[jxy117]

Hi there, I need some help with my parallel port set up. My old desktop doesn't have a parallel port so I bought one PCI-express card. It seems Mach3 won't recognize the parallel port (though I changed the address to 0xCCF0 in mach3). I tested the pins and there are no voltages on pin2 pin3 etc (but there is voltage on pin13 -3.3V). I read one thread somebody posted last year that had the same issue. It mentioned internal parallel port connector. But I can't figure out exactly how it was resolved. Please help!
p.s. I used parallel port tester to check the port. It seems ok. There was a little movement from the motor when I switch from low to high output.

[ger21]

What operating system are you using?

[jxy117]

win 7 32bit Thanks.

[ger21]

What exactly does Device Manager give for the address? Does it give a range?

Try CCF0 in Mach3

I tested the pins and there are no voltages on pin2 pin3

There won't be unless you are toggling an output, or sending step and direction signals. The easy way to test is to measure the dir pin, and jog back and forth. It should change from 0-5V.

Do you have a breakout board and drives connected?

Sounds like you have a3.3V port, and you may need 5V signals?

[jxy117]

I have put CCF0 in Mach 3 and tested toggling (nog back and forth, with all drivers and motor all connected), but no voltage change at all (0V). I do get 3.3V on port 10 through 13. Will check if I could change the connector and get 5V signals. Thanks.

[jxy117]

Because of the PCIe issue, I bought another used computer with LPT port on the motherboard. I changed Bios to EPP. The LPT address is 378. But after installing mach3 and setting up all the pins, I still didn't get any voltage change from pin2, 3, 4, etc. Really don't know what's wrong with the setup. Any suggestions appreciated.

[jxy117]

Actually, before I switched to the new computer, I changed the LPT address in mach3, from CCF0 to CCF1 CCF2, etc. when I press the left arrow key, all 4 motors ran at the same time. Even if I press the RIGHT arrow key, no change of direction. This confirms the wiring of the motor was correct. I think the issue is the parallel port.