PMDX-126 + SS packaging for two machines

[swood1]

Hi all,

I have an ESS, currently I have it within a plastic box with a PP cable to my machine and the BoB within the machine.  But I am looking to upgrade my BoB (to PMDX-126).  If I plug the PMDX-126 straight into my SS then I maybe best mounting the SS and BoB within the machine housing.  Making both boards dedicated to the one machine.  Do I have an option to add the PMDX-126 to the same box as my SS with a PP cable running to the machine or will this limit the number of I/O etc?  My issue is I have a 2nd machine which I would also like to get up and running using the same system.  I dont really want to buy two SS's if I dont need to.

Any thoughts welcome on how others get round such problems.

Regards

Steve

[Steve Stallings]

What you are asking is possible, but there are two considerations.

The Ethernet cable from the ESS to the computer has better noise
immunity than the parallel port cables. This probably is not significant
in you case, unless one of the machines is a plasma cutter.

In order to get the full complement of inputs and outputs on the
PMDX-126 working, you need to provide 2 parallel port connections,
thus requiring 2 parallel port cables back to the ESS.

Oops, upon re-reading your message I see that you asked if you
could put the ESS and the PMDX-126 in the same enclosure and
"with a PP cable running to the machine". The signals between
the PMDX-126 and the machine are not connected with a PP cable,
but rather to individual screw terminals on the PMDX-126. It is
possible to run these signals through a suitable cable harness
and connectors to allow the box to be moved between machines.
There are no significant electrical issues, but building the cable
harnesses will be a bit of work.

[swood1]

Hi Steve,

I think you have kind of answered my question.  Basically I think the easier option is going to put the boards within the machines and have them all self contained.  I think the extra money spent on another set of boards will save a lot of hassle further down the line and also means I can run each machine independantly.

Regards

Steven