Re: parallel port finally obsolete?

The best answer I can think of is this: Usb is serial information, which means you have to use some devise, like a uart to build strings of info and time share it for translation of code. The parrallel port transmits info with more bits at a time,in bigger chunks of info. serial is slower due to the reconstitution of data, and the time it takes to accomplish that task. Parallel to usb conversions use a surface mount uart(very small)to convert the parallel data to a serial string of information usable by the cnc device you may plan to use...I have a usb interface on my new cnc kit I designed to use an arduino controller with 3 20amp 24vdc stepper motors for my new plasma cutting/welding table. (it's also wireless@2.4 ghz),and can be loaded with a sdram card for independant operation...(I am working on nesting software,so If you could help,I would appreciate it...)...artinvegas...

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "scyvt" <scy@...> wrote:
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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?
>
> TIA
>
> Steve
>