For an education of what is running, open windows program manager and select processes, then click on "show processes from all users.. THAT list is what yor program is sharing resources with.

 

Yes, it should eliminate it, or at least reduce it drastically.

Thanks Max.

Have you tested it ensuring no other program running while using the motion control?

None whats so ever. Problem is when CNC is doing a job, a slight mouse movement causes a miss steps at times.
So I cannot do huge jobs since rapid travel causes issues. I have to reduce rapids and this increases machine time

 

For an education of what is running, open windows program manager and select processes, then click on "show processes from all users.. THAT list is what yor program is sharing resources with.

I beleive the parallel port is the issue.
I rather have a working solution regardless of what PC I use

 

As Salts has already mentioned, the Arduino solution is quite fast, reliable and convenient. I know that the word Arduino raises a lot of red flags for people with our profile. But I've already built two machines using the open source Grbl controller for the Arduino Uno (a lathe and a mill) and I'm very happy with the results.

 

As Salts has already mentioned, the Arduino solution is quite fast, reliable and convenient. I know that the word Arduino raises a lot of red flags for people with our profile. But I've already built two machines using the open source Grbl controller for the Arduino Uno (a lathe and a mill) and I'm very happy with the results.

Hey @cmartinez How's you ?
I am interested in it, since I have plans for smaller one to be built from scratch. This one I think I will go with your option, it will be a learning curve too.
I hope you could give pointers in the future

 

Hey @cmartinez How's you ?
I am interested in it, since I have plans for smaller one to be built from scratch. This one I think I will go with your option, it will be a learning curve too.
I hope you could give pointers in the future

Sure thing! I'll try and help you any way I can.

 

Just my take on steppers and CNC machines from researching to build one that will now never get built.

The problem is most people doing DIY machines is they think they need a fine thread on the lead screws. That only amplifies the "jittering" movement of the axis when moving. So then they rely on micro stepping to try and smooth things out. That then leads to bigger problems of missed steps and etc.

A coarser lead screw makes the stepper use more actual steps, full steps that are stronger than what micro steps are and less missed steps. If you look at factory made machines CNC or manual they use coarse threads on them.

 

If you look at factory made machines CNC or manual they use coarse threads on them.

One other point is that Industrial CNC Manuf systems rarely if ever, use steppers for motion control, also other methods than step/direction can be used in DIY motion control using servo's.
The method that such options as the DIY Kanalog, Galil Motion & Linux based systems offer, allow for using options where analogue/torque mode motion control is possible mirroring features and control as is possible with industrial type controllers.
Another nice feature available is electronic gearing, of one or more axis off of another.

 

One other point is that Industrial CNC Manuf systems rarely if ever, use steppers for motion control,

I realize that point but I'm assuming this is a DIY CNC that we're talking about in this thread. Many of the early, before the price of ball screws came down, used standard all thread type screws as a lead screw. And many or even most of them used fine threads, like 1/2-20 or similar. Then complained about the movement in the axis.

 

I converted a couple of XLO knee mills about 20+ years ago, and at that time there were some excellent, reasonably priced, pre-loaded (zero backlash) ball screws coming out of Taiwan.
I had to get a friend to turn the ends down for me tho' as they were so hard, he had to use ceramic tooling!!