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Multi-Mode Breakout Board

The PMDX-125 has been replaced by the PMDX-126.

The PMDX-126 is an upgrade of, and a direct replacement functionally and mechanically for the PMDX-125.

PMDX-125 board pictured as delivered.
(click on image for higher resolution version)

PMDX-125 pictured with PMDX-107, SmoothStepper, and cables.
(click on image for higher resolution version)

The PMDX-125 is a motion control breakout board for interfacing with the parallel port of an IBM-PC style computer or to the Smooth-Stepper.

PMDX now offers Gecko G203V, and G320X motor drivers at a discount. For more info see HERE.

Features of the PMDX-125

Connects to host using a single DB-25 Female parallel port connector when using port sharing modes. Additional 26 pin ribbon headers support use of a second parallel port or direct connection to a SmoothStepper. The second SmoothStepper port supports 4 input and 4 output signals. The remaining 8 data bits of the second SmoothStepper port can be supported as input or output by adding a PMDX-108-Input or PMDX-108-Output board.

Supports all signals present on the primary standard printer port. (8 data, 5 input, 4 output)

Supports 4 additional high speed inputs using multiplexed I/O, or a second parallel port, or the second port of the SmoothStepper

Supports 4 additional high speed outputs using a second port or the SmoothStepper

The additional high speed outputs can be used as step and direction for greater than 4 axis operation when using two ports or the SmoothStepper

Can also support the 4 additional outputs at low speed using bit stream I/O on a single port

Mach software plug-in and EMC sample HAL files provided to support enhanced I/O features

On board LED indicators on all signals

Terminal strip outputs provided for external LEDs showing status of Power On, E-Stop, Charge Pump, and step signal activity

Connector for future remote display of status and control signals

All status inputs are optically isolated

All parallel port signals are terminated and filtered to help resist noise problems

All step, direction, and control output signals are buffered with 16 mA drivers

Special isolated interface to sense ERR/RST signal used by Geckodrive servo products

Special isolated interface can reset and enable Geckodrive servo products from the computer

E-Stop, Fault, ERR/RST, and "Charge Pump" timeouts turn off all outputs without assistance from host software

Provides one 30 ampere rated electromechanical relay useful for spindle control

Provides one 10 ampere rated electromechanical relay for auxiliary functions

Relays have MOV arc suppressors for longer life of contacts

Can directly connect with and provide power for PMDX-104 to provide 4 additional relay outputs

Powered directly by AC mains 115 or 230 volts, switch selectable

Self resetting poly-fuse protects mains power input

Can provide +5 power to SmoothStepper through ribbon cables

Can mount SmoothStepper as a daughterboard using standoffs

Has provision for option card mounting directly or using a ribbon cable to the PMDX-106, PMDX-107 spindle speed controllers and other future products

Screw terminal blocks with Step, Direction, +5 volts, and Ground for outputs to drivers

Buffered step and direction available as ribbon header for connection to driver boards with ribbon header inputs for parallel port signals

Screw terminal blocks for isolated status inputs also provide +5 volts and +12 volts to power sensors such as the PMDX-170, PMDX-171, and NPN proximity sensors

Status sensor inputs work with mechanical switches, NPN sensors, 5 volt logic signals, and are 24 volt tolerant

Inputs expect a "sinking" drive signal to activate them by pulling the input to ground. Inputs will tolerate up to 24 volts DC in the inactive state to allow use in PLC and relay logic systems with 24 volt power. If a "sourcing" signal (like a PNP sensor) must be used, please see the PMDX-105 Quad Isolator/Translator.

Pulse stretch circuit to allow narrow pulse encoder outputs to be used as lathe index signal

Built in test for generating step signals without need of a host computer

Built in test step signals run at proper speed for Geckodrive stepper driver smoothness adjustment

"Charge Pump"/watchdog function has enhanced timing algorithm to avoid teasing by Windows boot process

Designed for easy interconnection with PMDX-104 and PMDX-108-Output to provide solid state isolated outputs to connect with PLC systems, and power contactors

Designed for easy interconnection with PMDX-108-Input to provide 8 additional isolated inputs when using a second port parallel port or SmoothStepper

Microprocessor and programmable logic allow for the future addition of more features

Note: The step and direction signals used to run this board as a real time CNC device require precise timing. These signals are normally provided by a personal computer motherboard with an onboard parallel port, a parallel port interface card plugged into a motherboard with ISA, PCI, or PCI-Express slots, or by an external device such as the SmoothStepper. You cannot use a USB to printer adapter because it will alter critical timing of CNC control signals. Laptop computers, even those with parallel port interfaces, are not recommended as CNC control computers due to design features that can alter critical timing. If you must use a laptop be prepared to deal with these design issues and/or plan on using an external pulse generating device such as the SmoothStepper.

