[ Log In ]
[ Register ]

Question #: 15389

Question: [Mach3 USB Interface Board] How do I get the USB Driver to work with Mach3 Version 1.84

Current Solution

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.

Respond:

Other Possible Solutions to this Question

  • [575] Hi, I have an old version of MACH3 V1.84 - Can someone tell me where to place the USB motion drive as there is no plugin folder in this version.

    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] Hi, I have an old version of MACH3 V1.84 - Can someone tell me where to place the USB motion drive as there is no plugin folder in this version.

  • [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.

  • Whereb can I find directions on how to install the Mach3 USB board with Mach 4 software? I do not have a parallell port.

    You can find instructions for the Mach3 USB here:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

    You will probably need to use the Mach3 USB board with Mach3. We have not tested the Mach3 usb card with Mach4.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Whereb can I find directions on how to install the Mach3 USB board with Mach 4 software? I do not have a parallell port.

  • 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

  • How do i get the USB break out board to communicate with the exceptional Planet-CNC USB software?

    The USB interfaces (The board shown at the link: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout) that we well is already updated with the firmware, and tested with the planet-cnc software. Simply install the planet-cnc software and plug in the USB interface and the software will communicate with the board.

    Additional Information:
    Windows 10 was not allowing the planet cnc software to install the proper drivers. Following the windows 8 reccomendations listed on the usb break out board page got the planet cnc and usb break out board communicating.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    How do i get the USB break out board to communicate with the exceptional Planet-CNC USB software?

  • [659] When clicking the manual link, it wont let me switch to the American version. How do I get that link?

    If you are referring to the polabs website that presents in another language, on that site, there is a button on the top right that says "options" with a down arrow. Click that and click turn off translation.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [659] When clicking the manual link, it wont let me switch to the American version. How do I get that link?

  • [575] I cannot get the limits to work I’m normally open as you state

    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.

    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] I cannot get the limits to work I’m normally open as you state

  • WILL THE USB BREAKOUT BOARD WORK WITH MACH3?

    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.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    WILL THE USB BREAKOUT BOARD WORK WITH MACH3?

  • I'm using ArtCam with my Black Toe. What Gcode version do you choose to work with EMC2

    I have not heard of different versions of g-code, but ArtCAM would be able to give you the answer to this question, if their software is specifying that there are different versions.

    Additional Information:
    20

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I'm using ArtCam with my Black Toe. What Gcode version do you choose to work with EMC2

  • Will the USB breakout board work with Mach3?

    Our newer USB board will work with Mach3 and can be found here at this URL:

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

    Additional Information:
    Mach3 breakout board including software

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Will the USB breakout board work with Mach3?

  • How do I get Homing on Z to work with Plate and Ground using Buildyourcnc usb board all the entries for the sensor in planet-cnc are grayed out. I am using input z- and I purchased the software

    To home the z-axis using a plate:
    - Connect the end mill using a large clamping device like an alligator clip with a wire connected to GND.

    - Connect the plate (solder a wire to the plate) to one of the input pins.

    - You can use the autoset to setup that pin in Mach3 simply by touching the two together once connected to the pin and GND.

    Alternatively, the end mill can be connected to the pin and the plate connected to GND as long as there becomes a complete circuit when the end mill touches the plate.

    To setup homing for the Planet-CNC homing and limits, go to the Planet-CNC Machine setup page which explains the process step by step: http://www.planet-cnc.com/faq/machine_setup/

    Customer Response:
    How do I get homing on z to work with planet cnc software using build your own usb board. I have gone to planet website and followed the instructions provided but my software will not allow entries in the required fields they are grayed out is it because I am not using planet-cnc's board, I have used this method for years with Mach3 and would like to use it with the usb board and software.

    Answer:
    Just received information from the developer. 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/

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    How do I get Homing on Z to work with Plate and Ground using Buildyourcnc usb board all the entries for the sensor in planet-cnc are grayed out. I am using input z- and I purchased the software

  • How do I connect the outputs on the USB motion card for Mach3?

    A 24V connection to the USB motion card is only needed if you are using limit switches (inputs), powering the spindle/VFD speed and direction, and for the outputs, for powering other devices (mist, coolant, etc.).

    If you are using a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive, also called Inverter) for a spindle, they typically have a 24V out terminal that can be used with our USB motion card. If you are not using a spindle/VFD (we highly recommend one), then you will need to purchase a 24v power supply to power that side of the board.

    The outputs mentioned above are to connect to external devices and will require a relay (a mechanical switch that is controlled by a digital signal). This mechanical switch can turn on a device like coolant and mist, or even a router, if you are using one. A relay is required to turn on these devices because the devices are typically higher voltage, like mains (110v or 220v). So, a relay can turn on or off a high voltage device with a lower voltage (24v) signal.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    How do I connect the outputs on the USB motion card for Mach3?

  • 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.

    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:
    Is there any other software that will work with your controller Mach3? Thanks for the help!

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    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?

