Are there plans to release a USB Controller to work with the Planet CNC Output Board for more advanced spindle control from within Planet CNC?

Question #: 5759

Question: Are there plans to release a USB Controller to work with the Planet CNC Output Board for more advanced spindle control from within Planet CNC?

Current Solution

At this time we are working to release a new USB controller board that will be compatible with Mach4 software and do not have any immediate plans to update the Planet-CNC USB board.

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On the USB controller I am unable to get voltage from the Mist relay block on the board. The Flood and Spindle produce a voltage change correctly. Is there a setting I am missing?
Planet CNC has the option to turn off these outputs on your USB board. Under the File/settings/Pins. You will have Spindle (M3,M4,M5) Coolant (M7,M8,M9) as available output pins. On the drop down tabs for these output pins you will have this option ( --- ), if selected it will turn of that output pin in your board and you will get not voltage change in the pin.
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On the USB controller I am unable to get voltage from the Mist relay block on the board. The Flood and Spindle produce a voltage change correctly. Is there a setting I am missing?
I am interested in using the Mach3 USB interface board. I was wondering if there was a way to run a torch height controller with this board for use with a plasma cutter, and if so do you know of any THCs that will work. Thank you.
Yes, you can connect a THC, Torch Height Controller, with the Mach3 USB controller. The THC uses the inputs to determine if the z axis needs to move up or down according to the arc of the plasma torch. The THC connects its outputs to the inputs of the controller so the controller will be informed of the states of the plasma torch.
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I am interested in using the Mach3 USB interface board. I was wondering if there was a way to run a torch height controller with this board for use with a plasma cutter, and if so do you know of any THCs that will work. Thank you.
i have a breakout usb controller iam using a spindle output to active a relay 5V but it didnt work.... whats the problem, what else i need to active that realy 5v 10A?
To control a spindle using the USB CNC interface, you will need a relay board that contains a transistor that can activate the relay with a power source with enough current that can activate the relay. This video explains all of the information you will need to develop this relay circuit:
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i have a breakout usb controller iam using a spindle output to active a relay 5V but it didnt work.... whats the problem, what else i need to active that realy 5v 10A?
Is there a way to use an X,Y plate that will only be responsible for corner finding in Mach3 with the Mach3 USB controller?
Yes, you can use a corner plate very easily. You will want to make a corner plate that has three independent plates that do not conduct with each other. Each of these plates will be connected to a different input (i.e. IN1 for X, IN2 for Y and IN3 for Z). The end mill or tool that is inserted into the spindle will connect to V- of the 24V power supply, or the DCM on the controller, which is connected to the 24V V-. Then, you can use the ref all home button on the program run screen of Mach3.
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Is there a way to use an X,Y plate that will only be responsible for corner finding in Mach3 with the Mach3 USB controller?
Do you sell the 3 axis electronics combo , for heavy gantry , with the new Planet CNC usb controller ?
Unfortunately, we don't sell the planet-cnc controller anymore. They made a change to their software that prohibits us from creating the open source board.

We do sell three other boards that may work for you.

The Pokeys57CNC board is the mose feature rich and will work with both Mach3 and Mach4:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

The MAch3 USB board is a good inexpensive interface that will work well if you need the interface to be USB only:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

Our in-house parallel breakout board (ytou need a parallel port for this interface to work):
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay
Most motherboards have the parallel port connector on the motherboard, but not as a connector on the back of the computer case.
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Do you sell the 3 axis electronics combo , for heavy gantry , with the new Planet CNC usb controller ?
Does the Redfly that I bought with the GreenBull in 2016 work with Mach4? Also I want to add a 4th axis and a spindle with automatic tool changer. Will this work too or do I need a new control board? I bought my CNC with a longer Z travel, so I have plenty of room for these. Thanks!
That will depend on the controller that was installed in the redFly. If the controller is a pokeys57CNC controller, you can use Mach 4 with that system.

You can add a 4th axis and an ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) with the redFly system.
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Does the Redfly that I bought with the GreenBull in 2016 work with Mach4? Also I want to add a 4th axis and a spindle with automatic tool changer. Will this work too or do I need a new control board? I bought my CNC with a longer Z travel, so I have plenty of room for these. Thanks!
Does USB Controller Breakout support Linux Ubuntu and does the software support command line interface (to control it with python scripts for example)
The usb controller will only work with the planet-cnc software which is software that will work in Windows.
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Does USB Controller Breakout support Linux Ubuntu and does the software support command line interface (to control it with python scripts for example)
Does USB Controller Breakout support Linux Ubuntu and does the software support command line interface (to control it with python scripts for example)
The usb controller will only work with the planet-cnc software which is software that will work in Windows.
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Does USB Controller Breakout support Linux Ubuntu and does the software support command line interface (to control it with python scripts for example)
Is there a wiring diagram for hooking up your hex inverter between your USB breakout board and the controller?
The use of the hex inverter in the application to invert a direction signal to have a motor run in the reverse directions is relatively simple.

