USB connection

dlw wrote:

If I understand your meaning, I need a cable with parallel ports on both ends.

To use the machine with LinuxCNC, yes.

I have already ordered a USB to parallel port cable as advised by the seller and others.

That will work too, but not with LinuxCNC. You need a G-code sender or Mach3 or whatever support software the adaptor comes with.

I imagine that you have ordered a UC100 or similar? (www.cnc4you.co.uk/UC100-USB-Motion-Controller)

So all you need then is Mach3 and a Windows PC.

dlw wrote:

I have Ubuntu Linux and that will never change.

In that case, see if you can return the USB to "CNC" cable. I am afraid that simply won't, and can't, work with LinuxCNC.

The good news is that, at least in theory, you should be able to run the 6040 directly from the parallel port.

Make sure you get a fully-wired cable, though. Some "printer cables" only contain the bare minimum of wires needed to run a printer.