  • How do I connect the outputs on the Mach3 USB motion card?

    A 24V connection to the USB motion card is only needed if you are using limit switches (inputs), powering the spindle/VFD speed and direction, and for the outputs, for powering other devices (mist, coolant, etc.).

    If you are using a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive, also called Inverter) for a spindle, they typically have a 24V out terminal that can be used with our USB motion card. If you are not using a spindle/VFD (we highly recommend one), then you will need to purchase a 24v power supply to power that side of the board.

    The outputs mentioned above are to connect to external devices and will require a relay (a mechanical switch that is controlled by a digital signal). This mechanical switch can turn on a device like coolant and mist, or even a router, if you are using one. A relay is required to turn on these devices because the devices are typically higher voltage, like mains (110v or 220v). So, a relay can turn on or off a high voltage device with a lower voltage (24v) signal.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    How do I connect the outputs on the Mach3 USB motion card?

  • The mach3 USB card requires 24V, how do I supply this?

    If you are using a spindle with a VFD, there is a 24 volt power supply that will provide the correct power for the V+ and V- on the Mach3 USB. The 12V option is only if you are using the limit switches on that side of the board, but if you are using it to control spindle speed and for the outputs, it's best to use a 24V power supply, or the 24V output on the VFD.

    Additional Information:
    Closed loop

    Additional Information:
    Can i use 12v in the 24v input

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    The mach3 USB card requires 24V, how do I supply this?

  • How can I connect an inductive proximity sensor to the Mach3 USB controller?

    I would suggest using the NPN proximity sensor for the Mach3 USB or the Pokeys57cnc. The proximity sensors have a top DC voltage limit of 30 volts, so it would be best to use the 24V power supply that is used to power the controller. Both controllers have a 24V power requirement, so that is convenient.

    The blue wire of the proximity sensor is the GND wire and is connected to the 24V power supply's V- terminal. The brown wire is the positive wire and is connected to the V+ terminal of the 24V power supply. The black wire is the signal wire and is connected to the input terminal of the controller.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    How can I connect an inductive proximity sensor to the Mach3 USB controller?

  • How do I use the outputs on the Mach3 USB controller?

    I created a video to demonstrate how to use the outputs on the Mach3 USB controller. You can find this video on the following page:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

    Scroll down to the 5th video on that page. The title of the video is: Mach3 USB Controller Outputs

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    How do I use the outputs on the Mach3 USB controller?

  • HOW DO I WIRE FROM THE BREAKOUT BOARD TO DRIVER?

    CP+ to COM
    CP- to STEP
    CP+ to CW+ (small jumper wire)
    CW- to DIR

    Additional Information:
    If the driver does not have CP or CW labels, the CP is Step and the CW is Direction or DIR. If you connect the 5v to CP+ (or Step+) and CW+ (or DIR+) and the pin to CP- (or Step-) and another pin to CW- (or DIR-), then in software, the configuration for the step on that axis must be active low. Otherwise, if you connect the GND to CP- (or Step-) and CW- (or DIR-) and the pin to CP+ (or Step+) and another pin to CW+ (or DIR+), then in software, the configuration for the step on that axis must be active high.

    Additional Information:
    If you have a driver that is labeled pul, dir and ena: Pul+ is the Step+ and Pul- is the Step-. Pul is short for pulse. A pulse will create a step. Don't worry about the enable terminals.

    On the x-axis, pin #2 can go to pul- and pin #3 can go to dir-. The 5v will go to pul+ and dir+. The configuration for each axis for step will be active low and toggle active low for the dir on each axis to make it go in the direction desired.

    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    HOW DO I WIRE FROM THE BREAKOUT BOARD TO DRIVER?

  • Can I power the Mach3 USB interface 24V with a 48V power supply?

    The Mach3 USB interface card uses 5V (powered from the computer's USB) and a 24v to power the inputs, outputs and spindle control

    the mach3 usb interface can be found here:

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

    But the mach3 usb does not absolutely need the 24V supply. The 24v supply is only needed if you will be using limit switches (I1-4), VFD controlled automatically and for use with the outputs (O1-4)


    Additional Information:
    The 36v 8.8 amp power supply we typically recommend is for powering the stepper motor drivers.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Can I power the Mach3 USB interface 24V with a 48V power supply?

Get Help with:
This Product
Orders
Tech Support
Sales
This Product
Order Query
Tech Support
Sales
Not logged in. Log In Register
Track Order(s)
View Order(s)
I Want to Schecule a One-On-One Paid Tech Support Session
Book an Appointment Pertaining to a BuildYourCNC Product (Free)
Ask a Quesion Below (Free):
Book an Appointment Pertaining Other Equipment ($60/half hour)
Book an Immedite Appointment Pertaining Other Equipment ($120/half hour)
Ask a Quesion Below (Free):
Waiting for response... I may not answer immediately, but I was notified on my cellular phone so my response is forthcoming. If I don't respond immediately, you can always go to the [My Account] page to see all of our chats at any time.