Linuxcnc mesa vs parallel port I have three old PCs and they all work but I cannot get very good rapid speeds as the PCs are slow. 7i43 Website: https://mesanet. ) MCU over USB as step generator breaks the idea of the project This way the MCU will inevitably become a motion controller (you will port features from linuxcnc into MCU) instead of being a simple hardware Dec 20, 2024 · I don’t think bit banging SPI over the Parallel Port is going to have the required speed. The instruction "lspci -v" gives this; 02:04. I've seen the youtube videos of people using Linuxcnc to control a 5 axis and there is an example of a 5 axis built into the software but i see no way to add the extra Mar 18, 2013 · A normal hardware parallel port will change it's output pin state typically in less than 1 uSec from when the host CPU does the port write. How many parallel ports can be used in Linuxcnc. I had a PCI parallel port card laying around so that's the one I'm using, and I'm thinking it's causing my trouble. Parallel ports can only be used for simple low speed (servo rate) I/O. 7i92 is the same as 5i25 that uses PCI slot and requires a DB25 cable for connection to 7i76, or same as 6i25 that uses PCI-E slot and again needs a cable. It has a larger motor and DM556 driver. Aug 19, 2022 · For the past year or so I have been using linuxcnc with the parallel port and this has worked very well for me. I picked the 7i95 because it's specs say it can be used to interface to non-MESA equipment via its parallel port interface. Since i am new to the mesa hardware i want to make sure that my setup does not have a fatal flaw. May 1, 2018 · I've been running a test machine using linuxcnc (not sure of the exact version) and both a Leadshine MX4660 and Leadshine DM442 (5 axes total) and all runs well. Jan 7, 2025 · PnCconf is capable of configuring machines that have up to two Mesa boards and three parallel ports. The PMDX-131 is an old breakout board replaced with the 132 which is now also a "legacy" product. 2 Kw spindle and VDF (already working on my workbench). I also tried this with the parallel port ground only connected to the step/dir COM wire-- same results. I have been able to figure out which port it is on the address but I am unsure how to turn on EPP. Parallel ports do have low I/O latency, but parallel port based CNC systems also require low latency since the individual step pulses are generated by the host computer. Jun 20, 2019 · However, the BIOS has limited options. Mesa You must choose at least one Mesa board Mar 2, 2016 · Hi I'm a DIY fan if I have two parallel port how many output in the parallel. Sep 20, 2024 · A type of epp is the same as out, but the hal_parport driver requests that the port switch into EPP mode. I want to use mesa cards to control steppers, encoders, endstops etc. Jan 27, 2020 · As I mentioned before I have the 12V for driver logic grounded together with the 5V for the encoder power and the parallel port GND on pin 24. Jun 7, 2023 · Mesa cards are a different beast, although some can do parallel port stuff/pinout, but at a much, much faster rate. Oct 10, 2024 · If you want to make a control panel with many buttons, I recommend a combination: 7i96s + cable DB25M-IDC26 + 7i74 + up to 9x 7i84. It works, and I can now JOG and REF and ZERO all the axis. This random output timing makes evenly spaced step generation pretty much impossible. Sep 21, 2018 · That would be correct if you are using the host PCs parallel port If you want to use a parallel port BOB with spindle analog output on the 7I96's expansion port, you would need to first install firmware on the 7I96 that supports PWM on the expansion port, like 7i96_5abob_d. After a long struggle to get the Ethernet running (silly mistake in bios ) its now working. ). That config was made to work with simple THC that output up/down/arcok signals wired to parallel port. Oct 5, 2024 · Pathpilot Tutorial Part 3 Setting up PathPilot for Parallel Port Use only i. This firmware supports May 25, 2020 · That is encouraging. S. As we have more then enough inputs with our MesaCards we built some d-sub37 T-connecters, that allows us to tap into the input and output signals of the Heidenhain with linuxcnc to basically run the machine with the Heidenhain and record input and output signal May 9, 2022 · Now Mesa 7i76e and 7i95 are out of stock. Feb 5, 2024 · Hello everyone, i am planning a cnc 3 axis milling machine. It's called Xanmod and you can read about it here. Apr 9, 2020 · I intend to use my parallel port for it. Sep 29, 2016 · I have just installed LinuxCNC onto a Taig mill. I will move this topic to Driver Boards where it is more likely to be seen by the chap that knows this stuff. I think it's a pretty generic breakout board but it's been years since I dug into the manual. Likewise, you can't limit the number of CPU cores which operate etc. (EPP mode is required for parallel port interface to Mesa / PICO cards). There are also plenty of Mesa cards to choose from that work perfectly with Linuxcnc, and we use them to control industrial machines, but at a extremely low price for what they are capable of. In the future I will use a rs485 connection to drive a 2. I'll also mention that I intend to use a Gecko G540 with that parallel connection. Apparently