controlling simple robot

hi,

i want to make a simple machine robot to do some work
it has 2d aim that moves in X and Y directions. and 1 button to turn on the fire beam.
so i will be able to scratch pictures on the wood.

i want to put one contactor between each line that exit from LPT. so when for example i send the 128 signal , for example aim moves toward X direction.

as u know when we turn on the computers , automatically some signals sent to lpt that , when machine has power , it will reduce some danger.

how i can solve this problem , so when my program starts the machine only response to my signals , not to OS test signals and stuff ?

If you control the motors and the fire pen directly by PC, I don't know how to solve the problem, but you may use a decoder to know when will the fire pen and the motors available. And you can use a hard switches to do it.

But if you control it via a MC, you can lock it as the decoder. Until PC send some suitable signal the MC start and your machine available.

good idea, can you tell me which kind of Decoder or MicroController is suitable for this machine ?

any kind, it depends on your applications.

Decoder such as 74LS85.. try it, or MC, you may use PICs, because this is the forum on PICs, and people can help you in programming.

Goodluck.