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Question #: 14855

Question: [Mach3 USB Interface Board] I cannot get the limits to work I’m normally open as you state

Current Solution

Open the input signals dialog box by clicking on config, then ports and pins, then input signals. For each line item that you use (i.e. x++, y--, etc) make sure the port number is 3.

Also, make sure there is a 24v power supply connected to the DCM and 24V terminals. One side of the NO on the limit switch must connect to the DCM, or the power supply V- terminal.

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

  • [575] How do I get the USB Driver to work with Mach3 Version 1.84

    What problems are you experiencing?

    Additional Information:
    Are you able to install a newer version of Mach3? If you are worried that your configuration will be lost, you can save the configuration by copying all of the XML files from the Mach folder. The XML files contain all of the settings that you applied in Mach3. Just in case the XML files are not compatible with the new version, make sure not to erase the current Mach3 that you have on the machine.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] How do I get the USB Driver to work with Mach3 Version 1.84

  • I need a resource, we bought 2 redfly systems and mach 4, We put one motor on for the x axis but cannot get it move. Can you direct us to some tutorial?

    Could you specify which breakout board you have? If you have a parallel port version, be sure that you have purchased the "legacy" parallel port version from Mach4. If this proves not to be the problem, please feel free to email us directly at techsuport@buildyourcnc.com or call 281-815-7701 for troubleshooting instructions.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I need a resource, we bought 2 redfly systems and mach 4, We put one motor on for the x axis but cannot get it move. Can you direct us to some tutorial?

  • I can't get the Mach3 USB interface to work

    Please follow the steps on the following webpage:

    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

    Additional Information:
    Mach3 interface board not connected

    Additional Information:
    Mach3 interface board not connected

    Additional Information:
    Mach3 interface board not connected

    Additional Information:
    Mach3 interface board not connected

    Additional Information:
    Mach3 interface board not connected

    Additional Information:
    Mach3 interface board not connected

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I can't get the Mach3 USB interface to work

  • I cannot turn the shaft of my stepper motor. It not even connected to a driver

    The motor is creating it's own EMF when you try to turn the shaft manually. When coils are connected (or not connected) to any circuit that is not powered can cause unpredictable results.

    The motor freezing from just turning it by hand with no connection is surely the wires touching each other. This is actually how we test if a motor is good or bad. If the motor freezes when two of the wires are touching, that means the motor is functioning properly since the magnets are causing current to flow through that coil opposing the magnet.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I cannot turn the shaft of my stepper motor. It not even connected to a driver

  • [575] Will this work with Mach4. I,m thinking to upgrade from Mach3.

    The Mach3 USB will not work with Mach4. Consider the Pokeys57CNC controller instead. The Pokeys57CNC controller will work with Mach3 or Mach4 and contains more features than most CNC machines need, including 8 motor outputs, 4 onboard relays, limit home and probe inputs, galvanically isolated outputs, and much more.
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Will this work with Mach4. I,m thinking to upgrade from Mach3.

  • I bought a used cnc router. Can you make the electronics work?

    Yes, you can send your electronics to us for repair, or retrofit to work with either Mach3, Mach4 or LinuxCNC. You can send us an email at customerService@buildyourcnc.com to set up your appointment.

    Some of the types of CNC electronics we will consider.

    - We will work on electronics from other manufacturers as long as you are ok with the Mach3, Mach4 or LinuxCNC control software for your CNC machine or CNC router.

    - We will repair or retrofit used CNC electronics.

    - Some customers find that electronics are overwhelming to put together so we will finish these electronics wiring and assembly for you.

    The cost for these includes labor cost for the time it takes to finish the CNC electronics repair or retrofit and for any parts that need to be replaced or added.

    Here is an example of CNC electronics that we worked on for a customer:



    This is the type of response that you can expect to receive after the CNC electronics are repaired or retrofitted to work under Mach3, Mach4 or LinuxCNC. You can see the entire work, which also shows the time involved. We also show what we were able to accomplish at the beginning of the video.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I bought a used cnc router. Can you make the electronics work?

  • I'm trying to get the planet-cnc mist, coolant and spindle output to work. It's showing no voltage when I test

    On the Planet-CNC board, the Mist, Spindle and Coolant outputs will require a relay to switch on those devices. Test one of those terminals with a multi-meter (Mist, Coolant, or Spindle). Each of these terminals have a GND next to the terminal for the device.