the new Raspberry Pi Dec 29, 2018 · I believe that most parallel port cards can work with LInuxcnc for ordinary software stepping systems. Dual headed (2 port) cards are very useful, especially where PCI slots are scarce. My computer does not have an internal parallel port, so I inserted an external card This card has a "mcs9865" chip. Jul 11, 2020 · What other hardware I would need between the parallel port and the servo The drive does not provide any position feedback to LinuxCNC (other than via the RS-232 port) so yes it can be used with LinuxCNC by using any of those types of control with a parallel port or Mesa anything I/O cards or mesa 7i96 or 7i76 Jan 18, 2020 · I have tested the output signal from Windows and am getting a 0VDC and +5VDC signal when I toggle pins using a parallel port tester program. Apr 20, 2013 · Hello Guys and Gals, I need help. 0 Communication controller: NetMos Technology PCI 9845 Multi-I/O Controller (rev 01) (prog-if 02) Subsystem: LSI Logic / Symbios Logic 1P4S (1 Parallel / 4 16550A Serial Port Adapter) Flags: medium devsel, IRQ 17 I/O ports at dc00 I/O ports at d880 I/O ports at d800 I/O ports at d480 I/O ports at d400 I/O ports at d080 PCI Parallel port cards. The problem seems to be in the parallel port not able to send/receive. com/ Store: https://store. Nov 9, 2015 · Linuxcnc software is evidently aware and need the 0v and 5v lines as they are mentioned in Section 5. I'm only connecting steppers for the Z & X axis on the lathe and do not currently have any home or limit switches, although I doubt those would be an electrical problem as the parallel bob is connected to the same 5 VDC supply as the 7i96. Mar 2, 2016 · Hi I'm a DIY fan if I have two parallel port how many output in the parallel. For completeness i have deliberately Jan 1, 2025 · Replied by guido-52 on topic Install parallel port Sorry you think I blame everything. hal find line loadrt hal_ppmc Add port_addr=0x(your address) to that line. org; Hardware & Machines. This has a couple of options. USB will never work for actual machine control due to inherent latency problems. The Point n Click Configurator can generate some advanced configurations without knowing anything about HAL. It allows you to Enable/Disable the parallel/serial ports, but there is no option to select the parallel port mode. Parallel Port Using onboard motherboard parallel port, or a PCI / PCIe parallel port card. First you must read parts 1 & 2 this will make understanding whats happening a Jun 6, 2021 · Buy a parallel port header, that PC has a 26 pin header inside and a built in parallel port that works perfectly with LinuxCNC. I've seen the youtube videos of people using Linuxcnc to control a 5 axis and there is an example of a 5 axis built into the software but i see no way to add the extra Jan 4, 2019 · After some digging around on the forum I found a ptest. 121 so no changes there, but if you moved the Apr 5, 2016 · For a new Mesa user with both kinds of slots open on my motherboard what would be the difference (using LinuxCNC 2. A single parallel port can be configured as either 12 outputs and 5 inputs or 4 outputs and 13 inputs. If you want to use the Parallel Port to talk to a motion controller board EPP is the way to do it. I just found that the software could not find the port and thought that it would cause the machine to fail. 1. When i start it it stops with an Linuxcnc crashes, parallel port not found. Looking to upgrade the PC as the hardware on the current box is old. So I got a new second hand machine without a parallel port, and thought it would be easy to add a PCIE card. In theory, if all ports are asked to run as fast as they can each port would see pulse trains at a rate of 2MHz. LinuxCNC supports up to 8 parallel ports. One solution Aug 21, 2024 · Replied by DougM on topic Mesa 7I92TM Parallel port pin mapping I did a diff on the two readhmid outputs from the re-flashed one vs. It workes. Like I said in the previous thread you will need to lower the spi clock rate when loading the driver as the dupont cables are not the best for high speed spi comms. 0 Parallel controller: SUNIX Co. I'd like to try and use an i7 based laptop to run linuxCNC. I have a C83-Optoisolator Board on the way from CNC4PC, but for now, Nov 1, 2023 · I have been running LinuxCNC on a dedicated desktop PC using a parallel port interface to control my CNC lathe. The topic is more of a curiosity rather than something I have a use/need for, I would love to hear the opinion of others on this way of controlling stepper drivers and how they would approach it and what they would specifically look out for. Thank you for the reply. 2. 0. Feb 21, 2024 · An Ethernet cable from the PC host to a Mesa card seems to be a more modern way to go. For completeness i have deliberately duplicated some information from parts 1 & 2. 7 with a standard parallel port on a 2. I have tried this a few times now trying to get a signal out of the GPIO pins and tried using a GPIO to Serial adapter but all have failed. 