Basic configuration for a chinese 6040 cnc router please

Hi,

I am looking for a guide to connect a chinese 6040 cnc up.

thanks

Do you intend to control it via the parallel port?

linuxcnc.org/docs/2.7/html/config/stepconf.html

If it is one of the ones with a USB interface then it is possible to control it with LinuxCNC, but a lot of work to gut the controller. In that case I would say it is easier to run with the supplied pirated version of mach3.

No, I specifically spec'd the parallel port version specifically to run linuxcnc. I have a i7 Dell1500 to which I added PCI parallel port and have 2.7 installed. The CNC is in transit, maybe today or more like Monday or Tuesday. I will probably boot the pirated mach3 just to try it so the Dell is dual boot but I dont like using pirated stuff and I use linux for a living anyway. The initial setup is just a bit daunting.

Stepconf should make it fairly easy, all you really need to know is which stepper driver is on each pin.

Probably going to gut the control box anyway eventually and put in good electronics, just starting with what I could afford. I have 4 stepper controllers from the USA as kits that are supposed to be very good. I just need to assemble them so the last stage is to find a linuxcnc friendly breakout board. Then replace the X rails and maybe Y as I go along. HGR20 rails and HGW20 boggies look the biz.

Ok so I have it setup in terms of hardware. parallel port is on 14f2:0121. The spindle turns via its controller but despite running setpconf I have no movement.

The controller is a 3/4axis jb3163 type Ive tried two configs.

2=x step
3=xdir
4= y step
5 = y dir
6 = z step
7 = z dir

No movement.


The other way is I can import a mach.ini? if anyone has the same hardware?

**edit**
Ok Ive got a little further, I re-did the stepconf but didnt change a single thing and now when I go to test the axis I can here a small "thunk" from X and y steppers. Not for Z, that sounds like a relay is closing when I try and move. Hmmm so my noob opinion is I think the parallel card is detected OK and it sounds like something is happening so its down to I have the wrong pinouts?

***edit2***

Have case off, I have one lit red LED next to the parallel port and 8 green LEDs. first 6 = lit right to left X-pu, X-dr, Y-pu, y-dr z-pu, z-dr these are lit Green 7 is unknown and unit. When I toggle the em stop in Linux cnc green led 8 toggles also.

I can toggle the X and Y dr leds Ok while in test the axis. Hmm something needs enabling? something inverting?