Thinkpad T42 Parallel Port not working

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26 Dec 2011 19:19 #15999 by eyalto
Settings:
ubuntu 10.04 - EMC 2.4.3 installed from live CD - EMC loads and Axis UI works

Problem:
The parallel port does not react to jog controls (motors not stepping)

I have seen the following documentation
wiki.linuxcnc.org/emcinfo.pl?TroubleShooting (section "11. Parallel port no longer works...")

but it seams that i already have the command "loadrt probe_parport" in my hal file in the right place.

WHAT TO DO? how can this issue be tested / solved?

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27 Dec 2011 12:52 #16014 by ArcEye
Hi

Lots more info req'd probably.

First, has this Thinkpad ever worked with EMC?

IE. Are you installing a new version of EMC or trying a completely new computer out?

1st step, go into BIOS get the parport address (will probably be 0x278 or 0x378) and check the port is set SPP.

2nd open your .hal file and check the loadrt hal_parport cfg ="0xNNN out" line and ensure that the hex address
matches the address of your port

If this is correct and you generated the config with stepconf, were you able to jog the axes whilst setting up?

regards

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27 Dec 2011 12:54 #16015 by Rick G
Have you checked your parallel port address?

From a terminal ...
cat /proc/ioports

Can help you find it.

or lspci -v if you are using an add in pci card.

You could also look here at the port index...

www.linuxcnc.org/docview/html/hal_drivers.html

You may also want to look at the parallel port tester.

wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?Parallel_Port_Tester

Rick G

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27 Dec 2011 12:56 #16016 by Rick G
ArcEye typed faster than me.

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27 Dec 2011 12:56 #16017 by cncbasher
also , what breakout or interface board are you using to interconnect to your steppers , would be helpful

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28 Dec 2011 01:00 #16025 by eyalto
Dear All.

you guys rock !

my thinkpad bios parallel port was 0x3BC and not 0x378 as most other PC's out there.

EMC now drives my machine motors !!

thanks ArcEye and Rick G and all others for the quick reply and fix!

<======>
summary (for others users that search):

+ Thinkpad T42 with EMC2 2.4.3 installed from Live CD
- Problem:
EMC simulated machine works + previously configured machine worked - but - no parallel port output
(stepper driver doesn't get any signal + tested with a scope no output on parallel port)
+ Solution:
Restart -> enter to bios setup utility -> configuration -> parallel port -> (ENABLED / 0x3BC / IRQ 7)
since the address in the bios was 0x3BC and not 0x378 as in hal file
edit hal file and change the line
--> from --> loadrt hal_parport cfg="0x378 out " --> to --> loadrt hal_parport cfg="0x3BC out "

and the motors are singing the happy machine song !

<=======>

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28 Dec 2011 11:31 #16038 by Rick G
Glad to hear you are up and running!

Rick G

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