168. After creating Episode 10 in the video series of LinuxCNC for the Home Hobbyist, I learned that not all parallel port cards are equal. Mar 14, 2017 · Thanks for your very detailed reply, it is most helpful. A PCI parport card can be used to provide extra IO very cheaply, or even enable a computer without a parport to run Linuxcnc. Jul 29, 2013 · I chose these since I'm already using them on my Milltronics Mill, and I can borrow them for now and then once I get it working order replacements for my mill. Feb 22, 2024 · (EtherCAT, ESP32, Mesa, Pico, Remora etc) on LinuxCNC rather than a parallel port is improved performance and more I/O expansion capabilities. (There is often an isolating breakout board used in between) Then there is more sophisticated ways to connect them, such as using Mesa hardware. I'm using a Dell Inspiron 3668 with a StarTech PCIe card (I only have PCIe slots) with an AX99100 based port. I'm struggling with getting a second parallel port working with the 7i43. linuxcnc. I'd like to upgrade my setup to use a Mesa board for (hopefully) better performance and also to get away from using the parallel port. It looks like I do have a parallel port in the system from the cat listing. Now the 5i25 will out perform the parallel port for throughput of pulses I'm sure. Mar 19, 2013 · Is this even possible? If i just buy another PCI parallel port card, can i run a 5 axis trunnion type mill? I've look on the forum and was unable to find anyone doing this. mesanet. question 1) what are alternative option? if 7i76 with 5i25or 6i25 is used, will it perform same with two THCAD and 7i70? question 2) if I opt for parallel port, can two THCAD be used successfully? question 3) with PlasmaC mode2, with some distance sensor and flame sensor, have anyone run a oxyfuel machine? Jan 13, 2015 · Hello. Mesa isio parallel port It has resulted in a significant drop in latency on his older Dell i3 system, making his system viable for use as a Mesa LinuxCNC host. bit. No, the software knows nothing about the electrical wiring, nothing at all. The add on you are trying to install is just not there at all, like it is not present or inserted, but that might be due to it being a "software port" and those do not work on Linux. 1 I want to have 7axis and 6 I can't buy the mesa in china, so I want to use parallel port to learning linuxcnc. Parallel port Pci card and i don't quite know what card i need to get. I want to add a second parallel port to work towards a voltage controlled torch height controller. Feb 16, 2019 · I'm using Linuxcnc-2. When starting the pc, at startup the parallel port is in an unknown state. If I have this all turned Dec 29, 2024 · Are you using the Mesa source files, or the LinuxCNC-ised version? The latter is now rather out of date, so I suspect that you won't be using that with a 7i95. Apr 2, 2012 · PCI Parallel port cards ***** A PCI parport card can be used to provide extra IO very cheaply, or even enable a computer without a parport to run Linuxcnc. Preconfigured PC's, especially with tailor made and tested configs are a very nice idea for USA due to very functional logistics, in Europe is also good but nothing is "next day Dec 9, 2020 · RTAI tends to have lower latency so is often better for LinuxCNC systems that do software stepping, encoder counting, PWM generation etc. I know that the parallel port has some output because whenever I reboot the computer, I can hear the servos click momentarily. was created by Gruntled Raptor I’ve used mach4 and been advised that this isn’t not a good choice for the CNC plasma table that I am building. If you have a simple parallel port stepper machine the StepConf Wizard might be a better choice. 4 with 5 steppers) ? I. It is running under LinuxCNC through a standard parallel port. I'm planning to do a lathe conversion, and I've bought most of the parts (only the drivers left to buy). Am I correct in understanding that if I fit a Mesa 5i25 board this overcomes the timing issues? Jun 23, 2022 · I did try running with 0xd800 and 0xd880 addresses individually in the hal without success following the 'modprobe parport' commend. Aug 9, 2023 · I'd go for the i5. May 30, 2023 · The Tower version has a built in parallel port and works nicely with LinuxCNC. Nov 10, 2024 · 1. Naively I assumed that linux would recognise it automatically, but of course it doesn't. com/ Jan 7, 2025 · Parallel Port Cards and LinuxCNC. Feb 22, 2021 · I have researched MESA website and their gazillion boards and got lost over there, they have no feature list, no comparisons, no nothing. 14 on a Dell Octoplex GX620 and it seems to run fine. I have a cnc machine and am trying to use LinuxCNC. Jun 19, 2017 · I am a newby on linuxCNC, Mesa cards, and protocols for now, but expect to be up to speed soon, but definitely would appreciate some recommendations to enable me to get started on the right foot. 8 working with a Mesa 7i76. At the moment I am using a 600watt spindle that is PWM controlled through one of the bob's. (parallel port based LinuxCNC systems for example) Preempt-RT tends to have higher latency (though not always) so is better for systems that have external hardware for high speed interfaces. i made 2 amazon purchases of parallel port cards none of which have worked. Chipset: 4037T-SUN1989 IC Here is the output using the command lspci -v : 01:0f. These all do the same thing the the SmoothStepper does: offload high speed step generation to separate hardware or a processor. In both cases, the same complaint came that there was no parallel port at that address. The FPGA runs a firmware known as "Hostmot2 "The interface between LinuxCNC and the card is in HAL, but at one level above that which Oct 26, 2021 · Hello everyone. BUT - i am lately having issues with latency. 