UC400ETH and C62 breakout board

[fsli]

I recently installed a UC400ETH in my machine (Romaxx HS-1), which is working fine. However, I'd like to add a significant amount of functionality (homing switches, limit switches, SuperPID, for example).

The HS-1 currently supports an eStop, MPG A, MPG B, Cycle Start, and Feed Hold input. That knocks out the five inputs on port 1. I can probably do without the Cycle Start and Feed Hold, to liberate two inputs. I can also add a UCSB to gain an additional five inputs. I still think I'll come up a little short on inputs, though.

However, in Googling around some, I see the C62 breakout board at CNC4PC has 18 inputs and 16 outputs, and some other features. Is it possible to get this to work with the UC400ETH? The UC400ETH appears to restrict both LPT ports to five inputs each. I'm wondering if that's just a software function, though. Could the additional inputs on port 2 of the C62, and other functions, be mapped to pins on the UC400ETH, or does the UC400ETH only support the standard LPT configuration?

[Dazp1976]

No.
The C62 is designed mainly around the smoothstepper ESS. There are options (I think) to set its LPT as bi-directional and use it as either input or output switched.

The UC boards are fixed and not changable. So if you have 2* output based LPT ports, then that is what you have and can't change it
The C62 and UCBB are not wholly compatible with the UC400eth. You can only use standard 12+5 LPT boards with it on both ports.
For more I/O options you need the UC300eth. That would take up to 2* C62 or 2* UCBB (or 1 of each) ports 1 to 4. Along with a bi-directional board (or suitable isolation modules) on port 5.

That's the only way.

[fsli]

Thanks, Dazp.

After looking at various options, I've ordered a UC300ETH + C94 combo. That should cover my needs and address a real estate limitation in the control box.

Of course, now I have a fairly new UC400ETH to sell.