Well, first let me offer a hearty thank you to everyone who offered suggestions.
After much trial, error, and effort I finally traced the problem to a faulty IDC26-DB25 cable.
I finally looked closely at the end that connects to the Xylotex board and I noticed that it looked a bit "wonky" where the cable passes into the plastic connector. this "crimp point" was dissassembled and was found to have been crimped 2 times. This must have caused a short or something in the cable. I cut the offending portion of the cable off and put the cable back together.
Voila!! it now works! I ruined the IDC26-DB25 cable in the process, buy it was well worth it to finally diagnose the problem.
Thanks to jeff at xylotex also for suggesting that the cable might be bad.
Jeff had offered to replace the cable yesterday even before I had confirmed that it was the culprit. I will take him up on this offer.
Thanks again, to those who offered assistance.
I am now very excited about all the cash I have invested in software, steppers, control board, power supply, ball screws/nuts etc.. I cant wait till i get my Linley jig borer up and running in 3 axis cnc!
Nate.
Ann Arbor MI.
Nate.
Ann Arbor Meechigan