7 -> 2. I have also heard I could just use the parallel port on RPI directly, but again, I wont be able to do that with no documentation available. If you made any changes to the main HAL or INI files PnCconf will over write those files and those changes will be lost. 3 but i would stick with Wheezy and 2. 3. My plan is to use the parallelport to connect a encoder jog Jul 31, 2010 · www. 0 Parallel controller: MosChip Semiconductor Technology Ltd. It's a serial port card, they expect you to use a driver to convert it to parallel output, like you would if you had an external usb-to-parallel converter cable (that also won't work with Linuxcnc). Apr 28, 2020 · Click forward, this is where you choose the type of Mesa board and daughterboard if you have any, no daughterboard is used in this tutorial, choose "5i25 internal data" for Mesa 5i25 or 6i25, choose "7i92 internal data" for 7i92 and also set the address same as the board ( default is 192. Dec 27, 2024 · The idea is that we can still switch between the Heidenhain and the LinuxCNC control. This is cheap, but not very good, and not everyone has a parallel port any more. I've played with a few different Spartan 6 boards and was able to get 7i90 & 7c81 working, either with SPI on a RPi4 ( not the five) or Feb 20, 2014 · I have an older dell computer with the integrated parallel port at address 0x378. Parallel port address has been looked up in lspci -v and ptest opens it successfully, however, all output pins show around 4. Jul 8, 2016 · I'm currently using using linuxcnc 2. I want to know the difference between these two methods. Which setting is chosen can (sometimes) make a difference in things such as which pins can be used as inputs or outputs and whether certain pins are pulled high or low (for example X-mode usually only works with the PS/2 setting). Advantages: Low cost Dec 3, 2024 · Wiring Mesa 7i95t inputs in parallel with DRO was created by nigelh Hi, Thanks to much help my motion system is now moving about nicely so I have moved on and hit a new problems and google isn't turning up any previous work on the subject to plagerise. Jan 8, 2015 · I an trying to set up the parallel port card in mode EPP to comunicate it with a FPGA. . Nov 2, 2015 · I really wanted to tick off that I had a valid parallel port that was working before moving on to checking the CNC hardware. So, I did a fresh install of the operating Mar 19, 2013 · Is this even possible? If i just buy another PCI parallel port card, can i run a 5 axis trunnion type mill? I've look on the forum and was unable to find anyone doing this. I did have a problem as I left the 7i96 configured to power the parallel port with 5 VDC. So I've build my own THC board which can emit 3 types commands UP / DOWN / ARC OK over 3 wires, of course. Now i have to spend the rest of the day hiding from PCW! Nov 10, 2024 · 1. Oct 15, 2022 · An introduction to LinuxCNC - we'll select hardware, install the software, and then drive a stepper motor using a parallel port. Then the port is used as a com bus rather than just twiddling register pins. About a month or two back i Mar 1, 2019 · The 7I92 is just the FPGA/controller part and needs a Mesa or parallel port compatible breakout board if not used with a integrated drive That way you can have full control of the machine with the servo loop also closed Jan 15, 2016 · Pathpilot Tutorial Part 3 Setting up PathPilot for Parallel Port Use only i. For now, I would like to setup a plasma THC using the Mesa THCAD and parallel port setup with a C-10 breakout board. I bought the deal extreme pci parallel port which has come to be know as the CH352 card. I want to use the 26-pin interface on the 7i95 to connect to the old BoB initially. Choose the config you wish to edit. Dec 11, 2024 · Not sure why this LPT card issue keeps coming up, but just about any LPT/parallel port card will work for software stepping as long as the motherboard has low enough latency. Including generating steps. The problem arises when you need to use one in EPP mode to communicate with specialized hardware like a Mesa card or Pico Systems setup. As of last week, I haven't been smart enough to see any pin assignment samples getting the THC info in. Parallel Port Software Interface Realtime (time critical) tasks such as step generation are done in software on the LinuxCNC host - this means the parallel port interface is much more sensitive to the LinuxCNC computer's latency. If you pick Modify a configuration and then press Next a file selection box will show. The port has a total of 17 physical pins. Jun 6, 2021 · So I go to the lspci -vv command and open a get something not a lot different to him but no clear parallel port in the screed have tried adding a couple options into my hal file saved , then opened gmocappy In one case come up with a Dec 30, 2022 · I am using a PCI Parallel (//) port in my x86 linuxcnc box to handle stepping, and until now I had enough // port inputs for my needs, but I could do with more inputs where low