MESA 2125T use it just to replace built in parallel port? - edited to 7i92 too

I am intending to upgrade at some point to either DMM or Clearpath servos on my 50x36 four axis mill.

BUT - i am lately having issues with latency. 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 Leadshine MX4660. For the about $100 price, I am willing to buy it if it will do the duties and replace the built-in port, I can afford to wait and see if when I do the final upgrade if MESA has anything new when the time comes.

Just looking to end the latency issues for now - immeadiate need to move forward on a few projects tired of wasted time and cuts.

Thanks

You mean the 6i25 or 5i25T ?

With the right firmware either card can do what you want. Be mindful the 5i25T will need Linuxcnc 2.10 and the best bet would to install Debian 12 aka Bookworm. Actually I'd use Bookworm for a new build. Since Linuxcnc is in the Bookworm repos the installation is really really simple, no more difficult than installing any other app via apt-get.

For about an extra $20 US you can go for the 7i92T which has an ethernet connect, can be run the same as a 5i25. This doesn't opens up a wealth of computers you can use.....From a simple x86 SBC,x86 based but no PCIe or PCI slots, to something like an Rpasberry Pi.

I started off with a 7i92 then added a 7i76, then a 7i73 remote pendant board and a few others to suit my build. A lot of builds seem to go with the Ethernet based boards.

Thanks much.  Last question would be which 7i92 card -   7i92TF  or   7i92TM  ?

There is another 7i92TH card but it only has 26 pin headers on it, whereas the two [TF and TM] offer the parallel port connector. IF I was looking for the best "all around option" and possible reuse with future servos would that change which one? If the 26pin headers output the parallel port with adapters that is ok too - so yes, I am asking for best advice [today's] on which to purchase. Also I am assuming you meant that using the Ethernet option DOES open a wealth of computer and not that it DOESN'T? Speelcheck gets me once in a while too

I will update my install per your reply to Bookworm.

There is a lot of info on this forum, but some of it is outdated by a few years and that is confusing [somewhat] to those of us not as knowledgeable as some others. Thanks again.
 

It's up to you, the 7i92TH, 7i92TM & 7i92TF are all electrically the same.
It would really come down to what your preference is. The 7i92TH,IMHO, is probably the more versatile. You could use, pending on what you need.
header > flat ribbon to header
header > flat ribbon to DB25M
header > flat ribbon to DB25F

If you want to put the Mesa card in a box you wouldn't need to be totally accurate regarding the placement of the cutout in reference to the board. Or if you want to place both the 7i92 & MX4660 a simple 34 way ribbon with whatever connector you prefer\need on the end.

I can't remember ATM whether I got a 7i92M or 7i92F, but I just made a short ribbon cable to suit what I needed. Although if I was doing it again I'd got for a 7i92TH.
In case you are wondering the difference between the 7i92 range & 7i92T range is the FPGA, which may have been due to availability. Fear not you'll be getting a great product with fantastic support. PWC is a true gent and extremely helpful.