Yeah, the parallel port, and even the RS232 serial port have been disappearing. All the more reason to hang onto your old 486 computer. I have done so and it runs far better in Linux than it ever did with Windows XP.
I also have periodically opened the machine up and dusted and cleaned the insides as heat buildup from dust and grime are significant kill factors. A clean machine will last longer.
The most interesting observation is how USB tends to junk up our projects with added layers of interface. The parallel port and serial port were always more direct, easier and less costly to deploy.
With a fast enough machine and reasonable wiring, the parallel port actually can eliminate at least one additional layer of communications interpretation and buffering. That is still a valid consideration when getting started with CNC.
Why is it valid? That added layer is added cost. You have to buy or build something for it.
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The majority of computers sold today are laptops and tablets, and many other formfacters admit no
add-on cards. USB adaptors are becoming the rule.
I also have periodically opened the machine up and dusted and cleaned the insides as heat buildup from dust and grime are significant kill factors. A clean machine will last longer.
The most interesting observation is how USB tends to junk up our projects with added layers of interface. The parallel port and serial port were always more direct, easier and less costly to deploy.
With a fast enough machine and reasonable wiring, the parallel port actually can eliminate at least one additional layer of communications interpretation and buffering. That is still a valid consideration when getting started with CNC.
Why is it valid? That added layer is added cost. You have to buy or build something for it.