troubleshooting help

Hello!
I just finished wiring up my 3-axis controller, and I'm having trouble getting it to work properly. I tried using TurboCNC, but I couldn't get it to move the motors (after trying various combinations of settings), or activate any of the relays.

When the system is powered, the step motors are receiving power; they hold their position firmly and cannot be rotated by hand, so I know it's receiving power. Also, when the computer boots up, the step motors turn a few steps on their own accord, so I know that *some* type of signal is getting through the parallel port, at least at that time.

I tried to send step signals "manually" by using the OUT 888, [x] command from qbasic, without having any luck. I'm wondering if anyone knows what parameters (if any) from the basic OUT command would send a signal to either pin 1, 14, or 16; this would allow me to at least test the relay for function.

If there are any other simple ways to test the parallel port, I'd like to know... also, if anyone has any other troubleshooting suggestions, I'd appreciate them. I did put my voltmeter across the pins on the parallel port while running a loop of the OUT command; there was no difference on the meter, it stayed at +4.5VDC the whole time; perhaps the signal pulse is too short for my digital voltmeter to read properly?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions,
Rick


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