i want to install 6 limit switchs and i want to have them on there own pin, i take it that 2 limits each axis gets its own pin and each axis is wired togeather? thanks

Question #: 12191

Question: i want to install 6 limit switchs and i want to have them on there own pin, i take it that 2 limits each axis gets its own pin and each axis is wired togeather? thanks

Current Solution

You can wire many limit switches on only one pin. You will need to use the NC (Normally Closed) configuration. By using NC, it is like wiring a single wire from the single pin back to ground and when the limit switch is engaged, it breaks the link (like cutting the wire). If you have, say 6 limit switches, then if any one of the switches is engaged, the connection is broken.

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

im almost finish with cnc, at this point im on the limit switchs of this build. the question i have is, on the breakboard there are 4 input pins and next to each side is grd, is that the 5v input. i want to install 6 limit switchs and i want to have them on there own pin, i take it that 2 limits each axis gets its own pin and each axis is wired togeather? thanks
When wiring the limit switches to our BoB(breakout board), depending in the older model or our revised version (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay#prettyPhoto/0/), the older version will need the COM (limit switch) connected to 5V and the NO/NC to your input pin, but with our newer version you will use GND(ground instead of 5V) to common and the same for NO/NC but the setup in the mach3/confi/ports&pins/ is still the same.

Here is a tutorial where you can see how to set up the limit switches correctly (with our older parallel BoB): Part 1:(
), Part 2:(
)
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im almost finish with cnc, at this point im on the limit switchs of this build. the question i have is, on the breakboard there are 4 input pins and next to each side is grd, is that the 5v input. i want to install 6 limit switchs and i want to have them on there own pin, i take it that 2 limits each axis gets its own pin and each axis is wired togeather? thanks
[59] is it ok to use one pin for all of the limit switches wired NC and another pin for a z probe that is NO, or do all input pins need to be the same (NC or NO)? I would like to use LinuxCNC but will use Mach3 if necessary. a thanks!
It's generally acceptable to use one pin for all of your limit switches wired Normally Closed (NC), and another separate pin for a Z probe that is Normally Open (NO). LinuxCNC is quite flexible and allows for mixed configurations of NC and NO switches.

Just ensure you configure LinuxCNC correctly to recognize each pin's logic (Active low or active high). And perhaps run a few tests before running the machine.

Additional Information:
It's generally acceptable to use one pin for all of your limit switches wired Normally Closed (NC), and another separate pin for a Z probe that is Normally Open (NO). LinuxCNC is quite flexible and allows for mixed configurations of NC and NO switches.

Just ensure you configure LinuxCNC correctly to recognize each pin's logic (Active low or active high). And perhaps run a few tests before running the machine.
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[59] is it ok to use one pin for all of the limit switches wired NC and another pin for a z probe that is NO, or do all input pins need to be the same (NC or NO)? I would like to use LinuxCNC but will use Mach3 if necessary. a thanks!
How do I wire up multiple E-stop to breakout board, does each E-stop need there own pin? If not since there are only 4 screws on stop 2 for no and 2 for nc do you just splice the wires together if your only using 1 pin? Thanks
https://buildyourcnc.com/Item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-e-stop-button-switch-safety#prettyPhoto/0/
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How do I wire up multiple E-stop to breakout board, does each E-stop need there own pin? If not since there are only 4 screws on stop 2 for no and 2 for nc do you just splice the wires together if your only using 1 pin? Thanks
[790] Is there a way to build a 2x8 flat cnc with a 4 th axis on the side so I can do 24” diameter objects. Or have the z axis that tall
a 2' (24 inches) diameter workpiece for a 2'x8' machine may be a bit too much for an overhang. I would recommend the 4'x8' that can house a 4th axis in a cavity within the limits of the machine for a 24-inch part. If you need the rotary axis on the side of the machine, I can design a machine that would work.
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[790] Is there a way to build a 2x8 flat cnc with a 4 th axis on the side so I can do 24” diameter objects. Or have the z axis that tall
LIMIT SWITCHES FOR AXIS. THE PRINT SHOWS THAT YOU CAN WIRE LIMITS EITHER N.O. OR N.C. SO IF THIS IS CORRECT I WOULD NEED TO TELL BOARD IN SOFTWARE HOW LOOK AT THESE LIMITS, I'M GOING GET AN INPUT LOOSE DEPEND ON IT.
BYCNC Response:
This is correct. You will need to use a method appropriate for the software you are using. Also remember that NC switches are typically wired in series, while NO switches are normally wired in parallel.