latency is not a major issue. E-STOP is assigned to pin 10 of the parallel port. I measured the voltage. There are basically endless options. Maybe it will help someone like me. I think setting up a basic parallel port stepper system in Linuxcnc isn't much different or more complicated than doing the same in Mach or GRBL. e not using a mesa 5i25 at all !. I need to sit down again when I get a chance again and go over the 5i20 files, too. Jul 4, 2024 · Updated linuxcnc 2. I connected my switch between pin 10 and ground (pin25). Mesa You must choose at least one Mesa board as PnCconf will not configure the parallel ports to count encoders or output step or PWM signals. Jan 2, 2017 · Spent entire day/night figuring it out and it won't work. I Just had a look and it turns out the old PC I was planning to use doesn't have a parallel port (I just assumed that it would have one). I ran PNCconfig and I got the Mesa 7i76 running. PCI 9865 Multi-I/O Controller (prog-if 03 [IEEE1284]) Aug 9, 2019 · Mesa cards are add-on cards that offload the high-speed tasks to an FPGA. In fact, some are really only parallel ports in name only. The parallel pinouts are non-standard I was able to get it working in StepConf on an old machine with a built-in parallel port, but I wanted to get it running under the 7i92TM. May 12, 2020 · If you don't have a PC with a parallel port or need two a PCIe dual parallel port card that may or may not work with Linux costs about 2/3 the price of a dual DB-25 port from Mesa. 9. That or 7i96S + DB25-IDC26 + 7i85 + up to 5X 7i84 (4x on 7i85 and 1 on 7i96S) Of course, instead of 7i84, there are 7i70, 7i71, 7i72, 7i73 that can be used. I've seen that it's also possible to use a Mesa board and interface with LinuxCNC via RJ45, but I haven't really explored that option. The only thing that isn't supported is USB, as the only way to make that work is to move all the trajectory planning to a microcontroller and then you really might as Feb 5, 2024 · Over time, parallel ports have become less available on PC’s, and, perhaps more importantly, parallel ports are rather limited in both speed and the quantity of signals to/from external hardware they can handle. It can generate pulses up to a rate of 10MHz that are shared across the 5 ports as directed by LinuxCNC. 5 Audio: Device-1: Intel 7 Series/C210 Series Family High Apr 22, 2024 · There are a couple of Ethernet ports which I understand I can use for mesa cards. hal script to test the parallel port and there seems to be no output on it. Depends what you would do with the signals when you got them. using the 5i25 with it's hardware steppers or PWM will get a great potential boost. If the parallel port speed limitations do not impact performance on your system, using a parallel port is a good inexpensive LinuxCNC interface choice. I got the parallel port: Digitus parallel port. I did save those samples and went through the parallel files. However in many cases there is the option to use parallel or serial connected daughter-cards. All it knows is what the parallel port chips tell it. The data group consists of 8 output pins, the control group consists of 4 pins, and the status group consists of 5 input pins. another one that I hadn't touched and they were the same for the pins in question. I've run stepconfig to set up the ports and pins for 3 axis motion and configured my drivers (TB-6600) to run my nema 23's. I have read through posts, Mesa's THCAD manual, the samples included with LinuxCNC and the man pages for THC. Whilst the computer does have a on board Parallel port you need the Lenovo cable to get it to come up in the BIOS. One solution to these problems is to use an interface card from Mesa Electronics instead of (or in addition to) the parallel port Apr 22, 2024 · Find an old Dell OptiPlex 980, the big one has a built in parallel port, can be found sometimes for as low as 50$. 121 so no changes there, but if you moved the Jan 13, 2015 · Hello. Ethernet connected devices have higher latency but also don't require low latency since the step pulses 4 days ago · Mesa via Parallel Port Mesa use Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) interfaced via parallel port - e. No. I'm not yet clear regarding the right selection of Mesa Cards. The hal_parport driver does not use the EPP bus protocol, but on some systems EPP mode changes the electrical characteristics of the port in a way that may make some marginal hardware work better. I've been putting off getting my Mesa 5i25/7i78 running, as I find it quite difficult to understand compared to the parallel port configs. 