USB breakout board

[AZ_guy]

I started another thread about needing to swap Mach 3 to a new computer and realized that I’ll need to replace my parallel port breakout board with a USB one, I was sent a link to a pretty cheap on on eBay that looks like it should work but while I’m replacing this is there one that better than others? I’d like to keep using Mach 3 but if it’s worth going to something else I’d do that now that I’m upgrading.

One thing I don’t have now but I’d like to eventually add is a THC, is there a better USB breakout board that would have the option to add a THC?

is there a difference in levels if breakout boards or is it basically “a board is a board” and more expensive boards are just paying for brand name?

I’m basically of the mindset that if I’m replacing something I’d rather upgrade if it’s worth it and be happier later, also my plasma table is older so I’ve been going through it and when something needs replaced upgrading.

Thanks guys

[robertspark]

thc is a function of the motion controller

a usb "breakout board" is NOT a breakout board it is actually a motion controller..... lots of them cannot do thc, threading or in some cases probe as all of these are internal functions of the motion controller and not done by Mach 3 .... (they require realtime timing which cannot be done with usb because the data is buffered)

buy a genuine uc100.. http://cncdrive.com/UC100.html ... but for a little more get a uc400eth ...https://www.cncdrive.com/UC400ETH.html. usb is known to suffer from noise issues.... Ethernet does not.

if you want an all in one solution.... or you won't need to have an lpt breakout boardoard too, to provide optical isolation get an axbb-e. https://www.cncdrive.com/AXBB.html

all will run mach3, mach4 and if you think it's time to move on from mach3 to something which is still being actively developed uccnc .....

[AZ_guy]

thc is a function of the motion controller

a usb "breakout board" is NOT a breakout board it is actually a motion controller..... lots of them cannot do thc, threading or in some cases probe as all of these are internal functions of the motion controller and not done by Mach 3 .... (they require realtime timing which cannot be done with usb because the data is buffered)

buy a genuine uc100.. http://cncdrive.com/UC100.html ... but for a little more get a uc400eth ...https://www.cncdrive.com/UC400ETH.html. usb is known to suffer from noise issues.... Ethernet does not.

if you want an all in one solution.... or you won't need to have an lpt breakout boardoard too, to provide optical isolation get an axbb-e. https://www.cncdrive.com/AXBB.html

all will run mach3, mach4 and if you think it's time to move on from mach3 to something which is still being actively developed uccnc .....

so for that first UC100 so i just use the usb output from the computer into the back of the unit then that ourputs a parallal port. Id be happy getting which ever of those if theyd work but im haing a hard time seeing how it would all connect to my current set up. I just noticed i didnt check out your last link, ill check that now. Thanks!

[robertspark]

so for that first UC100 so i just use the usb output from the computer into the back of the unit then that outputs a parallel port.

If you are currently using a Parallel port now you can just plug the UC100 into the breakout board parallel port and plug it into your PC via the USB and you are ready to go.

Note (again) there are a load of "UC100's" listed on amazon, ebay and aliexpress that are fake .... first port of call is cost.... second port of call is appearance.... whilst in "theory" you may find they work with Mach3.... they are unlikely to provide THC

buy cheap... buy twice...

The genuine ones are ~80 Euros, and available from a number of places {not sure south of the equator where to look though....}

Here is a genuine one... but it means nothing to me cost wise sorry
https://www.mytoolstore.com.au/products ... oller.html


the product manual is here:
http://cncdrive.com/MC/UC100%20datashee ... 0guide.pdf

[robertspark]

probably worth mentioning again that I'm not a fan of USB on plasma.... as this post has just popped up its probably worth being aware that some can have issues.... but I do know that there are a number running the UC100 without issues.... all depends on your setup + wiring .....

https://www.plasmaspider.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=28950

[AZ_guy]

so for that first UC100 so i just use the usb output from the computer into the back of the unit then that outputs a parallel port.

If you are currently using a Parallel port now you can just plug the UC100 into the breakout board parallel port and plug it into your PC via the USB and you are ready to go.

Note (again) there are a load of "UC100's" listed on amazon, ebay and aliexpress that are fake .... first port of call is cost.... second port of call is appearance.... whilst in "theory" you may find they work with Mach3.... they are unlikely to provide THC

buy cheap... buy twice...

The genuine ones are ~80 Euros, and available from a number of places {not sure south of the equator where to look though....}

Here is a genuine one... but it means nothing to me cost wise sorry
https://www.mytoolstore.com.au/products ... oller.html


the product manual is here:
http://cncdrive.com/MC/UC100%20datashee ... 0guide.pdf

I ordered this one, hopefully its a genuine one, the price seemed about right. There was one right next to it for 70 so im guessing that one is a copy. Also this one says its coming from CNCdrive, no idea if that means much.
https://www.amazon.com/CNCdrive-UC100-P ... way&sr=8-1

I already have the parallel port on my setup so ill try and use this, hopefully it works. If not then ill have to move on and try something else