User Response:
I am using the cnc planet software for your USB board. Are the limit configurations in this software?

BYCNC Response:
Yes, Planet CNC software is compatible with the use of limit switches. Configuration information will depend on your specific application. You can view Planet CNC's information here: http://www.planet-cnc.com/files/CNCUSBController.pdf
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LIMIT SWITCHES FOR AXIS. THE PRINT SHOWS THAT YOU CAN WIRE LIMITS EITHER N.O. OR N.C. SO IF THIS IS CORRECT I WOULD NEED TO TELL BOARD IN SOFTWARE HOW LOOK AT THESE LIMITS, I'M GOING GET AN INPUT LOOSE DEPEND ON IT.
I have a breakout board and it appears that the pin 12 connection has failed: when i move my limit switches to pin 11 they work; they don't work on pin 12. Do i need a new breakout board?
For safety's sake I would recommend a new board because they are inexpensive compared to the electronics that they support. Alternatively, it's possible that the one dead pin is a simple fix, such as a bad connection or solder joint; if you feel comfortable making those repairs then it could be worthwhile to check. Finally, if you are not using all the input pins, you could continue to operate the limit switch on pin 11 and hope for the best.
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I have a breakout board and it appears that the pin 12 connection has failed: when i move my limit switches to pin 11 they work; they don't work on pin 12. Do i need a new breakout board?
On the blackFoot 4'x8' CNC machine do you have the instructions under one file that I can download, I want to print them out and make notes as I am building the machine.
WE don't have an actual file that contains the instructions for the machines as they are a part of a larger database file that is queried during the product page's rendering in the browser. The best option would be to print the webpage on a printer and use that as notes.

I know this will not provide larger images, but you could use the paper version to write your notes while assembling the machine using the larger images on the website.
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On the blackFoot 4'x8' CNC machine do you have the instructions under one file that I can download, I want to print them out and make notes as I am building the machine.
I have a greenbull 5x Long Z. I thought I read that I would get the CAD files to the machine when I purchased it? I want to make a couple modifications. Thanks!
CAD drawings are not furnished with the purchase of a machine.
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I have a greenbull 5x Long Z. I thought I read that I would get the CAD files to the machine when I purchased it? I want to make a couple modifications. Thanks!
I buy a four axis kits and i connect all parts respecting the plan. The USB connector is using for électric alimentation of the When I want to activate the engine with the computer keyboard , nothing works. The current 5VDC since green light is on but when I check with a voltmeter each pin , then I see that there is no current. What's happening?
Depending on the board you are currently using, either the Parallel or USB interface board.
The parallel interface needs the USB cable for power(5v) and the parallel cord for communicating from the board to the computer and vise versa.
The USB interface board, will need a keyboard jog header made to fit the 12 pin connector(2 x 6). Making this connector will allow you to be able to wire it to a external panel, where you can use it to jog your machine rather than using the onscreen jogging.

Please contact customerservice@buildyourcnc.com for further assistance.
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I buy a four axis kits and i connect all parts respecting the plan. The USB connector is using for électric alimentation of the When I want to activate the engine with the computer keyboard , nothing works. The current 5VDC since green light is on but when I check with a voltmeter each pin , then I see that there is no current. What's happening?
Hi - I have wired in a breakout board (with relay) as per suggested wiring instructions (black toe 2X4). I want to wire in an estop but need some guidance on wiring. Also Mach3 is requesting I reset the estop, which suggests its expecting one? Can anyone help? Thanks. Miles
The e-stop should be wired like a limit switch and can also be within the same limit switch circuit. Use one of the input pins to create the e-stop circuit.

1. Run a wire from the input pin terminal to the e-stop switch red side (one of the two terminals on the red side). The red side is NC (Normally Closed).

2. Run a wire from the other side of the red side of the e-stop switch back to the gnd terminal (or to the next switch - limit switch, NC terminal, then back to gnd, or to the next NC terminal of the next switch, do you see a recursive pattern here?).