First, go to this link and look at the chip diagram:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-hex-inverter-breakout-newbiehack-integrated_circuits-hex-inverter

Connect 5V from the USB interface tothe VCC pin. The pin on the keyboard jog header can be used. Connect the GND pin from the USB interface to the GND pin on the hex inverter. Connect the CW terminal from the USB interface to the 1A pin on the hex inverter. Connect the 1Y pin from the hex inverter to the driver.

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I got a question??? I am a dummy when it comes to cnc. I got 6040 1500kw water cold engraver 3 axis from china. I can not get anything out of them pertaining help they keep telling me the same thing over and over and over and I'm doing it and send them pictures that I know. Anyway email me a wiring diagram for the PRT 1500 watt spindle motor control box and has the emergency stop on and off switch manual PC and of course yhe screanm fultonsbusiness@gmail.com

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I got a question??? I am a dummy when it comes to cnc. I got 6040 1500kw water cold engraver 3 axis from china. I can not get anything out of them pertaining help they keep telling me the same thing over and over and over and I'm doing it and send them pictures that I know. Anyway email me a wiring diagram for the PRT 1500 watt spindle motor control box and has the emergency stop on and off switch manual PC and of course yhe screanm fultonsbusiness@gmail.com
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Is there a wiring diagram for hooking up your hex inverter between your USB breakout board and the controller?
However it how do I get the software to work? PlanetCNC sent me a key that looks like it will only work with a backup control board I purchased from them?
When you plug the USB controller into the computer using a USB cable, and the planet-cnc software is running, you will be presented with a dialog box that will contain a text box for the key that you received from the planet-cnc folks.

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Is there any other software that will work with your controller Mach3? Thanks for the help!
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However it how do I get the software to work? PlanetCNC sent me a key that looks like it will only work with a backup control board I purchased from them?
Mach3 doesn't take MPG input from USB RnRMotion board. While running Mach3 "Manage plugins">"RnRMtion control panel. I can see the signals from the hand controller changing, Mach3 diagnostics show nothing. Motors are controlable when i run G-code.
Yes, you can connect a THC, Torch Height Controller, with the Mach3 USB controller. The THC uses the inputs to determine if the z axis needs to move up or down according to the arc of the plasma torch. The THC connects its outputs to the inputs of the controller so the controller will be informed of the states of the plasma torch.
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Mach3 doesn't take MPG input from USB RnRMotion board. While running Mach3 "Manage plugins">"RnRMtion control panel. I can see the signals from the hand controller changing, Mach3 diagnostics show nothing. Motors are controlable when i run G-code.
Is it possible to manage USB Controller (Breakout) from my own (custom) Windows application? Is there a driver API or smth for that?
We could not guarantee, nor say, whether or not your current software would be able to utilize the USB breakout board. Our USB breakout board is designed for use with Planet CNC software found here, http://www.planet-cnc.com/index.php?page=software

As far as we know, this is the only CNC Controller software that operates on a USB breakout controller.

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Is it possible to manage USB Controller (Breakout) from my own (custom) Windows application? Is there a driver API or smth for that?
Mach3 doesn't take MPG input from USB RnRMotion board. While running Mach3 "Manage plugins">"RnRMtion control panel. I can see the signals from the hand controller changing, Mach3 diagnostics show nothing.
There are many ways to wire an emergency stop switch. The simplest, and arguably the most certain, way is to wire the switch into the incoming power so that throwing the switch kills all power to every part of the machine. Here is a diagram showing how a customer wired such a switch on their blackTooth laser which you could adapt to your needs. http://www.buildyourtools.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=4872

Alternatively, you could use an input pin on your USB board. The wiring would depend on whether and how you might be using limit switches (single or multiple switches; normally open or normally closed). Our website datasheet for the USB board is at https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout#prettyPhoto/2/ and shows how to configure the switches for each set up. If you use this method, you'd essentially wire the e-stop as a limit switch.
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Mach3 doesn't take MPG input from USB RnRMotion board. While running Mach3 "Manage plugins">"RnRMtion control panel. I can see the signals from the hand controller changing, Mach3 diagnostics show nothing.
Can the Planet CNC USB controller be used with a laser engraver/cutter? Can the build your own CNC based on the Planet CNC USB controller accept a Laser head instead of a router?
The PlanetCNC USB software, like most machine control software, can be used to control a laser engraver/cutter. The typical modification is to use the Z axis down signal to fire the laser, analogous to an endmill cutting into the workpiece from an initial position above it.

For the second question, it is important to note that BYCNC machines are not based on PlanetCNC software, or any other particular machine control system. The machines themselves will accept standard signals from a wide variety of machine control systems, not just PlanetCNC or Mach3. This allows maximum flexibility for the customer to choose their own preferred software for this part of the toolchain.

