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Question #: 711

Question: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PARALLEL AND USB ELECTRONICS COMBOS MOTOR KITS

Current Solution

The parallel (printer cable) port is uses the computer as its main source of pulse trains to operate the motor driver directly. Parallel ports are a direct connection from the processor commonly referred to as GPIO pins (General Purpose I/O pins) and provides a convenient and powerful way to interface with the computer. The parallel breakout board is included in those kits only to condition those signals for use with the drivers.

The USB serves at the actual controller, sending the pulse trains, but the computer sends simple human readable instructions to the USB controller to tell the controller how to send pulses.

The non-technical differences that may serve as the most important information to you is that the parallel configurations allow for a wider variety of industry standard software that can be used to control the cnc machine. The USB that we offer requires the operator to use a software called Planet-CNC software which is a very well made and feature full cnc control software.

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Additional Information:
USB Motion controller breakout board work with planet cnc software?

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

  • what is the difference between parallel and USB electronics. I have a laptop that will run the mach3 program.

    The parallel (printer cable) port is uses the computer as its main source of pulse trains to operate the motor driver directly. Parallel ports are a direct connection from the processor commonly referred to as GPIO pins (General Purpose I/O pins) and provides a convenient and powerful way to interface with the computer. The parallel breakout board is included in those kits only to condition those signals for use with the drivers.

    The USB serves at the actual controller, sending the pulse trains, but the computer sends simple human readable instructions to the USB controller to tell the controller how to send pulses.

    The non-technical differences that may serve as the most important information to you is that the parallel configurations allow for a wider variety of industry standard software that can be used to control the cnc machine. The USB that we offer requires the operator to use a software called Planet-CNC software which is a very well made and feature full cnc control software.

    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:
    USB Motion controller breakout board work with planet cnc software?

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    what is the difference between parallel and USB electronics. I have a laptop that will run the mach3 program.

  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PRINTER CABLE PORT AND USB MOTOR KITS

    The parallel (printer cable) port is uses the computer as its main source of pulse trains to operate the motor driver directly. Parallel ports are a direct connection from the processor commonly referred to as GPIO pins (General Purpose I/O pins) and provides a convenient and powerful way to interface with the computer. The parallel breakout board is included in those kits only to condition those signals for use with the drivers.

    The USB serves at the actual controller, sending the pulse trains, but the computer sends simple human readable instructions to the USB controller to tell the controller how to send pulses.

    The non-technical differences that may serve as the most important information to you is that the parallel configurations allow for a wider variety of industry standard software that can be used to control the cnc machine. The USB that we offer requires the operator to use a software called Planet-CNC software which is a very well made and feature full cnc control software.

    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:
    USB Motion controller breakout board work with planet cnc software?

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PRINTER CABLE PORT AND USB MOTOR KITS

  • WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PARALLEL BREAKOUT BOARD AND USB ITERFACE?

    The parallel (printer cable) port is uses the computer as its main source of pulse trains to operate the motor driver directly. Parallel ports are a direct connection from the processor commonly referred to as GPIO pins (General Purpose I/O pins) and provides a convenient and powerful way to interface with the computer. The parallel breakout board is included in those kits only to condition those signals for use with the drivers.

    The USB serves at the actual controller, sending the pulse trains, but the computer sends simple human readable instructions to the USB controller to tell the controller how to send pulses.

    The non-technical differences that may serve as the most important information to you is that the parallel configurations allow for a wider variety of industry standard software that can be used to control the cnc machine. The USB that we offer requires the operator to use a software called Planet-CNC software which is a very well made and feature full cnc control software.

    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:
    USB Motion controller breakout board work with planet cnc software?

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PARALLEL BREAKOUT BOARD AND USB ITERFACE?

  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MACH3 AND MACH4?