    Test the voltage across the GND to the terminal with the arrow that you want to test. Go to the software and click on the device you want to test (mist, coolant or spindle) and note the voltage. If no voltage is output then check under the board to where the terminals are soldered. Re-test the terminals across the solder joints rather than the terminal block wire inputs. If you get a voltage, then there is a problem with the terminal block. If you don't get a voltage, then the board is not functioning properly.

    Additional Information:
    I activated the output signal.. I did the tests indicated and I did not get voltage. I heated the welds of the three outputs and now works coolant but no mist or spindle, what should I do?

    Additional Information:
    There are probably cold joints on the board at the chip or the resistors on the traces for those terminals. You can send the board back to us and we will repair and test the board.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I'm trying to get the planet-cnc mist, coolant and spindle output to work. It's showing no voltage when I test

  • [575] After reset of E stop, I get error message "RnR Motion Card Not Found". Have you any advice?

    If you are getting the message RNR Motion Card Not Found, the controller is shorting. Check the wiring to make sure you have all of the correct wires in the correct terminals. Check the voltages of all the terminals to make sure everything shows the correct polarity and voltages.

    Additional Information:
    Mine did the same thing. Try pushing the USB cable all the way into the port and slightly up. My usb port on the card is slightly oversized and breaking the connection. Ordering some USB type B connectors off of amazon, gonna try and re-solder a new port on the card before replacing the card.

    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] After reset of E stop, I get error message "RnR Motion Card Not Found". Have you any advice?

  • I lose power of the laser tube and the LCD panel displays trigger limits

    How many hours have you used the laser tube? Can you describe the connections to the laser controller?

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    I lose power of the laser tube and the LCD panel displays trigger limits

  • [575] Can it make the spidle control PWM to a VFD witch 5 V input

    In theory, utilizing a 5V reference in the 10V terminal of the Mach3 USB controller should yield functional results, although I haven't personally tested this configuration. If you possess an oscilloscope, you can monitor the PWM signal to verify whether the AVI output achieves a peak 5V PWM square wave.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Can it make the spidle control PWM to a VFD witch 5 V input

  • [575] I have a 64 bit Windows 11 laptop. Will this interface board work with this? If not is there an option you can suggest.

    Yes, the Mach3 USB controller will work with the latest Windows version and in 64-bit mode. The 32-bit mode is only relevant for using the parallel port driver if you are using a parallel port breakout board. Since this controller is connected via a USB cable, the 64-bit state will work fine.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] I have a 64 bit Windows 11 laptop. Will this interface board work with this? If not is there an option you can suggest.

  • [575] Will the Mach3 USB interface board support other software such as Easel?

    The Mach3 USB controller is specifically engineered to integrate seamlessly with Mach3's CNC control software. Easel, on the other hand, offers an all-in-one CAD/CAM solution along with machine control capabilities. While Easel can output standard G-code compatible with industry-standard post-processors, it can serve as a design tool when used in conjunction with Mach3 but not as the machine control software.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Will the Mach3 USB interface board support other software such as Easel?

  • 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

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    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.

  • [575] I cant get a 5v signal on any of the Outputs on the board. what Port# and Pin #s should I be using on Mach3?

    The Mach3 USB controller does not provide 5V output signals. The Inputs, Outputs, and PWM Spindle Speed terminals are separated from the 5V side of the board. The output terminals use the 24V portion of the controller and you will need a 24V power supply to make these outputs work.

    Please watch the video below to completely understand how the outputs of this controller work. Make sure that you are using the RNRmotion.dll plugin and that the port for each of the outputs is set to port 3.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] I cant get a 5v signal on any of the Outputs on the board. what Port# and Pin #s should I be using on Mach3?

  • [410] what I need to buy to make this work on my GreenBull machine and the redfly?

    Since this 4th axis already comes with a stepper motor, you will need a driver and some cable to connect to the driver from where the 4th axis will be placed. If you have extra space in the redFly electronics enclosure, you can fasten the driver there. You will also need some wire to connect the driver to the breakout baord.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [410] what I need to buy to make this work on my GreenBull machine and the redfly?

  • I am configuring a blackfoot with 1 CW8060 and 2 CW230's with linuxcnc and cannot figure out the proper settings for stepconf. Can you provide the default settings that should work with these motors?