The wire that you use for the connections should be shielded and the shielding and any other loose wire within the cable should be tied to gnd.
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Hi - I have wired in a breakout board (with relay) as per suggested wiring instructions (black toe 2X4). I want to wire in an estop but need some guidance on wiring. Also Mach3 is requesting I reset the estop, which suggests its expecting one? Can anyone help? Thanks. Miles
Limit switches for axis. The print shows that you can wire the limits either n.o. or n.c. so if this is correct I would need to tell the board in the software how to look at these limits, I'm either going to get an input or loose an input depend on how i wire it.
BYCNC Response:
This is correct. You will need to use a method appropriate for the software you are using. Also remember that NC switches are typically wired in series, while NO switches are normally wired in parallel.

User Response:
I am using the cnc planet software for your USB board. Are the limit configurations in this software?

BYCNC Response:
Yes, Planet CNC software is compatible with the use of limit switches. Configuration information will depend on your specific application. You can view Planet CNC's information here: http://www.planet-cnc.com/files/CNCUSBController.pdf
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Limit switches for axis. The print shows that you can wire the limits either n.o. or n.c. so if this is correct I would need to tell the board in the software how to look at these limits, I'm either going to get an input or loose an input depend on how i wire it.
I have the older discontinued USB breakout board. The y-axis no longer works and have traced it to the breakout board. Is there a replacement board that can use the same Planet CNC software running on Windows 10?
No, we have gotten away from the planet-cnc boards as they have decided to not support our board with their software. You can use the Mach3 USB board as an alternative. You will be better off with Mach3 as a control software as this is widely used and supported.

Mach3 USB board:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board
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I have the older discontinued USB breakout board. The y-axis no longer works and have traced it to the breakout board. Is there a replacement board that can use the same Planet CNC software running on Windows 10?
I have a single axis motion for my table saw fence. Motor, limit switches and e-stop work fine. I now need to add an air solenoid relay but I cannot get the outputs to work. I have 24v supply connected and tried using the Spindle output on pin 1. But using a multimeter, there is no voltage on the Output 1 terminal.
Make sure that the port setting for that output is set to port 3. To do this in Mach3, click config -> Ports & Pins -> click the outputs tab and in the list of outputs, select the output you want to use and set the port to 3.
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I have a single axis motion for my table saw fence. Motor, limit switches and e-stop work fine. I now need to add an air solenoid relay but I cannot get the outputs to work. I have 24v supply connected and tried using the Spindle output on pin 1. But using a multimeter, there is no voltage on the Output 1 terminal.
I purchased the driver boards and MB shield for the White Ant. None of the headers are labeled. Is there a diagram showing which headers is for which axis? Is there also a diagram showing which pin on the driver is ABCD? I have watched the vids and the boards in them do not match what was sent to me.
The axis and connection information for the 3D Printer Main Board can be found here in the instructions below the product information.

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/3D-Printer-Component-electronicsAndMotors-3d-printer-mainboard-FDMElectronics-3dprintermainboard
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I purchased the driver boards and MB shield for the White Ant. None of the headers are labeled. Is there a diagram showing which headers is for which axis? Is there also a diagram showing which pin on the driver is ABCD? I have watched the vids and the boards in them do not match what was sent to me.
Can you preset an origin point on this cnc? How long does it take to jog over? (If I have the case that I using the same thickness of maple wood, and same jig everytime)?
Yes, you can preset an origin by zeroing the machine at the desired location before beginning your work. You can return to that exact point at any time, or you can specify an offset from that point to be the beginning point for the next machine operation (for instance when cutting several parts from one sheet of wood.) Jogging time varies by machine and application but would generally be a rapid move -- our default rapid setting is 400 inches per minute.
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Can you preset an origin point on this cnc? How long does it take to jog over? (If I have the case that I using the same thickness of maple wood, and same jig everytime)?
ARE THERE STILL VIDEOS THAT CAN WATCH AS PUT THIS TOGETHER, I'LL BUY THEM IF HAVE TO, VERY FUSTURATED WITH ELECTROCTICS AND WIRING PART.
Yes, you can use the video tutorial on the website. Here is a link: http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCElectronicsandWiring.aspx
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ARE THERE STILL VIDEOS THAT CAN WATCH AS PUT THIS TOGETHER, I'LL BUY THEM IF HAVE TO, VERY FUSTURATED WITH ELECTROCTICS AND WIRING PART.
Using your USB control board, is it possible to install and use a Z axis touch plate? If yes, what board connections would it be installed to?
The instructions on how to use a plate for z-axis homing (moveable sensor) can be found here:

http://www.planet-cnc.com/faq/moveable_sensor/

Additional Information:

Additional Information:

Additional Information:
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Using your USB control board, is it possible to install and use a Z axis touch plate? If yes, what board connections would it be installed to?
How can I convert from Xylotex to yours, four axis with limit switches. Have parallel PC and steppers on machine.
Sure, the USB interface has a place for 4 axes of limit switches.