    Standard Version Features Mach3 Mach4 Hobby Mach4 Industrial
    Number of Planners 1 1 1
    Number of Axis 6 6 6
    Out of Band Axis (OBA) 0 1 6
    Slave axis (uses up coordinated axes) 3 N/A N/A
    Slave motors (does not use up coordinated axes) N/A 4 per Axis 4 per Axis
    API Interface - Open to All Hardware Yes Yes Yes
    Extended Plugin Support Yes Yes Yes
    User customizable GUI Yes Yes Yes
    Unified (GUI) Interface - PLC, CNC, etc.. Yes Yes
    Unlimited IO Yes Yes Yes
    Modbus PLC Yes Yes Yes
    PMC (Ladder Logic addressing for cnc/plc) Yes Yes
    Unlimited File Size Yes Yes
    Tool Path Display Yes Yes Yes
    Tool Path Speed & Quality Low High High
    Scripting - Customization Yes Yes Yes
    LUA Scripting - simple, fast, cross-platform Yes Yes
    - Lua sockets (ftp, http, smtp,..) Yes Yes
    - SSL (security layer) Yes Yes
    - LFS (manage large files and data storage) Yes Yes
    - Seriel port Yes Yes
    - Enraving of part numbers / serial numbering of parts Yes Yes
    - Plugin panel objects Yes Yes
    IPC Library for Data Sharing/tracking (Interprocess communication) Yes Yes
    Full Feature Screens/Controls Per Machine Type Yes Yes
    Currently Availabe: Mill, Router, Lathe, 3d Printer Yes Yes
    Multiple gcode Interpruters (Per Machine Type) Yes Yes
    Probing - Intergrated in standard screens Yes Yes
    Simulated 3d Machining (with additional plugin license) Yes Yes
    Tool Life Management (G10 L3 command) Yes
    Screw Mapping Yes
    Professional Screen Designer (advanced G.U.I.) Yes
    - Screen Animation Control Yes
    - Screen Integrated Tool Table Control Yes
    - Screen Integrated Work Offset Control Yes
    - Screen Integrated gcode editor Yes
    - Screen Artsoft Wizard Package Integration Yes
    Macro B gcode Programming (#variables) Yes
    - User definable gcodes via marco calls Yes
    - Macro Calls: G65, G66, G66.1 Yes
    - gcode via marco call (custom G codes via macro B) Yes
    - mcode via macro call (custom M codes via macro B) Yes
    - mcode via sub code (custom M code via sup program) Yes
    - Conditional gcodes Yes
    - set VN call - define variable names Yes
    gcode Editor Included Yes
    Scripted M code (custom M code via LUA script) Yes Yes
    Variable Speed Spindle Yes Yes Yes
    Spindle Relay Yes Yes Yes
    Coolant relay Yes Yes Yes
    Mist Relay Yes Yes Yes
    Threading Yes Yes Yes
    Rigid Tapping Yes Yes Yes
    Single Block Yes Yes Yes
    Block Delete Yes Yes Yes
    Optional Stop Yes Yes Yes
    MACH CNC CONTROL SOFTWARE MAIN FEATURES AND VERSION DIFFERENCES
    Standard Version Features Mach3 Mach4 Hobby Mach4 Industrial
    MACH CNC CONTROL SOFTWARE MAIN FEATURES AND VERSION DIFFERENCES
    Cutter Comp Yes Yes Yes
    Fanuc Type C Cutter Comp Yes Yes
    Fixture Offsets Yes Yes Yes
    G51 Scaling Yes Yes Yes
    G92 Offsets Yes Yes Yes
    G52 Offsets Yes Yes Yes
    Event Driven Yes Yes
    Multi Line MDI Yes Yes
    Subs In MDI Yes Yes
    OpenGL Optimization Yes Yes
    Multi-platform OS Compatibility Option Yes Yes
    Online Support Yes Yes Yes
    Phone Support Option Available Yes
    Support Priority Yes
    Available to End Users as "Do-it-yourself" Yes Yes
    Summary - Mach3 versus Mach4 :
    Mach4 Hobby is the closest comparable version to Mach3, yet it is still much more advanced. The price point of these versions is nearly
    identical. Mach3 is very popular for hobby enthusiest and is used in highly modified form by some great OEM's. In general, Mach4 is more
    complex than Mach3 and follows cnc industry standards. Mach3 has many customizations to make it easier for hobby users, but can lead to
    difficulties if users plan to apply their knowledge to more advanced systems. Mach4 is built as a full featured cnc controller capable of high
    speed machining for servo and stepper systems. Mach3's feature set is complete, while Mach4's will continue to expand. If you are new to cnc,
    Artsoft highly recommends using and learning Mach4 even if it appears that Mach3's feature set will be adequate for your needs.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MACH3 AND MACH4?

  • WHATISTHE DIFFERENCE WTIH THE PARALLEL BREAKOUT BOARD AND USB BOARD?

    The parallel is the most versatile breakout board we have and will work with most of the software out there, but many computers are not equipped with parallel connectors anymore. Parallel adapter cards are available if you don't have a parallel connection on your computer.

    The USB interface must be used only with the planet-cnc software, which is great software, but you are still limited to only that software application. This is actually the least expensive option unless you use linux and go with the above option.

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    WHATISTHE DIFFERENCE WTIH THE PARALLEL BREAKOUT BOARD AND USB BOARD?

  • WHAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 3 AXIS AND 5 CNC?

    3 axis machines cannot create undercuts in the part.

    These videos show the capabilities of 3 and 5 axis machining:

    3-axis CNC:

    &feature=fvwrel

    5-axis CNC:
    &feature=related

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    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    WHAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 3 AXIS AND 5 CNC?

  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROCK CRYSTAL ?

    The first number is the amount of chromium that is contained in the stainless, i.e., 18 is 18% chromium. The second number is the amount of nickel, i.e., 8 stands for 8% nickel. So 18/8 means that this stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. 18/10 is 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The higher the numbers the more corrosion resistant the material. 18/0 is a misleading designation. Both 18/8 and 18/10 contain nickel and are part of the grade family "300 series" stainless. 18/0 means that there is 18% chromium but zero nickel. When there is no nickel the stainless grade family is the "400 series". 400 series are not as corrosion resistant as the 300 series and are magnetic, where the 300 series are non-magnetic.

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    WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROCK CRYSTAL ?

  • Are the 3 axis electronics combos with the Mach 3 USB breakout board compatible with Mach 4?

    These boards are compatible with Mach3 only at this time. We will be adding a Mach4 board in the near future.

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    Are the 3 axis electronics combos with the Mach 3 USB breakout board compatible with Mach 4?

  • Which electronics unit comes with item #230, the 3 axis USB or parallel? If parallel, do you have a package price that includes the USB electronics?

    This version of the blueChick comes with the Parallel Breakout Board.

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    Which electronics unit comes with item #230, the 3 axis USB or parallel? If parallel, do you have a package price that includes the USB electronics?

  • I believe I understand USB v Parallel BoB on the Blacktooth but what is "integrated computer" mean?

    Integrated computer for our blackFoot means, that the computer components will be included with that kit. Meaning that a motherboard(mini itx) with a on-board processor, RAM, HDD and power supply is sent.
    So the blackTooth will be a all in one kit, excluding any software with the price.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I believe I understand USB v Parallel BoB on the Blacktooth but what is "integrated computer" mean?

  • IS THERE A WAY TO GET RID OF THE PARALLEL CABLE AND SOMEHOW USE USB ?

    If you select the Settings Page and select or tick Auto Limit Override - this will allow you to back off the switch.

    Additional Information:
    limit and home switch

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    IS THERE A WAY TO GET RID OF THE PARALLEL CABLE AND SOMEHOW USE USB ?

  • What else to I need to purchase along with the "3 Axis Electronics Combo w/ USB Interface Board" to get the electronics up and running? (software, 5V power supply, 4-conductor wire, etc.)

    Here is a list of the parts needed to get the electronics combo functioning (parallel or USB interface options):

    - 22 or 24 gauge stranded hookup wire to connect all of the drivers to the USB or parallel interface (terminal to terminal connections),
    - 18 gauge stranded hookup wire to connect the drivers to the power supply,
    - a power cable (extension cord) to connect from the power outlet to the power supply,
    - 4 conductor cable to connect the drivers to the stepper motors,
    - a USB cable to connect from the computer to the USB interface (or for power to the parallel interface),
    - for the parallel interface, a parallel cable is needed (male to male db-25),
    - a computer (for parallel interface, the computer will need a parallel port and if the computer does not contain a parallel interface, the motherboard may have a header for it, or you can purchase a parallel adapter to plug into the motherboard, very inexpensive),
    - cnc control software: for the USB interface, you will need planet-cnc software, for the parallel interface, you can use any industry standard cnc control software (the typical is Mach3 for Windows, or EMC2 or Linuxcnc for Linux (Linuxcnc.org).

    5v power supply is not needed. The 5 volts signal level power is derived from the computer through USB on both types of interfaces.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    What else to I need to purchase along with the "3 Axis Electronics Combo w/ USB Interface Board" to get the electronics up and running? (software, 5V power supply, 4-conductor wire, etc.)

  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN A 2.5 AXIS MACHINE?

    An axis is a direction of motion controlled by the CNC machine control. It can be linear (motion along a straight line) or circular (a rotary motion). The number of axes a machine has determines it's machining capabilities. A 2.5 axis machine really has three moving axes, but only two axes can move together (most machines sold today are full three axis machines). For machining centers, a three axis machine will have three linear axes. A four or five axis machine will have three linear axes as well as one or two rotary axes.

    Note that 2.5 versus 3 axis has yet another context. 2.5 axis machining requires that the machine have three axes, but only two axes must be moving simultaneously at any one time. (Simple operations, like drilling and most milling, fall into this category). On the other hand 3-axis machining requires that all three axes be moving at the same time (More complex operations, like the machining of sculptured surfaces required in molds and airfoils, fall into this category.)

