Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] troubleshooting help

Hi Rick,

The CMD port is at +1, IE, 889.

The bit assignments are:

#define CMD_MASK 0x1B

#define SPP_STROBE 0x01 /* I nStrobe (pin 1) */
#define SPP_AUTOFD 0x02 /* I nAutoFd (pin 14) */
#define SPP_INIT 0x04 /* I nInit (pin 16) */
#define SPP_SLC_IN 0x08 /* I nSelectIn (pin 17) */
#define SPP_IRQE 0x10 /* I IRQ enab */
#define SPP_LISTEN 0x20 /* ? direction */

Notice that several pins are inverted, per the CMD_MASK.

The motors jump, so yes, you have motor power. I suspect you are using
the wrong port address, try the others. Also, are you using step/dir?
or 4-phase drivers?

Sending a 1, 0, 1, 0... sequence to the DATA port (888) should result in
pin 2 going alternately high and low. Either put in a delay between
OUT's, or wait for a key from the keyboard. THis way, you'll be able to
see the changes on the multimeter or LED.

Sending a 2, 0, 2, 0... sequence to the same port should result in pin 3
going alternately high and low.

Sending 1, 0, 1... sequence to 889 (CMD port) should result in pin 1
toggleing.

PORTS:

888 (378H) data
889 (379H) cmd
890 (37AH) status

632 (278H) data
633 (270H) cmd
634 (27AH) status

Try these tests, and then we can advise you better!

HTH

Alan KM6VV


Rick Miller wrote:

>
> 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