Summary of Optically Isolated LPT Breakout Board for CNC & Routers
This optically isolated parallel port breakout board enables Hobby CNC, routers, and motion controllers to drive stepper motor drivers via a PC's LPT port. Compatible with software like MACH3, it features 12 optically isolated outputs for devices such as motors and spindles, plus 5 inputs for limit switches and emergency stops. The design includes on-board power regulation, high-speed 6N137 output couplers, PC817 input couplers, and screw terminals for flexible connections between 7V and 36V DC systems.
Parts used in the Optically Isolated Parallel Port Breakout Board:
- High Speed Opto-coupler 6N137
- PC817 Opto-coupler
- L317 Regulator
- Heat sink
- 25 D SUB Male Connector
- USB Connector
- CN4 Screw Terminal
- CN5 Screw Terminal
- CN6 Screw Terminal
- R10, R12, R13, R15, R16 Resistors
Optically isolated parallel port break out board designed for Hobby CNC, Routers and Motion controller, This Board is an easy solution to drive stepper Motor driver through PC parallel port, The Board is compatible with various CNC software specially made for LPT port data output. The board has been tested with MACH3 CNC software. All outputs are optically isolated and inverse, all inputs are optical isolated and can be used as emergency switch, limit switch, home switch and feedbacks. The Opt coupler and inverter require power supply at both PC side and output side. USB connector and CN5 Screw terminal provided for PC side power supply input and CN4 for output side power supply 7 to 36V DC.
The board has 12 output pins that can control various devices such as stepping motor drivers, Plasma Torch, Pump for coolant, spindle, 5 Input pins are provided for limit or home switches, feedbacks, Emergency switch. All inputs has 470E for TTL Voltage input required driving the inputs.
Note: For 24V inputs replace R10, R12, R13, R15, and R16 with 2K2 Ohms.
Features
- Supply 7V to 36V DC output side of opt-coupler
- 5V DC for PC side
- 25 D SUB Male Connecter for PC LPT Port Interface
- High Speed Opto-coupler s 6N137 on all outputs
- PC817 Opto-coupler for Inputs and Output Controls
- On Board USB Connector for Supply from PC or other source
- All Outputs are buffered and optically isolated
- All inputs are optically isolated
- Screw Terminals for all outputs and inputs
- On Board L317 Regulator for 5V DC
- Heat sink for regulator
Connections
- CN5, CN6: 5V DC Supply input for PC side of isolation
- CN4: 7 to 36V DC Input for output side of opto-coupler
- CN2: Optically isolated Outputs
- CN3: Inputs
For more detail: Optically Isolated LPT Breakout Board for CNC & Routers
- What is this board designed for?
This board is designed for Hobby CNC, Routers, and Motion controllers to drive stepper motor drivers through a PC parallel port. - Does the board work with MACH3 software?
Yes, the board has been tested with MACH3 CNC software. - Can I use this board for an emergency switch?
Yes, the five optical isolated inputs can be used as an emergency switch, limit switch, home switch, or feedbacks. - What voltage range does the output side support?
The output side of the opto-coupler accepts a supply voltage from 7 to 36V DC. - How do I configure the board for 24V inputs?
You must replace resistors R10, R12, R13, R15, and R16 with 2K2 Ohms resistors. - What type of connector interfaces with the PC LPT port?
A 25 D SUB Male Connector is used for the PC LPT Port Interface. - Is there an on-board regulator for 5V DC?
Yes, the board includes an on-board L317 Regulator for 5V DC. - Can the USB connector provide power?
Yes, the on-board USB connector allows for supply input from the PC or another source.
