Add a second 7i73 >> solved<<

If you have a 7I85S, you already have 2 RS-422 ports so all that is needed is the second 7I73

Thanks Peter, saves some money but still the job to install CAT6 cable.

Will have to see what route I go.

tecno wrote: Rod/bevis are you saying that it must be connected to 7i76e P1 as P2 is occupied by 7i85s?

The 7i85s has a RS422 on board so you could use that... check the manual

What additional I/O do you need? there may be another way with one 7I73

This is what I have now on my 7i73



This is what I need = change from mode 1 to mode 2

1 MPG (2 inputs)
1 LCD 2x16 (7 pins ?)
2 11-pos switches analog (2 inputs)
1 E-stop (1 input)
following matrix schematics, 4 rows 5 columns keys and ditto LED's for each key
keys 4 inputs 5 outputs, Leds 3-pins



Looking forward to see if this can be done.

Leaning more and more to bite the bullet and go for Lhb04b-6

Do want cable not RF that in my opinion is unsafe.

Why don't you just get something like this ?

It does all that you need. Wire into the Mesa MPG and add in the axis selection and scale selectors..

Install new loooooooooooooooong cable is PITA

I have one of those from way back in my Mach2/3 era.

And the Lhb04b-6 can also be used on the plasma rig and ev my lathe.

Ah, but you said you wanted a wire.

I use a non-usb hard wired 433 MHz receiver pendant that has never missed a beat.

USB for me, CPU is in the monitor box as well as 7i73 that has MPG on the box.
7i76e is far away in the mill.

I have seen many having good results with RF pendants but I prefer cable for E-stop ( yes it is still USB ) safer than RF.