31 Jul 2010 06:36 - 02 Aug 2010 06:28 #3530 by M4MazakUser. Shows up as a SERIAL PORT. Jun 28, 2020 · Help wanted: MESA board selection, parallel vs ethernet and THCAD understanding. ) Would a 5/6i25 board effect my motion speeds (versus the parallel port board I'm now using); and if so how or how much? Nov 13, 2011 · Got a G540 that requires charge pump, which in turn requires EPP. I do not need to consider the servo upgrade now, and am asking if I can just put a 2125T in my computer - or suggest other MESA cards please but not the high cost ones now - and use it for the parallel port to feed my May 31, 2021 · I'm replacing a 15-year-old PC on a Birmingham CNC mill with a NUC interfaced to a MESA 7i95. Done deal! Feb 6, 2019 · That said many parallel port hardware implementations are slightly messed up. Setting up LinuxCNC differs in literally changing the card number in the PncConf or editing the ini file. PnCconf preselects your last saved file. Mesa isio parallel port card Start; Prev; 1; Next; End; 1; M4MazakUser; Offline; Elite Member More. 2) Parallel port as a comunications interface. Jul 23, 2023 · General LinuxCNC Questions. I ordered a Docking Station with parallel port, but that appears to be the wrong one . Feb 20, 2014 · I have an older dell computer with the integrated parallel port at address 0x378. Having 6 leds on a pyVcp panel telling you exactly which limit had tripped might look pretty, but it is nothing that a glance at the machine would not tell you. The original PC had a parallel port to connect to the Leadshine but the new one (a home-built PC that's no longer being used Sep 12, 2023 · I am intending to upgrade at some point to either DMM or Clearpath servos on my 50x36 four axis mill. Device 0100 May 31, 2021 · I'm replacing a 15-year-old PC on a Birmingham CNC mill with a NUC interfaced to a MESA 7i95. (For example it was extremely hard to understand what Mesa is etc. I had planned to use a parallel port for simplicity as mesa cards have been very intimidating (I can machine but electronics scare me) I would appreciate hearing people's thoughts, buy a new PC with a parallel port? or stick with this very nice machine and go for Nov 11, 2020 · Hello, I'm retrofitting a Mikron WF41C from Heidenhain to LinuxCNC. Well, that took me about 1. The 5i21 is very new, LinuxCNC knows about it, but the rest is unknown at the moment The 5i25 is pin-compatible with all parallel-port breakouts and the Gecko G540 7i43 integration Example Mesa EMC 2 Integration; To mount the 3x20 as a nomal PCI-E card in the PC a 6i68 'motherboard' is required. I have 1 Acer Laptop and drive 3 machines with that one, just using Mesa Ethernet hardware. Oct 26, 2021 · I found that LinuxCNC can be controlled by a parallel port control board or go to the mesa official website to buy a mesa control board . My machine was working on the existing parallel port rather predictably. i ran the Lspci I have done enough research to know that the best of the best "plug and play" stuff is the Mesa i/o cards but every Jul 31, 2010 · Mesa isio parallel port card was created by M4MazakUser Any chance that anyone has a driver written for this card?? im writing a python module to run it -but am having a hard time getting the enable code to it. I have a PCI parallel port card with EPP capability. The only thing that isn't supported is USB, as the only way to make that work is to move all the trajectory planning to a microcontroller and then you really might as May 13, 2024 · a daughter card like a 7I85S (4 channels of differential step/dir outputs) or a simple parallel port type breakout like the common "Mach 5 Axis" BOB which has 5 axis of single ended step/dir outputs. Jan 3, 2025 · Thanks for the reply Rodw, You mean PCW. Also Feb 5, 2024 · Over time, parallel ports have become less available on PC’s, and, perhaps more importantly, parallel ports are rather limited in both speed and the quantity of signals to/from external hardware they can handle. Jan 12, 2014 · Well I'm confused. Now i am working on my pendant/mpg and have modified it to be directly plugged into the P1 expansion port. I'll let you know how I get on. Multiport serial controller (prog-if 03 [IEEE1284]) Subsystem: SUNIX Co. Jul 1, 2024 · I posted this on Facebook's LinuxCNC users but figured I'd try here too: I recently purchased a parallel port based 6040 router and at the recommendation of a coworker I'm trying to run LinuxCNC to control it and finding it problematic. Sep 12, 2023 · I am intending to upgrade at some point to either DMM or Clearpath servos on my 50x36 four axis mill. Pico Systems FPGA based, parallel port interface Mesa Electronics FPGA based, PCI/PCIE/Parallel port/Ethernet interface BBB Beagle Bone Black uses its built in PRU (Programmable Realtime Unit) Nov 4, 2014 · You could do that, declare each PCI parallel port as 'in' and get 16 extra inputs on top of the existing ones. Jan 9, 2025 · For me the question is, does it worse to drive a 5000 Euro machine with parallel port or would I invest 200 Euro for a Mesa hardware and run that with nearly every computer. 25 volts and pressing on the Out button doesn't change the voltage. I'll leave LinuxCNC on it for a few days, so if anyone would like me to try something, just let me know. LinuxCNC Supported Daughtercards Sep 26, 2017 · The most basic way to connect the drivers to the computer is directly connecting them with a parallel port. Dec 7, 2020 · I literally just got linuxcnc building there and running against the simulated machine about 15 minutes ago. I found a Lenovo M72e by the side of the road with a G2020 (I think) swapped that out for a Quad Core i5 and can run with a base thread about of 30000 using Bookworm and a debian PREEMPT kernel, isolcpus=2,3. Minimal parts list:- Biostar Apr 20, 2019 · For several years of work they had never problems on the software side, ever. The Gecko G540’s charge pump is known to require this Aug 4, 2019 · I've