Re: Motion Controller?? Sorry, Try Again

> So let me restate what I don't understand. I need
> recommendations on what components are needed to
> convert Mach2's output to pulses that will go to my
> Geckos.

Ron is correct that the varios boards are not required, but some form
of connection is required.


there is no reason why you cannot connect some MOSFET's to the
parallel port and run a motor or two and bypass all the drivers and
such.


But, since you already said Gecko, you created some conditions.

Most of the breakout boards offer a direct or isolated output for
pins 2 thru 9. These are the ones typically used for driving the
STEP and DIRECTION siganls to the drivers.

There are three other sets of pins. pins 21 thru 26 are ground and
are common. In most cases, they are also common ground to the case.

Another set is typically used for inputs and another is typically
used for outputs.

What the breakout board does is to bring all the pins to some easy to
connect to terminal. Most are screw terminals and are marked for
easy recognition.

Also, since the inputs are often for end switches, they are also
often isolated with some from of opto isolator. Assuming that is a
wire is cut in the machine somewhere the potential of it bringing
some voltage back on the cut line is risky.

The outputs are also often used to power relays or some other high
power thing. for that, isolators are also used to prevent the
induction spike from the relay opening. Of course, SSR's (solid
state relays) take the 5v and have interal isolation.

The various break out boards offer a simple means of making all the
connections. But many of us have made our own BB's that do what we
are looking for.

I found out the hard way to think thru all the inputs. I missed the
resistors for the optos on my first attempt.

Dave