Advice for future rebuilds

If you want a step/dir Ethernet solution, I would suggest a 7I76E as its currently
fully supported and needs fewer cables. If you want to add encoder feedback
to the step/dir channels you can add a 7I85 or 7I85S later.

AFAIK PathPilot only runs on RTAI so will not currently support our Ethernet cards.
Pathpilot looks nice and has a great conversational interface, _but_ its really made only
to support Tormach products. You will get better support and easier updates if you stay with stock
LinuxCNC (perhaps with one of the newer GUIs)

Is there anybody in Europe that has 2 pcs 7i76E and 1pcs 7i85 in stock?

EUSurplus may have them

How to connect 7i73 to 7i76E?

tecno wrote:

How to connect 7i73 to 7i76E?

You just grab an ethernet cable, plug one end into the 7i73, chop the other end off and connect to the serial port pins on the 7i76e.

I have to say the 7i76e has been very nice to work with on my build. Everything just works as it should! Don't forget it has 2 MPG encoders as well as a spindle encoder.

I have never understood the fascination with PathPilot on non Tormach hardware. It seems to cause a lot of issues as people work around the locked in stuff.

Thank you, good information I have missed re MPG´s.

Cheers
Bengt

I use one MPG input for a wireless remote and the other reserved for a console which I will probably never add.
Also there are some A/D analog inputs available, With the benefit of hindsight, I would leave them unconnected until I really needed them for Digital IO. Consider adding a separate home switch. I have found seperate home/limits much nicer to configure than shared ( I have one of them). Its not as though you will be short of inputs now!

PCW

What part# for cable to connect 7i85S to 7i76E? Can not find anything in your shop. I am ready to order now.

Cheers
Bengt

This is the part on Mesa's store.
store.mesanet.com/index.php?route=produc...74_81&product_id=273
But it is just a simple flat header to parallel port cable, the same as would be used to connect to a motherboard's parallel port header pins.

OK, the word parallel seemed to be wrong.