Lets take a look at a few of the requirements needed to run a parallel port interface with Mach3.

  • 32Bit Windows 7, (2000, Vista, XP)
  • Integrated EPP parallel port

This means that most laptops and 64 bit desktops can't use the parallel port features of Mach3. You must offload the actual Gcode processing to a device like the SmoothStepper or UC100.

In addition, many PC's with parallel ports can run really rough.  I found it like rolling the dice.  I have had machines that just purred like kittens when connected to a particular PC. Then when connected to another, they sound like they were going to vibrate apart. I have never been able to get to the exact reason, but I'm sure it has to do with timing.

While both the SmoothStepper and UC100 will work, I found the UC100 to be cheaper and the easiest to install and use.  Here I will show you how to install the software, hookup the controller.

With the drivers supplied by CNCDrive, you can control your KRMx02 with just about any machine, as long as it has a USB port.

I have successfully tested the UC100 and Mach3 on the following machines and OS's:

  • Windows 7, 32 and 64 bit
  • Windows 8, 32 and 64 bit
  • Windows 10, 32 and 64 bit
  • Various laptops and tablets
  • Mac with Windows installed.

 

What You Will Need

UC100

First you will need the UC100 Motion controller by CNCDrive.

You can pick one up at CNC4PC here:

UC100 Motion Controller

Note that CNC4PC also offers a bundle of the UC100 and Mach3 licence to save you some money.

You can also purchase the UC100 from CNCDrive via Amazon here:

UC100 Motion Controller

DB25 Gender Changer

We will be connecting the UC100 directly to the G540, so you will also need as M-M DB25 adapter.

You can get one here:

Male to Male DB25 Gender Changer

 

UC100 Software Drivers and Plugins

Your also going to need the Automatic UCxx driver installer found here:

UCx00setup.exe

This installer will install both the USB driver and the Mach3 plugin.

 

Software Installation

Step 1

Start the installation by running the UCx00setup.exe file.  You will be presented with the prompt shown here.

Select the Mach3 option and hit the Next button.

 

Step 2

The window shown here will popup.  Use the defaults and hit the Start instalation button.

 

Step 3

During the install a windows form will popup to install the USB driver.

Click Next and follow the prompts.

 

Step 4

Once the USB driver has been installed you will be taken back to the main installer screen shown here.  

Click Exit to close the window.

 

Installing the UC100 Hardware

Step 1

Install the DB25 gender changer into the G540 as shown here.

Make sure you tighten the two nuts.

 

Step 2

Insert the UC100 into the gender changer and tighten the two screws.

 

Step 3

Plug the included cable into the back of the UC100 as shown here.

Install the other end of the USB cable into an empty USB port on your PC.

 

Starting Mach3 for the First Time

Step 1

Start Mach3 with the KRMx02 shortcut.

Mach3 will prompt you for the correct control device.  Select the UC100 option and hit the OK button.

 

Step 2

If this is the first time you have used the UC100 with Mach3. it will prompt you to upgrade the firmware.

Hit the Yes button.

 

Step 3

When completed, just hit the OK button.

 

Conclusion

That's all there is to it.  The KRMx02 Mach3 configuration for the UC100 is identical to what is shown in the book, and the supplied KRMx02 configuration files.

Now you see why using the UC100 with the KRMx02 is a no-brainer.

 

Here is a little video of the KRMx02 and UC100 in action.