G'Day Guy's,
           Well finally some shed time and got thinking about this project, now that old parallel port controller still worked from back in the day and years ago I did make a pcb breakout board to get access to all the pins.

Found all my data I recorded so got the old Mach3 info and the parallel port pin outs so connecting to the CMM2 will be easy.

I'm waiting on a PS2-usb dongle so I can get the mouse going, now I did have an old PS2/USB mouse a microsoft one and when trying to load that well the CMM2 reported the mouse didn't connect and went into error mode. Disabling the mouse fixed the problem and I do have an old PS2 mouse here.

Now the way I want to go is make a GUI file then each task can be done before moving on to the next one.

I did put 2 extra outlets on Z axis frame so the capture mode will be a good one to get going.

Regards Bryan

Well the fun continues I tried connecting my win10 laptop to the CMM2 and only to find windows said it couldn't recognize the drive   So thats one hurdle to get over next week.

Anyway I got on to Altronics today and got some pcb connectors so that parallel port board can have all new connections and for the output pins on the CMM2 got a mixed pack of breadboard connectors where I can simply solder on longer wires to suit.

Made a start on the code and with only a 3 day work week all the stuff should be here by mid week and I'll keep on writing the code at work over night for a few hours each night. Plenty of comments in the code so I can see just what I'm doing but I will get there in baby steps.

So my plan of attack is to use this old parallel port 3 axis controller which does have a second port for other items like a lcd displays etc. Also need to find just how the parallel port signals are used like OC or digital etc so more hunting.

Cheers Bryan

Well that PS2/USB dongle finally turned up and now got the mouse working   So straight back down town to Altronics to get some Dinkle connectors so all the axis's and everything can be dis-connected so the stepper board can be worked on.

Worked nightshift last night and still no sleep as this CMM2 coming to life can't wait any longer. Just on sorting my code so I can get the first GUI screen up and as the limits and E-Stop are all active low get the GUI working with them first.

I also grabbed 10 off 4N35 opto's and I'll setup my breadboard for getting this project going.

Also got MMEdit working and transferred over the code I was working on the laptop was just too easy  

So let the fun begin.....

Regards Bryan

G'Day Guy's,
           Well with confirmation a pico zero can run the Y axis via the DM556 micro stepper I don't think I need a PIO when the CMM2 can handle everything.

So now I have the step resolution using the zero where an average of 432 steps for a 0.098" movement with gives the X and Y axis 0.00268"
.
I have made up a interface board to get the signals to the CMM2




I will have to use the enable signal as when enabled and not used the stepper just heats up. So my plan is use baby steps and do each task at a time so I learn to program as I go.

As I have a heap of those proto boards I need to make up an opto isolated board so the CMM2 pins are protected. I do need to get more dinkle connectors and tallying up an order for Altronics so I can finally get the 18 zener and 10nf 3Kv caps which will give me everything to finish the Madboard.

G'Day Guy's,
           Well now I got my CNC going again I will use this thread  

I purchased a motion controller from an Aussie Ebay seller and from the get go got Mach3 working with it    Had a bit of fun trying to remember how to use Mach3 and with the help of the Mach3 forum it is all coming back to me. Now got the User manual for Mach3 so got some reading to do so I can use it properly and reduce crash's.

I do have plenty of seasoned red gum here so I do need to busy with my chainsaw to make some blanks and I do think it will be fun making up some gear out it.

Now I did find the steppers were over heating just sitting on standby so found some 24 fans in my gear which are the same bolt centres so now the X axis has a fan and the Y axis will need some thought.

With that drawing above using this motion controller it was all wrong as the enable isnt used and a 5 volt pullup is used. It does turn out the 5 volt pullup is actually 12 volts and how this motion controller can deliver 12 volts from a USB port has me beat.

Still got the limits to sort and as I had them a OC active low doesn't work with this motion controller yet Mach3 when I set it to active low it won't come out of reset.

So I am happy to get this CNC going and the grey matter does need a boost to cater for the fun ahead.

Cheers Bryan