Most of us know newer computers come without the parallel port. The port many of us use
to control our homebuilt CNC projects. The computer I use to run my CNC Bridgeport is
a Compaq WIN98 laptop still running Turbocnc, a DOS program and transferring data with
3 1/2 floppy disks.

A good friend of mine gave me 3 Dell laptop computers, all with the XP operating systems. He thought I could use the computers in my shop. I thought now is my chance to retire the Compaq computer. But first I would need to get a parallel port attached to these Dell computers.



I did some research and came up with a "Smooth Stepper" circuit board that connected to a computer Ethernet port and converted data to a parallel connector. There are Smooth Stepper boards that connect via the USB but the Ethernet connections had the most recommendations. I purchased the Smooth Stepper from Warp9.

The way Smooth Stepper works is you set up a small network between the computer and Smooth Stepper. Networking is something I have never done before so it was all new to me.

First, the Warp9 users manual was tailored to the Windows 7 operating system so I was constantly converting the instructions from Windows 7 protocol to Window XP. I did it but with added stress.
The computer should also have a wireless internet access in order to do the "Configure" process. Other than that, follow the instructions carefully. My greatest challenge was not knowing when the network was working. Now I know when the amber light is on and the green light is blinking there is communication between the computer and the Smooth Stepper board.


Next I needed to get the Smooth Stepper to work with Mach3. Smooth Stepper is intended to work with Mach3. Not sure if Smooth Stepper works with other software. This was the largest challenge because I failed to turn some things on in the Mach3 "Config". Of course Mach3 didn't work and I figured the problem was with the Smooth Stepper. When the green surface lights appear on the surface of the Smooth Stepper it is fully operational.



There are just a couple of special settings to be made in Mach3 in order to work with the Smooth Stepper.
Those settings are clearly described in the Warp9 manual.

Finally I had to call the Warp9 tech support guy. In just a few minutes the Smooth Stepper was running
my CNC mill. It seems to work just like the old parallel port. Spindle and coolant output functional. I have test run a few programs but I have yet to cut any chips.

My milling machine seems to run a little smoother.
Jim