Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] EMC/Gecko/Parallel Port interface

Ian Wright wrote:

> Hi Allan,
>
> > Will the BDI EMC install recognize a second parallel port card? What
> > steps are required to "see" the additional port? Does the BDI
> > install have a preference between PCI or ISA parallel port cards?
>
> Yes, the BDI (linux) will work with any extra cards provided your BIOS
> recognises them.

It actually doesn't require the BIOS to recognoze them, as it doesn't use LPT
port access, but uses direct I/O commands to the specified address.
(At least, that's how it worked through May-2000.)

> If you use an old ISA card which is not Plug and Pray
> compatible, you will have to tell linux where to find it but any of the more
> modern cards should be auto-detected. EMC defaults to the second parallel
> port being at 278H but you can change that in the ini file if you wish.

Really, Linux is totally unaware that EMC is using these I/O devices. This
can cause some odd things to happen if you try to print while EMC is running.
Now, there is some BIOS interaction with my Parallel Port cards, whihc require
the BIOS to preset the mode of the parallel port chip on the motherboard to
the desired mode.

Jon