Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Interface options, headless boxen, and remote control ...

From: "Bryan-TheBS-Smith" <b.j.smith@...>

> RS-422 is essentially RS-232 with differential voltaging (usually
> for long distance cabling).

<heavy sigh>
d-i-f-f-e-r-e-n-t-i-a-l v-o-l-t-a-g-i-n-g???
Howz the port know?

> > And if you put in add-in parallel port boards, can you
> > give EMC more output options?
>
> Er, if you mean by "output options," you mean printers? I guess.
> But that wasn't my focus. I'm talking about using parallel ports
> for actual _control_ of components.

Nope, I meant for machine control.
Like for running 6 axes, instead of 3.
Or using the added outputs for triggering devices,
like the trigger on a plasma torch.

> 1) Most MIDI/gameports are fixed to the 200-201h default, which
> means only one can be used per system.

Ahhh, okay.

> 2) Mainboards with ISA slots are slowly becoming extinct. It might
> be fine to consider them today, but I'm looking towards the future.

True'n'uff.

> Yes, there _are_ PCI-to-ISA "bridge chips" (and PCI boards with
> external ISA chassis). But its much, much cheaper to just use a PCI
> multiport serial card IMHO.

Okay, so supposing we had a PCI parallel port card,
can we use it to control additional outputs to devices?
(asking one of the EMC gurus here)

> I know the concept of "remote access/display" is a bit difficult for
> Windows users to grasp, but it'll become clear to you once you use
> it a couple of times. ;-PPP

I think it just dawned on me.
Basically build the machine like you would any other, and just
use the RJ45 and another 'puter instead of the monitor and kb.

Weyland