Re: parallel port finally obsolete?

Is there any interest in an open source type of cnc package that can be put together for a cheaper price than 100-200 dollars? I just got some a3967 auto translated microsteppers in for 3@15.39 from taiwan @20 days to deliver, then found I could get them for the same price from digikey for 4.80 , plus 10$shipping here in the states. The parts were shipped from jameco to taiwan, then shipped by par avion for .43c back to here in vegas. I am using an arduino with reprap to gcode translation software,making a three way motor sheild for a three way cnc control kit. I use sketchup8(free version) to make my cad design, then output it with a custom ruby script that converts it to gcode thru sketchucam by phatboys,then uses the reprap sw to follow the gcode to arduino code inturperter. I have run into a few bugs concerning timing, but sofar worked them out with mechanical mods. My next big mod is to make the system a 6-7axis device driver, and was enquiring for help. I am making product with this , and don't really care if someone copies it for their own use(not commercial, such as kit sales))Has anyone had any experience joining arduinos to multi function ?? The original sys uses one arduino to control directly the two center tapped coils in each stepper motor X 3.(12 digital outs.)The microstepper drivers only require a step and dir combo if single stepping, and inclusion of the m1 or/and m2 pins to microstep. Would I be better off using an arduino mega instead of the duiemolova? Or can I enjoin 2 uno s? for 6 axis controls? would anyone be interested to make this open source to commonly share ideas?
I want to make a uniform system that anyone anywhere can use to make plasma cutters,welders(like the plaz3500)articulating arms for fabrication,and such...(it's all here, we just gotta put it together...)artinvegas..

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "polaraligned" <polaraligned@...> wrote:
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> Steve,
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> I have a SmoothStepper for sale. It is brand new and surplus to my needs. It has been been bench tested and is in good working order. I put it in the classified on the Mach forum. I am asking $100 for it. It believe the street price is $180 for these.
> What they do is emulate 2 parallel ports using USB interface. You then connect to your BOB just like you did your parallel port. There are many advantaged of using an external motion controller board like this, including getting a high quality stream of pulsed for your drives.
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> Scott
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> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "scyvt" <scy@> wrote:
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> > Forgive me if this topic has been already thoroughly covered - I did a search and didn't find the answer I was looking for, but I may have given up too quickly.
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> > Being a Macintosh person, I didn't have older PC's with parallel ports around, and wasn't comfortable evaluating used machines. Just recently an unused 2-3 year old Lenovo desktop came into my hands, but of course it has only USB ports.
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> > Has the longstanding need for parallel ports now been abolished? If so, what hardware is now available to interface between USB and stepper drivers? Is there a choice, and if so, pros & cons of each?
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> > TIA
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> > Steve
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