Computer

[justinside]

So I am close to pulling the trigger, but I have another question.

I need to get a PC to run the machine, but I notice that most of the desktops no longer come with a parallel port in the back, what can be done?

Cheers

Paul

[AnotherDano]

So I am close to pulling the trigger, but I have another question.

I need to get a PC to run the machine, but I notice that most of the desktops no longer come with a parallel port in the back, what can be done?

Cheers

Paul

Serial Port cards are still available and can be added to the computer.
Look for one with high voltage output. Your computer salesman will probably be too young to have any idea what you're talking about.

But the tech guy/gal should know.

[SignTorch Vector Art]

for cnc, I like the dell gx series on ebay like this

that one is a gx500 series, the higher the number the better, the 600 series have dvi graphics ports, the 500 and 600 series are really small because they have an external power supply, get at least a gx270 or higher, the gx260s are so old they only have like 3 usb ports

they're all single core pentiums, not as fast as a really modern computer but they're pretty good for basic cnc and 2D cad/cam

[DXF]

Walmart sells a parallel port to usb port adapter. That should work.

Dave Hanks

[jmsrbrt]

I need to get a PC to run the machine

Personally, I'd have to have at least two USB ports in the front of the computer...one for my stick that I use to transport files from the house to the shop, one for my remote keypad that I use to jog the machine with. And I must be in the stone age...my equipment uses a serial port. Bob.

[geo4932]

A USB to parallel adapter will not work. You need a real parallel port. You can get a DELL Optiplex series computer or a PCI parallel port card from www.softio.com
Parallel ports are common for CNC controllers.

George