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General Information Application Notes CNC Links, & Info Compare SmartBOBs PMDX Goes to the Shows PMDX Support Forums FIND PRODUCTS: Select Below To Browse Listed by Number (All) PMDX-340 CNC Control Box Motion Controllers Breakout Boards Extra I/O & Isolation Motherboards Power Sources Test & Development Tools Spindle Controllers Panels, Pendants & MPGs Contactors, Breakers, SSRs & Power Switches Noise Filters & Common Mode Chokes E-Stop & Control Switches Cables & Parallel Ports Connectors & Misc Software(Mach4,Mach3 etc.) Legacy Products PMDX-422 SmartBOB-USB PMDX-412 SmartBOB-MiniUSB PMDX-410 SmartBOB-USB PMDX-106 PMDX-150 PMDX-135 PMDX-132 PMDX-131 PMDX-125 PMDX-121 PMDX-120 Our Most Popular Products PMDX-424 SmartBOB-USB PMDX-411 SmartBOB-USB Mach4Hobby CNC Control Software PMDX-126 Multi-Mode Breakout Board PMDX-134 Simple Motherboard for Geckos PMDX-107 Isolated Speed Control	Model PMDX-125 Multi-Mode Breakout Board The PMDX-125 has been replaced by the PMDX-126. The PMDX-126 is an upgrade of, and a direct replacement functionally and mechanically for the PMDX-125. Click here to see the PMDX-126. PMDX-125 board pictured as delivered. (click on image for higher resolution version) PMDX-125 pictured with PMDX-107, SmoothStepper, and cables. (click on image for higher resolution version) The PMDX-125 is a motion control breakout board for interfacing with the parallel port of an IBM-PC style computer or to the Smooth-Stepper. PMDX now offers Gecko G203V, and G320X motor drivers at a discount. For more info see HERE. Features of the PMDX-125 Connects to host using a single DB-25 Female parallel port connector when using port sharing modes. Additional 26 pin ribbon headers support use of a second parallel port or direct connection to a SmoothStepper. The second SmoothStepper port supports 4 input and 4 output signals. The remaining 8 data bits of the second SmoothStepper port can be supported as input or output by adding a PMDX-108-Input or PMDX-108-Output board. Supports all signals present on the primary standard printer port. (8 data, 5 input, 4 output) Supports 4 additional high speed inputs using multiplexed I/O, or a second parallel port, or the second port of the SmoothStepper Supports 4 additional high speed outputs using a second port or the SmoothStepper The additional high speed outputs can be used as step and direction for greater than 4 axis operation when using two ports or the SmoothStepper Can also support the 4 additional outputs at low speed using bit stream I/O on a single port Mach software plug-in and EMC sample HAL files provided to support enhanced I/O features On board LED indicators on all signals Terminal strip outputs provided for external LEDs showing status of Power On, E-Stop, Charge Pump, and step signal activity Connector for future remote display of status and control signals All status inputs are optically isolated All parallel port signals are terminated and filtered to help resist noise problems All step, direction, and control output signals are buffered with 16 mA drivers Special isolated interface to sense ERR/RST signal used by Geckodrive servo products Special isolated interface can reset and enable Geckodrive servo products from the computer E-Stop, Fault, ERR/RST, and "Charge Pump" timeouts turn off all outputs without assistance from host software Provides one 30 ampere rated electromechanical relay useful for spindle control Provides one 10 ampere rated electromechanical relay for auxiliary functions Relays have MOV arc suppressors for longer life of contacts Can directly connect with and provide power for PMDX-104 to provide 4 additional relay outputs Powered directly by AC mains 115 or 230 volts, switch selectable Self resetting poly-fuse protects mains power input Can provide +5 power to SmoothStepper through ribbon cables Can mount SmoothStepper as a daughterboard using standoffs Has provision for option card mounting directly or using a ribbon cable to the PMDX-106, PMDX-107 spindle speed controllers and other future products Screw terminal blocks with Step, Direction, +5 volts, and Ground for outputs to drivers Buffered step and direction available as ribbon header for connection to driver boards with ribbon header inputs for parallel port signals Screw terminal blocks for isolated status inputs also provide +5 volts and +12 volts to power sensors such as the PMDX-170, PMDX-171, and NPN proximity sensors Status sensor inputs work with mechanical switches, NPN sensors, 5 volt logic signals, and are 24 volt tolerant Inputs expect a "sinking" drive signal to activate them by pulling the input to ground. Inputs will tolerate up to 24 volts DC in the inactive state to allow use in PLC and relay logic systems with 24 volt power. If a "sourcing" signal (like a PNP sensor) must be used, please see the PMDX-105 Quad Isolator/Translator. Pulse stretch circuit to allow narrow pulse encoder outputs to be used as lathe index signal Built in test for generating step signals without need of a host computer Built in test step signals run at proper speed for Geckodrive stepper driver smoothness adjustment "Charge Pump"/watchdog function has enhanced timing algorithm to avoid teasing by Windows boot process Designed for easy interconnection with PMDX-104 and PMDX-108-Output to provide solid state isolated outputs to connect with PLC systems, and power contactors Designed for easy interconnection with PMDX-108-Input to provide 8 additional isolated inputs when using a second port parallel port or SmoothStepper Microprocessor and programmable logic allow for the future addition of more features PMDX Breakout board feature comparison table Note: The step and direction signals used to run this board as a real time CNC device require precise timing. These signals are normally provided by a personal computer motherboard with an onboard parallel port, a parallel port interface card plugged into a motherboard with ISA, PCI, or PCI-Express slots, or by an external device such as the SmoothStepper. You cannot use a USB to printer adapter because it will alter critical timing of CNC control signals. Laptop computers, even those with parallel port interfaces, are not recommended as CNC control computers due to design features that can alter critical timing. If you must use a laptop be prepared to deal with these design issues and/or plan on using an external pulse generating device such as the SmoothStepper. Download the full manual in PDF format here (revision 1.2, 26 Feb 2010, 314 KB). NOTE: This manual is for board revision "D5" and later (i.e. higher letters/numbers). For earlier PMDX-125 board revisions, see our User Manual Archive Click here for application notes on using the PMDX-125. Download the Mach3 Plug-In driver for the PMDX-125 here.
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Model PMDX-125

Multi-Mode Breakout Board