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Does it actually use two parallel ports?

Hi all,

Today is activated the abc, uvw axis for the scurve planner.
It should work with look ahead.

git updated

cmorley wrote:

The big problem is I never used Ncam so don't know how/what things worked before.
Some things work now but really I could use someone who knows the program to audit and prioritize what part to work on. That would help and motivate me more.

I created a branch with the updated original version, so you can have a look how it supposed to work.

You find a gmoccapy sample config running in a RIP environment here: github.com/LinuxCNC/linuxcnc/commits/nativecam
You need to run 'git submodule update --init --recursive' because I added NativeCAM as a submodule...

My recommendation would be to buy a Mesa 7i96s and do it yourself. You will get a better performing machine, probably for the same money without limitations from the parallel port

I created a branch with a gmoccapy sample config: github.com/LinuxCNC/linuxcnc/commits/nativecam
to test in a RIP environment.
I added NativeCAM as a submodule from github.com/freemoore/NativeCAM, so you need to run 'git submodule update --init --recursive' for the first time to get its content.
Please let me know if it works for you as well.



 

Yep. I'm thinking that there's enough copper in this machine, to cover the cost of a significant portion of this conversion.

I had a drive playing up and resetting to factory defaults fixed it
 

This is the correct wiring... I always had it wired like that, so the 7i77 and 7i84 are always powered.
 

 

When I flip the mains switch, I have 24.26V on rail 204 to ground (201).

I cut off the legs and then desoldered the remaining leg bits, removing the both NCV7608 chips. When I plug the 7i84 into the 7i77 and boot up (no field power connected) , I get a solid yellow LED on CR8, but that is all. None of the other LED's show any activity. LinuxCNC fails to load with a 7i84 pin unknown error.

Tommy, good idea to scope that 24V rail while switching some of the bigger relays, thanks. Since LinuxCNC faults out, I will need to work out how I can fake machine on and latched, to get the 200 rail powered as well, so be able to manual operate those relays with their test buttons.

I am considering of buying a cnc milling machine.
 do have good Linux experience and own a Lasercutter (which came as a set to assemble), but I am new to this kind of machines. The cnc-step support confirmed that their milling machines can be run with Linux cnc, but with no support.
I didn't had any resuls with the forum search, hence the question(s):
-Is there experience with this particular machines?
-If not, what kind of information do I need to gather about the controller to get it working?
(here is the information of the site: www.cnc-step.com/5-channel-stepper-motor-controller/)

Let me know, if this is even the right way to start my information gathering or what a better approach I should do for this.

I know Tom has already tested this chipset, but I'll add some more details.

Model: PAR6408AXX100
Chipset: Sunix SUN2212
Interface: PCIe
Supports PS/2: YES
Supports EPP: NOT TESTED
Supports IN Mode: YES (In PS/2 Mode)
Supports X Mode: YES (In PS/2 Mode - Control port pins are open drain/collector)
Tested OS: linuxcnc-2.8.4 / Debian Buster
Tested Computer: Dell Optiplex 760





For IN and X Modes to work, mode has to be set to PS/2.

I couldn't figure out why, but a couple of times during my testing the mode changed itself to Standard Mode, whitch is not bi-directional. If one tries to use IN or X modes while in Standard Mode some pins won't work. 

Does anyone know what may be causing the ECR register to randomly reset to Standard Mode (0b000XXXXX) ? If I can't find a way to fix it I am thinking of setting a startup script to make sure the right mode is always in place.

I would definitely avoid Ebay.

It's overpriced for what you get.

AliExpress has some low-quality stuff, but at least it's pretty cheap.

I suppose making your own rectifier could be fun, but an integrated rectifier is nice, easy, and simple.

gm001 wrote:

Sure, "they don't make 'em like they used to."

However, the benefit of modern China stuff is that it's cheap, readily available, and more-or-less standardized. If I replace the steppers and drives, I'll have the same steppers and drives that countless others run. That will make potential issues easier to troubleshoot. Also, if something fails, it's cheap and easy to swap in a new component.

The DM860 is exactly what I'm considering. It seems to be well-regarded. However, from what I've read, it will not work properly with my existing steppers. I would need to go with a DM1182, instead.

Most stepper motors (except variable reluctance steppers) have permanent magnets. Modern steppers use rare earth magnets - making them smaller, more efficient, and more powerful. Brushless motors also have permanent magnets. Their magnets are located on the rotor, rather than in the stator (the reverse of brushed motors).

I understand that a transformer-type power supply will produce less noise (harmonics?) than a switching power supply. However, does it make that much of a difference in this application? Has anyone had trouble with a LinuxCNC system working correctly on a hobby-grade machine, due to the use of switching power supplies on the stepper drives? I can certainly investigate re-using one of the power supplies this machine came with - apparently, several others have done this. The appeal of the switching power supplies to me is that they are readily available and modular. However, I'm not "stuck" on using them!

You forgot the most important reason: Linear power supplies are really, really heavy!!!!!!

That's why everyone sells switching power supplies, the shipping cost for a huge transformer would be astronomical.

I have also polished the "showport" utility created by Kirk Wallace.

Now one can set and read all 8 parallel port modes from on-board and PCI/PCIe cards.

Instead of showing only the numeric (decimal) value of each register, now it shows the mode name and respective binary value.

Command line is back compatible with original version, but now it is also possible to reference the modes by index.

Compile "sudo gcc -O2 -o showport showport.c"run with "sudo ./showport (base1) (extended1) (mode) (base2) (extended2) (mode) ...

For example - "sudo ./showport 21D0 21C8 1 21C0 21B8 4"
Modes Indexes:    
    0 = Standard Mode
    1 = PS/2 Mode
    2 = Parallel Port FIFO Mode
    3 = ECP FIFO Mode
    4 = EPP Mode
    5 = Reserved
    6 = FIFO Test Mode
    7 = Configuration Mode
    s = PS/2 Mode
    e = EPP Mode
    n = No change

For terminology reference:  wearcam.org/seatsale/programs/www.beyondlogic.org/ecp/ecp.htm



It is not always like this, but for a Sunix SUN2212 these are the addresses I've got. You have to search for two 8 byte addresses. 

Excellent idea, Tom!

For testing convenience I have extended the Parallel Port Tester from BigJohnT to also test in "IN" and "X" modes.  

     

Hi Sandro and inspirr,

I guess it is also now still not solved?
I have the same issue with the ECT60.
Do you think it is an software issue on the driver, which maybe could be fixed with new software?