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 would not recommend slaving an axis using the method of taking an additional axis from the USB interface. Instead, wire both drivers to a single axis on the USB interface. This will insure perfect signal output to both drivers. If you requre the motors to spin in opposite directions, simply wire one of the motors to the driver reversing the coil A and B connections, or use a hex inverter (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/tutorials/Tutorial-Two-Motors-Spinning-Oppositely-On-Single-Axis).

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I purchased a USB Breakout board, motors and drivers, paid for CNC USB Controller Software and I CAN NOT "Slave" an axis, but there is an option to do that. The moment I connect USB Breakout Board "Slave" option becomes shaded and I can no longer select it (becomes not functional). What is going on? Need help asap. Thanks

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.

Can you test the output of the 5V DC adapter to check the output voltage?

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The 5VDC voltage was generated by a PC ATX power supply and was measured (5.0VDC) just before connecting it to the controller PCB. I also verified polarity prior to powering up.

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Please call us to initiate a replacement of the USB interface. We would also like the existing USB interface to be return so that we can investigate the cause of this failure.

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I connected 5Vdc power to the alternet connector of the USB Breakoutboard with the proper jumper setting and the board fried. What did I do wrong?

You should have no problem connecting the Pokeys57CNC controller to the drivers of your machine as long as the drivers have step (Pulse or PUL) and direction (DIR) terminals. You will need the cable pack that is sold separately so you can connect the headers/connectors of the pokeys57cnc controller to the drivers using ribbon cables.

I show this process in great detail on this page:
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Is you scroll down on the page, you will see a set of videos that show the process step-by-step.

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I have a ShopBot CNC that was converted to Mach 3. The controller has gone out. I pourchased your Pokeys57 board, but I'm not sure I have everything I need. I think my motor drivers are OK, but am not sure how to wire them to what I purchased from you. Need Help. How can we make this work, or do I need a different board to distribute the movement signals to my drivers?

The USB port on the Parallel Interface board is necessary to supply 5V power. Connect with a USB cable to a USB source.

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I purchased a parallel port breakout board. I have checked all the info and found nothing on the usb port. What is it used for?

In regards to getting a complete plug and go system, there are a lot of items to consider.
Electronics, DYI or one of our electronics kits that come assembled and tested?
Cable for the motors is a additional purchase, spindle? = silicone tubing/water pump, etc.
Cable carrier (wire management), software (also additional purchase).

We can view your cart, but please send us your email and username to customerservice@buildyourcnc.com so it will remain secure!

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I want to by a 5 by 10 foot kit, sorry, I don't have the time to read everything here. what should I be thinking about, Can you veiw my cart and tell me what else I need to get?

I'm not sure I understand the question. You are looking for spacers or sprockets?

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Nevermind, I found my answer. Thank you

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Since you don't sell the hardware only package for the Blackfoot 4'x8' can you tell me what items I should look for for the chain sprockets, spacers to mount them to the 1/2" rod, and chain? All the other parts I can source from elsewhere

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?

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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I recently purchased 3 axis electronics with the USB controller board. I'm trying to install an E-stop switch. Where do I connect that on the controller board?

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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I recently purchased 3 axis electronics with the USB controller board. I'm trying to install an E-stop switch. Where do I connect that on the controller board?

When dealing with 3rd party machines, we have a universal setup that will fit almost any other machine, although please take in consideration the specifications in which your stepper motors and drivers are used and set to!
Now changing the controls, would be more or less changing the Breakout board/interface board to a different one that might use a different program to run your machine. Usually you will not need to change your interface board or breakout board, unless the 3rd party manufacture made it specifically to that set up.

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I purchased a 3040 CNC router off eBay a year ago and would like to change the controls. The steppers are 185oz.in motors. My question do i need to purchase a interface board and break out boards?

If you were logged in when you made the purchase, you can click the "My Account" link at the top of any page on this website and see all of your orders, order line items (with direct links to these items), and shipment information.

Here is a link to the "My Account" page for your convenience:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/CustomerInfo.aspx

I did not see your username on your internal customer record, so I added this username and you should be able to see the information in the "My Account" page.

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I just tested your accounts page and the cable carrier links are in there. Thanks and please let me know if you need further assistance.

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I have purchased cable carrier chain and would like to know if you could send me a copy of that order as I need to purchase extra lengths of the links I bought. Thanks

Please not using output 3 & 4 Termials on board as manual states dose not work!

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Can you tell me the correct way to wire tool probe on your Mach3 USB board?

Software specific questions for Planet-CNC will have to come from them or other sources as we are not fully equipped to troubleshoot all issues. If the issue is related to motor tuning or setup involving our electronics, then we will gladly assist you. You may contact techsupport@buildyourcnc.com with inquiries.

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What do I need to purchase from you to get me running. I have planet cnc control board but it is difficult contacting them when I need help.

Connecting drivers from a controller to the driver does not require relays. A controller typically has pins or terminals for Step and Direction. These terminals connect to the driver's Pulse and Direction terminals. For instance for the X axis: if you are connecting from the Mach3 USB controller, you would connect the XD (X axis Direction) terminal to the Driver's DIR+ terminal, and the XP (X axis Pulse) to theDriver's PUL+ terminal, and the GND from the controller to the PUL- and DIR- terminals.

I have thorough step by step instruction for two controllers:
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

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When you are talking about relatys, that is all Greek to me. Will a breakout board do what I need to hook up to my drivers?

Is this CNC related. If so, what controller are you using?

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I'm using the Mach 3/USB CNC interface board, with the Mach 3 software.

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Does the LED on the controller light up, or blink?

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I believe I've corrected the issue. I found that their are 2 spring like tabs on the female USB port. And take a sharp point like on a compass and gentle raise those tabs a bit. This tighten up the connection, and I never received an error from losing connection.

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It appears I have a connection issue with the USB port on my computer with the USB cord. I purchased a new cord but has the same issue. Is there anything I can do to correct this issue?

Here is the new link to the Planet CNC software download page: http://planet-cnc.com/software/

You can try the software as a demo however you will have limited g-code lines you can run. I believe it was around 500, so you can create small items with the demo.
To fully unlock the Planet-CNC software you will need to purchase the license.

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I purchased the USB BOB and the link for the Planet-cnc software is broke. Will I need to purchase a license for the software as well?

Hey, sorry I just found the wiring diagram and see that #4 is disabled. My bad. Thanks.

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I just purchased some wire for my 2.2 spindle as per your recommendation it's 14 AWG stranded wire for the VFD to Spindle (U, V, W) connections. However, it's a three wire (black, white and Ground). Which numbers on the female pin connector do I connect the wires to. Cheers.