[monte55]

I think I'll end up with a 4 axis Xylotex driver board. My question is, is the board optically isolated and if not, should it be? Next, if so, what board should I use. If I do isolate it do I still need a second parallell port on the computer? I'm new to cnc and computer stuff so when people just give me links to things I don't understand, it's not much help. I'm not trying to be rude or ungrateful, just get the correct info. Thanks for any and all help. Also if you have any recomendations on this setup........great! I'll be using the Xylotex 4axis 425 oz mtrs (maybe their 497 oz) comment?......their board, power supply etc. My table is 48" x 48" ........gantry weighs about 30-35 lbs
....the gantry will be driven along the X axis with two 3/4 x 6 tpi acme, one on each side with its own motor. One motor for Y and one for Z both
direct drive again using 3/4 x 6 tpi acme. All motors will be the same.

[ger21]

My question is, is the board optically isolated and if not, should it be?

No it's not. Should it be depends on who you ask.

Ask the manufacturer (who designed it to connect directly to the parallel port with no isolation) and I believe he'll tell you that he hasn't heard of anyone's PC being damaged through a Xylotex. (Think I read that somewhere)

Ask someone who sells an isolated board and he'll tell you why you should use one. the easiest set up I've seen is from www.candcnc.com Plugs in between the Xylotex and parallel port.


Keep in mind that if you connect your Xylotex directly to the parallel port, and miswire anything, all bets are off in regards to your PC's safety.

[ger21]

I made a mistake in my previous post. The CandCNC miniIO board does NOT connect between the PC and Xylotex, but plugs in to the Xylotex, supplying isolated inputs through the Xylotex.