installed Linuxcnc 2. Nov 13, 2011 · Got a G540 that requires charge pump, which in turn requires EPP. Mar 8, 2021 · I am desperately trying to install an external parallel card. Dec 31, 2024 · Thanks, PCW. Granted no special comps/features were in use. 3 volts. Dec 9, 2011 · The Point n Click Configurator covers Mesa cards and parallel port stepper configurations. May 12, 2019 · Hi everyone! I've just bumped into a problem with a lack of input pins on my parallel port. Hugh 4 days ago · An interface is necessary to transmit (and convert) signals and information between LinuxCNC (the software on the computer) and CNC hardware (such as stepper / servo drivers, limit switches, inputs and outputs etc. 7-Wheezy I ran, lspci -v, and got this message after installing my parallel port card in an open pcie slot on my motherboard: I've tried using the values: "0xe000" and "0xe008" in my stepconf, but haven't got my motors to turn, yet. I've had some issues with latency and timing, particularly with threading operations. I have two general question with regards to linuxcnc with mesa cards. 4. In general, adding encoder feedback to LinuxCNC makes sense if Jan 2, 2021 · lspci -v shows: 03:0f. May 28, 2024 · Thanks Coolmo32. May 26, 2024 · I setup a Raspberry PI5 using this download: LinuxCNC 2. Apr 6, 2020 · I am able to drive my X axis much faster with the Mesa board than with the parallel port. Again. Dec 17, 2020 · I'm attempting to get Linux CNC v 2. Feb 24, 2014 · Linuxcnc. Sep 21, 2018 · Hi, I am in the middle of a transition from two el cheapo Chinese parallel BOB interfaces to my new Mesa 7i96 card. Whilst I could use another PCI // port card I'd prefer to save the last PCI slot for something else, so would like to use a USB // adaptor. RZN has the RPi5 and Mesa 7I96S working flawlessly in some recent tests with Ethernet connection. Linux needs direct access to it to May 31, 2021 · I'm replacing a 15-year-old PC on a Birmingham CNC mill with a NUC interfaced to a MESA 7i95. Geez I always get the blame! Must be due to the name, yours seems "normal", while PCW seems like some shady 3 letter government agency ! P. My control PC is an old one with parallelport. 3v to 5v logic translation is built in. 9, now parallel port card not working with I eventually plan to use a mesa ethernet board with the lathe so I thought in when I test my axis they work, but when I compile, the software no longer moves the axis. Jan 22, 2021 · The hal_parport component is a driver for the traditional PC parallel port. Dec 15, 2024 · Pretty sure i have seen something with DB25 port on both sides on Mesa website a while back, except having "isolation" in the name i am blank on other info, so there might still be hope for you. I know the port is right since I can turn charge pump off on the G540 and I can move the motors. For Mar 9, 2021 · Summary of the conversation above. 7. e. Replacing TurboCNC! I've previously got Linuxcnc running with a parallel port. The voltage is 3. Or at least providing the details. I do not need to consider the servo upgrade now, and am asking if I can just put a 2125T in my computer - or suggest other MESA cards please but not the high cost ones now - and use it for the parallel port to feed my Nov 21, 2024 · Replied by Gruntled Raptor on topic Help wanted: MESA board selection, parallel vs ethernet and THCAD understanding. Feb 6, 2019 · Parallel port works properly. For historic reasons the interface BOB I built many years ago has twin 25D parallel port connections. It looks like you can figure out which connector and screw terminal corresponds to which parallel port pin by combining tables 1, 8 and 9 and then looking carefully at figure 21 in the pdf manual. g. Oh and each Mesa has at least 2 of those very fast parallel ports, and is not limited on what pins can do as the parallel port is, Mesa can do anything on any port at ridiculously high speeds. Try for at least 4GB of RAM. May 31, 2021 · I'm replacing a 15-year-old PC on a Birmingham CNC mill with a NUC interfaced to a MESA 7i95. I'm trying to convert my gantry mill machine into a universal one so I could use mill and a plasma cutter when I need that. Cheers, Steve Oct 17, 2014 · Do I must have a parallel connected to the pc? is there other way to control stepper motors with linuxCNC that parallel port in't needed? LinuxCNC supports the following interfaces: 1) Parallel port as individual pins. The only time the EPP mode is necessary is when a LPT/parallel port card is used with a Mesa 7i43 FPGA card with a parallel port. Linuxcnc crashes, parallel port not found Start; renderer: Mesa DRI Intel Sandybridge Desktop x86/MMX/SSE2 v: 3. Dec 19, 2023 · Ok please don't start another thread on the same subject. I'm assuming the obstacle between that and a real set of stepper motors I kinda want to land somewhere in between a parallel port and the Mesa cards in terms of performance with this driver board. Yes, rarely might need editing. 