The bare minimum for 3 axis of motion, is 6 outputs. (Step + Dir * 3 = 6). But a parallel port has 17 possible IOs, 5 inputs, 4 outputs, and 8 that could be either (as a block all inputs or all outs).
It's a pitty about the arduino speed issue, as even if you used multiple uno's to control a few axis, (conected to pc via ethernet) it still works out pretty cheap -(at $5au per uno from china). And would get a lot more enthusiasts onto linuxcnc. -not saying mesa's stuff is any less. I have used it and it's brilliant. Just out of my price range for setting up a 3d printer.
Hello M4Mazakuser,
you understand what i mean. Mesa is super, but it must be a easy way for beginner to use Linuxcnc with an inexpencive stuff and without printerport. For a beginner who build this "Käsefräse" from scrap are 10 I/Os enough. Can you tell us your way with multiple UNOs.
I have tried the io over ethernet (it used udp)that someone posted on this forum and for buttons/ other input stuff it works great.not fast enough for an encoder but.
