Just assembled the first protoype of the USB-Parallel Interface and it works a dream.

This will let you send Gcode via USB to any Motor control box that usually gets it's data via the Parallel Port.

There has been alot of debate over whether this will work because of the latency of the USB Port and alot of talk has gone on about having fancy DSP chips and lots of memory.
This design has not required that and is built round a cheap Processor which costs less than £5.00 and works just fine.

We are releasing the build details of the Interface below Free to charge, so anyone can make it and develop for it.



Simply plug one end of the circuit into your USB Port and XP will auto detect it as a HID Device, so no extra drivers needed.
Then plug your 25way Parallel lead into the other that goes to your controller box and you are ready to go.

With the is release we will be supplying the following all FREE of charge.

PCB Layouts in JPG format and Gcode format for people wanting to mill their own PCB.

Full Component list and placement.

Beta USB Gcode Test Application (supports G00 and G01 to begin with).

Firmware for the Processor.

Full Protocol and command set for people wanting to develop their own software.


To cover all the different pin configurations out there, we will also offer a free service to compile the firmware to suit your controller and release it on the site.
We have full control of all 17 pins that can be used on the Parallel Port and can cover all configurations where needed.
The first firmware released will be for the following pin configuration as used on the Xylotex Board and a few others.
Pin2: Step X-Axis
Pin3: Direction X-Axis
Pin4: Step Y-Axis
Pin5: Direction Y-Axis
Pin6: Step Z-Axis
Pin7: Direction Z-Axis
Pin10: Z-Limit Switch
Pin11: Emergency-Stop Switch
Pin12: Y-Limit Switch
Pin13: X-Limit Switch

I will try and upload all the details tomorrow night.

Regards

Sean.