RE: Parport questions

[Tim Goldstein <tgoldstein-at-mlh-services.com>]

Test testppt only works when the port is not in use by EMC. It lets you
check that your hardware is working correctly, but that is about the end of
it's usefulness. As far as the parallel port printer support, you don't need
it to run EMC. I am not sure how you are trying to make the steppers run,
but if you use the .ini and .run script that Matt has on his website it will
load the correct items to make the steppers work.

Concerning the limit pins, you can set the bit in the .ini file so that they
appear open all the time. If you want to wire them up you need to put a 2.2K
1/4 watt pull up resistor into the circuit. I have my switches set so they
are normally open, but you can change the bit in the .ini and have them work
the other way if you want. Remember, if you use normally open switches they
connect in parallel, if you use normally close they are put in series. If
you go to http://206.19.206.56/parallel.htm and click on the link labeled
"download this .dxf file" you will get a file that shows one way to hookup
the limit switches and motors. 

Hope this helps,

Tim
[Denver, CO]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Till Franitza [xfa-at-isw.uni-stuttgart.de]
> Sent: Monday, October 25, 1999 12:55 AM
> To: Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: Parport questions
> 
> 
> Hallo!
> 
> I am trying to connect Steppers to the Parallel port.
> some questions:
> The testppt doesnt work. I cant toggle any output bit. There 
> are only ones.
> Why? Do i need to load some Parport.o or stepper.o or 
> something? What about
> the kernel option "parallel port printer support"? Where do I find the
> sources for testppt?
> 
> Do the inputs from positive and negative limit need to be 
> high or low when
> no limit is reached? How did you wire these two and the ref pin,
> electrically?
> 
> Thank you for help!
> 
> Till
> 
>