#grbl #ParallelPortUSB #mach3 #linuxcnc #openbuilds #ConvertToUSB
This video how shows how I converted my OX CNC router from an old Parallel port computer with a DB25 controller card to a USB interface. It did run Mach3 and LinuxCNC for many years but it was time to move replace the old TB6560 controller. I explain why in the video.
This conversion should work for many CNC’s machines still running on the parallel port interface, like milling machines, laser cutters, plasma cutters and even a foam cutter. The solution will work for Windows, Mac and Linux if you use either OpenBuilds Control, Univeral G-code Sender or CNCjs.
The video explains how I’ve used an MKS Gen L V1.0 board with TB6560 external drivers and a 24-volt power supply. The firmware is based on GRBL Mega 5X configured for 3 axes. The Y-axis has two stepper motors that need to turn in the opposite direction. There are 4 drivers one for each motor with the Y being slaved/cloned.
There are other ways to do this conversion but the route is quite easy and uses free software and firmware.
The controller software is from OpenBuild Control which works well on this setup. Others can be used like UGS, GRBL-Panel and CNC-js.
Links mentioned in the video
https://github.com/fra589/grbl-Mega-5X
https://software.openbuilds.com/
The video chapters are as follows
00:00 Intro
04:20 Software
10:17 USB Hardware
16:06 Firmware
24:32 Bench Test
34:43 Wiring
38:26 Checking Axis Direction
44:12 Calibration
50:29 Homing
59:13 Test Run
01:04:24 Outro
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