanKlawz]

Ok, I just bought this... Question, will it help anything to plug it into a USB 3.0 outlet with a cable capable of handling the extra speed?

[ger21]

I'd have to assume no.