Re: Steppers via the Parallel Port?

[Jon Elson <elson-at-pico-systems.com>]

Adam Hunt wrote:

>Is it possible to control two or three steppers via the parallel port using
>EMC? 
> 
>
Yes, there are a number of drivers with different performance 
characteristics to choose from, too!
You have faster but rougher timing, and lower rapid feed but smoother 
pulse timing.

>Also, could one use the parallel port for quadrature encoder feedback IO? 
>  
>
Not just as is.  You either need an encoder counter card, like the Dan 
Mauch ISA card, or my
Universal Stepper Controller (see http://pico-systems.com/univstep.html 
for more info) that
does the encoder counter, step pulse generation and digital I/O for 
limit switches, etc. and
spindle, coolant or whatever you need to turn on/off.

Jon