Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Black box again

Hi Jon, Ballendo,

I have noticed, that while you can get a parallel port board (SIIG) for
the PCI bus, it may (always?) put the address not at 278/278h, but at
something like C400h! And DOS won't recognize it! Fine for Windoz, but
not good for "older stuff" (like me). Perhaps someone can shed more
light on this subject!

On the other hand, USB is called marginal on Windoz95, and nonexistent
on 3.1 and DOS. Not that I mind Windoz98 2nd Ed, but I still like/use
DOS.

Jon, I know you have your "black box" running already (and nearing
production?), but what are your thoughts about USB control? Any
possibility?

I seem to be getting into USB at work, on our hand held automotive test
computer. And I hear of some projects starting up on these lists using
USB's.

Alan KM6VV
(still trying to learn)


Jon Elson wrote:

>
> ballendo@... wrote:
>
> > Jon,
> >
> > The P-port is "dead" on new motherboards coming from "retail" stores!
>
> What do you mean, dead? Do you mean there is one, but it is disabled
> somehow? Or, do you mean there is no parallel port at all?
>
> As long as the PCI bus exists, you can still plug in a cheap parallel port
> board.
>
> >
> > The tinkerers will still be able to get them for some time, but let
> > me paint a scenario which may ring true for some on this list:
> >
> > Customer: "I see you make cnc machines. What type of computer do I
> > need? I just bought an xfj-850mhz with 64 megs of RAM and I was
> > hoping to use it to drive the machine."
> >
> > You: "Our controller uses the parallel port. I'm not sure if the xfj-
> > 850 has one, but you can get an old motherboard at(insert local
> > location here)."
> >
> > Customer: "So your thousands of dollars machine won't work with a NEW
> > computer?!?"
>
> To make Linux work, you MUST carefully match EVERY single part in the
> computer to their hardware compatibility list. So, at least for EMC,
> you can't buy a computer at the local store and expect it to work.
>
> I'm sure suitable motherboards with parallel ports will be available
> for quite a while. There are plenty of people who have valid needs
> for them. Also, putting an 800+ MHz CPU and 64 MB of memory on
> a CNC machine is a waste of $1500+.
>
> Jon