0 Mesa 8. Nov 9, 2019 · From my understanding, it shouldn't make a difference, but I wanted to get a second opinion before pulling the trigger. Logan: Yes, you can connect a bob to the parallel port on the Mesa, that's what it's for. A USB parallel port may take from a few uSec to a few 10s of mS from the host write to the actual pins changing state. I presume I can just ground the limit switches to the cnc table framework - but I'm guessing that the Pull Up resistor has to go to a 5v supply Feb 3, 2024 · My old PC with a parallel port died, as they always do. (subtle connector difference between a Apr 30, 2017 · In the mill_pp. If you are using software stepping or software PWM (you haven't confirmed that), then that is the most likely limiting factor. hal file provided by cncbasher as part of the part 3 Tutorial, I found the parallel port pin assignments. Problem: I am now attempting to get LinuxCNC to work as the motion controller. Feb 13, 2024 · Hi, Lately I am having some issues with my parallel port configuration and decided to switch to a Mesa 7i96s. But I have a problem with the parallel port. , Ltd. For example, the mesa Jun 28, 2020 · 1. When I do sudo lspci -v I do see my parallel port at the address e010 Jan 8, 2015 · I an trying to set up the parallel port card in mode EPP to comunicate it with a FPGA. Aug 7, 2020 · Ultimately I want to use Mesa Ethernet cards for the hardware, but since some are out of stock, I want to start with my current parallel port setup. 8ghz intel core2quad processor, 16gb ram and a 4-axis cnc router, roughly 60" x 30" in size. Then whenever you can afford it, get a Mesa 7i96S, wire it to you industrial PC and play with it or run the machine with it. Device 0100 Mar 3, 2020 · Besides you can't beat the price, when all you need is some old PC you probably have gathering dust in a corner (or can dumpster dive) and a $5 parallel port breakout board. I tried 3 motherboards. Card actually has a parallel port. I'm able to load my gcode and it runs as expected with no BOB attached. Chip labeled "W382L" on it. 0 how many output in the parallel. The original parallel port divided those pins into three groups: data, control, and status. Yes bit to complicated, and do not buy those ebay stuff at over 80$ as that is Mesa price and Mesa is much, much better. The FPGA runs a firmware known as "Hostmot2 "The interface between LinuxCNC and the card is in HAL, but at one level above that which you configure with the parallel port. 7 for parallel port. Dec 5, 2022 · 3) The Mesa 7i96s card that I have ordered is a hardware stepping card. 5 years longer than I wanted it to, but I'm finally at a point where I need to order my control card the problem is that the 7i95 I was going to order is now out of stock everywhere? Jan 9, 2025 · PnCconf is capable of configuring machines that have up to two Mesa boards and three parallel ports. It interfaces via the parallel port. I found that LinuxCNC can be controlled by a parallel port control board or go to the mesa official website to buy a mesa control board . 2 Raspberry Pi 5 OS based on Debian Bookworm Raspberry Pi 5 Uspace compatible with Mesa Ethernet and SPI interface boards. Mar 9, 2021 · LinuxCNC supports many different hardware interfaces, from Industrial EtherCAT systems, through PCI and ethernet interfaced systems right down to the basic, cheap and not-very-good parallel port. Oct 26, 2015 · That can all fit on one parallel port. Since I do not have a lot of experience with hardware of this kind, I have some questions/doubts before proceeding: - By switching from Parallel to 7i96s I will also eliminate the breakout board that came with the machine, as well as the wiring from BB to Sep 12, 2018 · Mesa - Ethernet v's PCI/e for a small mill Whether to I had though things were all opto isolated from the “parallel” port connection between 6i25 and 7i76? Unless you jumpered to restart linuxcnc with the Mesa config and would be good to home axis, setup the work piece etc etc. -EDIT Do keep in mind that if you already have a usable PC, the price of the above PC is higher than Mesa 5i25 or 6i25 or 7i92, probably close to Mesa 7i96S, so it much better to get the Mesa board, especially the last two as they are Ethernet boards, so later if you change the PC you Aug 13, 2024 · in PNCConf how do I assign a StepGen to the specific pins on the parallel port? Background I found myself with a K2 CNC router. It sounds like you've chosen the Mesa route with a 7i76e. I knew it was a big ask for everything to work on first power up. Dec 31, 2015 · In the command line lspci -v This will show you where the cards address is as long as the computer is seeing it there will be a line that says I/O ports at ea00 the (ea00) is the address that will be different based on your machine In the config file ppmc_load. I can now use the reset button. Nov 1, 2024 · I upgraded my controller setup from an old PC with parallel port interface to a Mesa 7i96s card connected to a newer PC. I have tested it up to about 15KHz but limit it to about 10KHz in operation as that is still faster than the Y gantry. Nov 28, 2024 · This allows you to select a previously saved configuration or create a new one. why would I pay $20 more for PCIe board versus PCI board? 2. These ports were actually serial ports that shift data, Aug 9, 2019 · Mesa cards are add-on cards that offload the high-speed tasks to an FPGA. Easiest is to grab a Mesa 7i90 72 io pins and 3. Jan 26, 2022 · The Mesa 7i76E is very close or exactly like a 7i92 and a 7i76. bogry hcqq zestq iwhexmw gvbwmjg sgb uftt numqe kzhl ejm