[bbj]

Hi there,

I have a 4 axis HobbyCNC board occupying my par port. Is there any other DIY type hardware i can add for additional control through either the serial, i2c or a usb port?

I want to be able to control spindle speed, mist and cutting fluid, and at a later stage a tool changer as well. All of this through a Mini-ITX board.


Regards
John

[teamtexas]

I think you can use a breakout board to utilize the unused pins from your current port. It installs between the pc and the driver. Check out the Campbell Designs, he has a nice one with very detailed instructions. By the way, I still haven't got my machine to run yet so take my advice with a grain of salt! I purchased a Ebay driver with next to no support! Some lessons you just have to learn the hard way!!!

Dan

[bbj]

The thing is, with 4 axis there aint a whole herd or unused pins, esp when you wire up all the limit home and e-stop switches.

[Andre' B]

Some neat looking stuff here.
http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/

[samco]

In emc - you could use the serial control lines as I/O. Remember though this is around +/- 12v signal.

I think the easiest/cheapest would be to buy pci printer port.

sam

[blacksmith99]

Hi,

What about MaxStepper from KellyWare? It has the inputs you were talking about.

REgards,

Matt