RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Weird parallel port issue

You should never have your drives powered when you boot the computer or
until you launch the controller program. You should also have them
turned off when you shut the system down. The reason is that you can get
pulses sent out the parallel port during the start up and shut down
phase and other programs can also send pulses out the port. All of this
will cause potentially dangerous moves. Having the drives turned on when
you launch Visual Mill with it's dongle is a bad thing as the motors
jump around.

Tim
[Denver, CO]
Sherline products at Deep Discount
Mach1 & DeskCNC with credit card ordering
www.KTMarketing.com/Sherline
Now selling Visual Mill

> -----Original Message-----
>
>
> I've just powered up my new CNC setup and can't explain a bizzare
> event. I'm running Windows XP. My X and Z axis have no problem. I
> have the step line of my Y axis drive connected (through a breakout
> card) to parallel port pin 4 (and the Y direction is pin 5). When XP
> boots to its welcome screen, my Y axis stepper turns at a slow rate
> of speed. It continues to turn until I launch MACH2 (alpha) at which
> point it stops turning (and works as expected with the software). It
> will stay stopped even when I exit MACH2. I have a fourth axis on
> the breakout board that I can try, but I'd really like to know if
> anyone has a clue as to what is happening as I'd hate to waste the
> potential of the other axis.
>
> Thanks for all your previous input.
>
> Regards,
> Jeff
>
>
> Addresses:
> FAQ: http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html