That said, our machines will accept a laser head either in lieu of or in addition to a spindle. Here is an example of a combination spindle/laser mount for our greenBull machine: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-laser-spindle-combo-head. We have all the parts you would need to add laser functionality to your machine here: https://buildyourcnc.com/LaserComponents.aspx, if you feel comfortable assembling your own package. Also, feel free to contact our sales department for a quote if you need a custom assembly.
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Can the Planet CNC USB controller be used with a laser engraver/cutter? Can the build your own CNC based on the Planet CNC USB controller accept a Laser head instead of a router?
I AM PUTTING TOGETHER THE BLACKFOOT AND USING A PORTER CABLE ROUTER. CONFUSED ON HOW TO RELAY ROUTETR WITH USB BOARD. IS THERE ANOTHER SWITCH THAT GOES BETWEEN BOARD ROUTER SO PLANET CNC CAN TURN PERHAPS VACUUM OFF?
We are currently working on a relay board that will connect to USB breakout board, and the router/spindle for both the on/off function. Unfortunately we still do not have it completed or ready to be placed on our website, but it is in the final stages of testing. Please check back regularly for updated stock!

Here is a link to a tutorial for a DIY relay circuit:

There is no vacuum control on the Planet-CNC program, however you could use the same concept of the router/spindle on/off using the relay circuit. Although you will have to use either the flood or mist function for the vacuum.
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I AM PUTTING TOGETHER THE BLACKFOOT AND USING A PORTER CABLE ROUTER. CONFUSED ON HOW TO RELAY ROUTETR WITH USB BOARD. IS THERE ANOTHER SWITCH THAT GOES BETWEEN BOARD ROUTER SO PLANET CNC CAN TURN PERHAPS VACUUM OFF?
My pokeysCNC board creates and analog signal of 0-10V for 0 to 24000 spindle rpm just like it should from Mach3. However, when the spindle is on, the voltage only gets to about 3.8V for 24000 rpm. It seems like the vfd is drawing more current than the pokeyscnc analog output can produce. It there an easy solution to this problem?
Do you have the Pokeys57CNC connected to a 24V external power supply?

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Yes, a 24V external power supply with the jumper positioned. I'm using the ethernet port so the 24v is the only source of power. I plan to measure the amp draw when I have a chance to see how much the vfd is drawing on the analog out.

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Further information. The resistance across the terminals on the vfd is 22k ohms. With an independent 0-10v current source I can run the spindle from 20 to 400 Hz. The PokeysCNC only gets to 3.8v with the vfd attached (and the vfd is at 150 Hz) compared to 10v when the vfd is not attached. The power to the PokeysCNC is steady at 24.18 V, so I'm not maxing out the power supply. Still looking for thoughts on what might be going on?

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And the other thing - The measured amperage is 0.17 mA for the 0-10 V signal (which makes perfect sense for 3.7 V and 22k Ohms).

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Just to bring finality to this issue - I added a 2.2 microfarad capacitor across the 0-10V input terminal (from signal to ground). This solved the issue. Evidently, it was an electrical noise issue.
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My pokeysCNC board creates and analog signal of 0-10V for 0 to 24000 spindle rpm just like it should from Mach3. However, when the spindle is on, the voltage only gets to about 3.8V for 24000 rpm. It seems like the vfd is drawing more current than the pokeyscnc analog output can produce. It there an easy solution to this problem?
I am using 5 limit switches on my 3 axis machine. I am using the usb controller for planet cnc. I would like to know where all the wires related to the limit switches get connected? A diagram would be helpful.
The diagram for wiring the USB interface board is located here: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout#prettyPhoto/2/

Under the board illustration, there are three smaller diagrams of limit switch wiring. On each, there are two connections, the GND and the pin which are labeled at the ends of the circuit on the diagrams. The pin side would go to the axis label ++ or -- terminal (i.e. X++, or X--). The other end, labeled GND would connect to any ground terminal on the board.
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I am using 5 limit switches on my 3 axis machine. I am using the usb controller for planet cnc. I would like to know where all the wires related to the limit switches get connected? A diagram would be helpful.
I would like to make a handheld remote for the USB CNC Board using a joystick instead of momentary switches. Could you suggest one that will work with your board.
The USB interface only works with momentary switches unfortunately. If you have extensive knowledge of digital electronics, you can apply a receiver that uses a microcontroller and a transmitter with another microcontroller that produces the pulsing signal with the controls that you need.

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I would like to make a handheld remote for the USB CNC Board using a joystick instead of momentary switches. Could you suggest one that will work with your board.
Do you have a diagram on how to connect the vfd so the CNC controller box can turn the spindle on and off whenever i start a job?
The following videos are helpful when connecting the VFD to a pokeys57CNC controller; however, there is useful information on the external terminals of the VFD and how to connect the VFD to any controller using a relay. Additionally, the videos have useful information on how to program the VFD.

Start and stop for spindle
https://youtu.be/0SLFuM4tzuU

Speed control:
https://youtu.be/pA69t1ZLY2s

The following video uses the Mach3 usb controller to control a spindle.
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Do you have a diagram on how to connect the vfd so the CNC controller box can turn the spindle on and off whenever i start a job?