Each axis can have two limit switches: one for the ++ (positive) end and one for the -- (negative) end. The positive end would be the limit switch at the end of the machine that, say the machine has a 4'x8' area, reaches a bit after the 8 foot mark. The negative end would be the limit switch behind the 0 foot location behind the origin. If the origin is in the middle, the negative would be at a little more than the -4 foot end and the positive would be at a bit more than the +4 foot end. Note that you can have more than one switch on each pin where the NC is connected in serial fashion and the NO is connected in parallel fashion (this can be seen on the diagram in the multiple limits switch section). The software configurations for the limits switches are under File -> Settings -> Limit.

A typical limit switch has three connections on it. These connections consist of COM (common), NC (normally closed) and NO (normally open). The COM would generally go to GND and the NC or the NO would go to the pin. If the NC is used, then the the switch is constantly connected until the switch is pushed (engaged) then the connection from the pin to gnd is broken (open). Use the settings in software to set whether in NC or NO configuration.

Let me know if this information was helpful (or not) by adding information to this question. Thanks.

User response:
Thank you very much for this helpful information. I'm still a little fuzzy on how the 6 limit switches physically connect to each other and to the USB breakout board. You've stated one switch (home) goes to positive and another switch (limit) goes to negative. Are all the GND prongs from all 6 switches connected to each other and going to GND on the breakout board, or no? And the NC prongs, how exactly are they connected to each other? And to the board? There has to be a diagram somewhere shows this visually, no? I don't know how to wire the switches in series or in parallel. I have already physically installed all the switches on the machine and ran the wires to where the board is. Now I just need to know where to plug these wires into the board. Also, taking into consideration that I'm using the Planet CNC software, the only settings I have pertaining to limit switches is "Enable/Disable" for each axis, and the actual limit for each axis. Nothing about NC or NO. Is that only in Mach3?
Thank you.

buildyourcnc response:
On the USB interface, the COM on the switch connects to GND and the NC or NO connects to the input pin (i.e. x++, y--, etc.)

Limit switch configuration is rather difficult to understand, especially with series and parallel. You can think of series as a single wire going from GND to the axis letter input terminal (i.e. X++ or X--). If the wire is broken, then the circuit is open (or the switch is engaged in a normally closed scenario). Normally closed is like an actual wire, and when engaged, the switch "opens" (breaks the wire). This is why we recommend in some systems that you can put many switches in series on a single pin. When one of the switches is engaged (breaking the connection) then the entire circuit of switches is broken and the machine stops.

In a parallel scenario, the state of the circuit is always broken until the one of the switches is engaged and the circuit is then closed or connected. The topology looks like a ladder. All the switches connect to both sides of the ladder and the switches are like the runs of the ladder (the horizontal bars that the feet are placed while climbing). Imagine all of the switches broken in this scenario (normally open). It would be like the ladder could be split in two, but if one of the ladder runs (switches) is closed by engaging it, then that run would connect both sides of the ladder and the two sides of the ladder would have a connection.

There is a diagram on the USB page of the various limit switch configurations. If you need more information (visual and/or otherwise), please let us know and we will immediately add that information to benefit everyone.
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How can I convert from Xylotex to yours, four axis with limit switches. Have parallel PC and steppers on machine.
Hi I have a Proxxon MF70, I want to add 3axis stepper with controller and software by USB. Can you suggest a kit for me? Thanks.
To implement a electronics combo to run you Proxxon MF70, you will need to find the correct drive components (ACME screw, linear rail, etc) and look into any specific modifications needed to your rig.
I would recommend the USB 3 Axis Large Motors Electronics w/ USB Interface Board.
Since the machine is metal, our larger motors would be highly recommended.

We have not done this conversion, through research is recommended.

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Hi I have a Proxxon MF70, I want to add 3axis stepper with controller and software by USB. Can you suggest a kit for me? Thanks.