    These are the recommend values(default) for our blackFoot CNC machine, the acceleration and velocity can be adjusted as high as the motor can rotate without stalling! Suggested increment's will be by 10's.

    blackFoot:
    X-axis
    “CW8060 (6.0A) Driver”
    Set to 1/16 Microstep, 5.43A
    Dipswitches: 01100110 (“0”=down, “1”=up)
    Motor Tuning: 914.29 steps/in, Velocity 400.02, Acceleration 4

    Y-axis
    “CW230 (3.0A) Driver”
    Set to 1/16 Microstep, 2.7A
    Dipswitches: 11001100
    Motor Tuning: 1422.22 steps/in, Velocity 400.02, Acceleration 4

    Z-axis
    “CW230 (3.0A) Driver”
    Set to 1/4 Microstep, 2.7A
    Dipswitches: 10101100
    Motor Tuning: 1600 steps/in, Velocity 79.98, Acceleration 5

    Additional Information:
    Thanks! What about step and direction config? I have:
    Step time: 2000ns
    Step space: 8000ns
    Direction hold: 5000ns
    Direction Setup: 5000ns

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I am configuring a blackfoot with 1 CW8060 and 2 CW230's with linuxcnc and cannot figure out the proper settings for stepconf. Can you provide the default settings that should work with these motors?

  • I HAVE FOLLOWED YOUR YOUTUBE VIDEO ON SETTING UP THE POKEYS 57CNC BOARD BUT WHEN OPEN MACH 4 GET A ERROR MESSAGE CONNECTION IS TO SLOW

    I have not come across this problem, but there may be USB, or firmware issues that you are experiencing. I would recommend going on the polabs website and using their support center (https://support.poscope.com/)and posing that question to them. Also, have you tried the ethernet port as an alternative to see if that helps?

    Here is the response from an LLM:

    Check USB Cable and Port: Start with the basics. Sometimes this error is due to a poor USB connection. Ensure you're using a high-quality, shielded USB cable and that it's plugged into a USB port directly on your computer, not through a hub. If possible, try a different USB port or a different cable to rule out any issues there.

    Update Firmware and Software: Ensure that both your PoKeys57CNC firmware and the Mach4 software are up to date. Firmware updates for your PoKeys board might include optimizations or fixes that address connectivity issues.

    USB Polling Rate: This error can also arise from the USB polling rate setting in the PoKeys configuration software. It might be set too high for your system's ability to handle it. Try lowering the polling rate and see if that resolves the error.

    Computer Performance: Check your computer’s performance. If it’s running several heavy applications simultaneously, it might not be able to process signals from the PoKeys board fast enough. Try closing unnecessary applications or consider using a dedicated machine if your current setup is too taxed.

    Mach 4 and PoKeys Plugin Configuration: Dive into the Mach 4 plugin configuration for PoKeys. Ensure that all settings are correctly configured as per the manual. Incorrect settings might lead to communication bottlenecks.

    Connection Quality and Interference: Consider any potential interference sources near your CNC setup or computer. Electromagnetic interference from large motors, other electronics, or long cable runs can affect communication quality. Try rearranging your setup to minimize interference.

    Consult Documentation and Support: If the issue persists, consult the detailed documentation provided by PoKeys or reach out to their customer support. They can offer more specific advice based on the latest product updates or known issues.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I HAVE FOLLOWED YOUR YOUTUBE VIDEO ON SETTING UP THE POKEYS 57CNC BOARD BUT WHEN OPEN MACH 4 GET A ERROR MESSAGE CONNECTION IS TO SLOW

  • How deep is the bed? As in, how far can I get the head from the base?

    Which machine are you referring to?

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    How deep is the bed? As in, how far can I get the head from the base?

  • When I run a file with a lot of z movements, the Z seems to get lower

    Sounds like it is stalling as the z is trying to move up. I would first try putting 3-in-1 oil on the screw and run the z up and down a lot as fast as possible so you can confirm the z is capable again. It could also be the shaft or the lead screw slipping in the coupling. Finally, check the wiring where there may be zip ties or other places where the wires are fastened and look for chafing. This can cause intermittent shorts in the wires.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    When I run a file with a lot of z movements, the Z seems to get lower

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