Plasmacam set up question.

[8ob]

Recently purchased a new to me dhc2 4'x4' plasma table, initially had trouble establishing a connection between the parallel port and the control on the table. Purchased a new cable and the computer now communicates. On initial set up a message popped up on the screen warning that the port inc whatever goes on inside it is of low quality and may affect the performance of the machine. Is this right or do I ignore it?

Bob

 

[m_c]

If the table uses a parallel port, you'll need an old enough computer with a native parallel port, not a USB-> Parallel adapter.
And then you may need to tweak settings to get best performance.

If the table runs, I'd try running it and see what happens.

 

[sako243]

I didn't actually see it but I *think* what Bob got was a PCIe parallel port adapter.

 

[Erie Fred]

I would have a look around here:

PlasmaCam, Samson, & Go Torch Forum - PlasmaSpider

plasmaspider.com

 

[m_c]

I didn't actually see it but I *think* what Bob got was a PCIe parallel port adapter.

Last time I run a parallel port, it was PCI, so not exactly sure how PCIe would work.
If it is old school parallel, it'll also need a 32bit version of windows, and no newer than Win7 (all 64bit and Win8 onwards moved to encrypted kernals, so couldn't be hacked easily to provide the required timing for CNC operation).
It's probably worth finding some of the old Mach3 parallel port setup guides, and checking the port settings are similar.

Personally, if I was wanting to run such on old setup, I'd get an old computer that still had a native parallel port.
The other option is a retrofit of some kind, but that would lose the functionality of the Plasmacam software, unless they themselves offer some kind of upgrade.

 

[m_c]

I would have a look around here:

PlasmaCam, Samson, & Go Torch Forum - PlasmaSpider

plasmaspider.com

And that was the site I was trying to think of last night, as I'm currently researching something for myself, and couldn't remember it!

 

[8ob]

If the table uses a parallel port, you'll need an old enough computer with a native parallel port, not a USB-> Parallel adapter.
And then you may need to tweak settings to get best performance.

If the table runs, I'd try running it and see what happens.

Yes, its on windows7 and a parallel port. Original pc that came with it was goosed so I bought another tower with windows7 on it and the seller fitted the port. Not sure what was fitted, I don't know whether it's needed or not but the consensus seems to be change what I have for one of these https://axxon.io/product/lf1119kb-pci-express-pcie-ieee1284-parallel-port-host-adapter/.

Bob

 

[knighty]

Yes, its on windows7 and a parallel port. Original pc that came with it was goosed so I bought another tower with windows7 on it and the seller fitted the port. Not sure what was fitted, I don't know whether it's needed or not but the consensus seems to be change what I have for one of these https://axxon.io/product/lf1119kb-pci-express-pcie-ieee1284-parallel-port-host-adapter/.

Bob

it's deffo. 32bit win7 and not 64bit?

right cluck my computer (on the desktop or in the start menu) then click properties

it should tell you there