The original interface has limitations when using current computers. A special board or boards are needed which only plug into older desktops, and there is limited support for these boards. Plus there is no support for laptops.
Additionally, there has been little choice in weaving software which can run the loom.
The solution is to produce a serial port interface for the computer. The interface is an add on board that plugs into the loom where the cable for board-1 was plugged in. A standard serial port cable will connect the new interface to the computer, optionally with a USB to serial port converter.
The Serial Interface is now in production and I am ready to accept orders. The cost of the Interface is $400 for the 16 Shaft version and $425 for the 24 Shaft version. Included in the cost is a cable to connect to the serial port, and shipping within the continental US. Current computers may require a USB to Serial Adapter.
The Interface can be set to run in three different loom control modes: WeaveIt, WifWeave, and Macomber. This allows some selection in which program you use to run the loom.
WeaveIt now supports the J-Serial interface and WeaveIt users can update their program to include the driver and use WeaveIt to run the loom.
WifWeave, a loom control program, is included with each order for the Interface. WifWeave is not design software and requires that your design be in a WIF file format.
Macomber mode will allow you to use several weaving programs that have the Macomber loom driver. In Macomber mode the J-Comp features Forward/Reverse, Step and Error Checking are not supported. Macomber mode has been tested with Fiberworks PCW which works well to weave with.