    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:

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    WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN A 2.5 AXIS MACHINE?

  • Looking to buy a black toe 2x4, what electronics are included ? Is it optional with USB-interface? And for last do you ship to sweden?
  • Is there a wiring diagram for hooking up your hex inverter between your USB breakout board and the controller?

    The use of the hex inverter in the application to invert a direction signal to have a motor run in the reverse directions is relatively simple.

    First, go to this link and look at the chip diagram:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-hex-inverter-breakout-newbiehack-integrated_circuits-hex-inverter

    Connect 5V from the USB interface tothe VCC pin. The pin on the keyboard jog header can be used. Connect the GND pin from the USB interface to the GND pin on the hex inverter. Connect the CW terminal from the USB interface to the 1A pin on the hex inverter. Connect the 1Y pin from the hex inverter to the driver.

    Additional Information:
    I got a question??? I am a dummy when it comes to cnc. I got 6040 1500kw water cold engraver 3 axis from china. I can not get anything out of them pertaining help they keep telling me the same thing over and over and over and I'm doing it and send them pictures that I know. Anyway email me a wiring diagram for the PRT 1500 watt spindle motor control box and has the emergency stop on and off switch manual PC and of course yhe screanm fultonsbusiness@gmail.com

    Additional Information:
    I got a question??? I am a dummy when it comes to cnc. I got 6040 1500kw water cold engraver 3 axis from china. I can not get anything out of them pertaining help they keep telling me the same thing over and over and over and I'm doing it and send them pictures that I know. Anyway email me a wiring diagram for the PRT 1500 watt spindle motor control box and has the emergency stop on and off switch manual PC and of course yhe screanm fultonsbusiness@gmail.com

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Is there a wiring diagram for hooking up your hex inverter between your USB breakout board and the controller?

  • Correct kit of motors and electronics, I bough a book in Amazons kindle to build a CNC, this book mention a kit of motors and electronics for parallel port, I want to use USB, can you suggest me the correct kit fot this machine.

    Dealing with our scratch Build kit/BYO CNC Book Kit, you will use our basic 3 axis electronics kit (https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-3axis-425-elcombo). Now dealing with the Breakout Board, the book specifies the parallel port BoB, but you can use the USB BoB and use Planet-CNC rather than using Mach 3 or Linux-CNC as your control software.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Correct kit of motors and electronics, I bough a book in Amazons kindle to build a CNC, this book mention a kit of motors and electronics for parallel port, I want to use USB, can you suggest me the correct kit fot this machine.

  • Should I connect both the USB and the 25 pin connector of the parallel breakout board to the computer?

    The parallel breakout board has the db25 connector for data and the USB connector for power. Connect the USB from the computer to the parallel breakout board so the breakout board will have 5V of power coming from the computer. The db25 connector (connector with the 25 pins) receive data signals for each pin from 1 to 17 and have respective numbered screw terminals, some for input and some for output (18 to 25 are gnd pins).

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    Should I connect both the USB and the 25 pin connector of the parallel breakout board to the computer?

  • The electronics for my current cnc machine has a 36v 8.8 amp power supply. Is this power supply sufficient to power my new Mach3 USB interface?

    The Mach3 USB interface card uses 5V (powered from the computer's USB) and a 24v to power the inputs, outputs and spindle control

    the mach3 usb interface can be found here:

    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

    But the mach3 usb does not absolutely need the 24V supply. The 24v supply is only needed if you will be using limit switches (I1-4), VFD controlled automatically and for use with the outputs (O1-4)


    Additional Information:
    The 36v 8.8 amp power supply we typically recommend is for powering the stepper motor drivers.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    The electronics for my current cnc machine has a 36v 8.8 amp power supply. Is this power supply sufficient to power my new Mach3 USB interface?

  • If I purchase the [blackToe 2x4 v4.1 CNC Machine Kit - USB Electronics - Table Included] all I would need for this CNC to be fully operational is a laptop with mach 3 software and a router. Is this correct?

    if you purchased the USB interface, you will need planet-cnc software rather than Mach3, and you will need a usb cable to connect the usb interface to the computer.

    The blackToe 2x4 CNC Machine Kit with optional table will need wire to connect the electronics. Don't forget to get some end mills to use for cutting the intended material.


    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    If I purchase the [blackToe 2x4 v4.1 CNC Machine Kit - USB Electronics - Table Included] all I would need for this CNC to be fully operational is a laptop with mach 3 software and a router. Is this correct?

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