i have cnc router. when I do text I have to flip it upsidedown (in software) else it prints backwards. Bottom left is zero and x and y go plus from there. y has dir low checked x does not.

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Question #: 6943

Question: i have cnc router. when I do text I have to flip it upsidedown (in software) else it prints backwards. Bottom left is zero and x and y go plus from there. y has dir low checked x does not.

Current Solution

Is bottom left your zero with regard to screen position, or actual machine position (looking down at the machine)? You will want the zero of the machine to reflect that of the screen. This is to make the safest possible scenario for working with the machine and it insures that the output will match that of the screen.

User response:
I'll answer my own question. Unchecked Dir Low on "Y" text now cuts the way you see it in Mach 3. The only thing now is "Y" is plus moving from right to left. I don't think that makes much difference as long as I know that. I'm not sure what will happen if I used a file from someone else. Any opinions?

buildyourcnc response:
It is still recommended that the origin is located where you would expect it to be on the machine. It sounds like the origin is at the right. It also helps to orient the keyboard when jogging where the machine movement matches the direction of the arrow keys.

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

The relay doesn't have a A+ B - it has signal in god. 5v. / 0 S P. This has to go to my USB motion card wiring shows v+ goes to top of coil no number and comes out the bottom to #2 the relay I got from you is not that simple
The relay is only used for devices like routers, spindles, coolant, mist, etc. The relay works like an automatic switch and will allow current to pass when the relay is engaged.
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The relay doesn't have a A+ B - it has signal in god. 5v. / 0 S P. This has to go to my USB motion card wiring shows v+ goes to top of coil no number and comes out the bottom to #2 the relay I got from you is not that simple
I have the 1.5kW spindle using the 110V vfd which I bought new and has never run correctly for me. The spindle will not accelerate to any reasonable speed before stopping. When it stops, the vfd display reads "E.oA.A". It does not appear to be wiring or settings, I have checked those many times. What else should I look at to troubleshoot this? Is it DOA?
The E.oA.A is an error that the VFD specifies as an overcurrent during ramp up (or acceleration). In other words, the spindle is trying to accelerate to quickly. The spindle cannot handle the inertia during ramp up and it is trying to draw too much current during this process. The best solution that I have researched is to increase the ramp up (acceleration) time, or slow the acceleration. You will need to check which programming setting you need to change, but there will be setting called acceleration time (or ramp up time). Increase this number in small increments until the error goes away. Then, increase it more so there is a safety factor.
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I have the 1.5kW spindle using the 110V vfd which I bought new and has never run correctly for me. The spindle will not accelerate to any reasonable speed before stopping. When it stops, the vfd display reads "E.oA.A". It does not appear to be wiring or settings, I have checked those many times. What else should I look at to troubleshoot this? Is it DOA?
I have a CNC Machine from China, and the Breakout Board is not Labeled. Is there any way to test the board using Mach3 to find out the pin designations? db25 bob
(These steps are to be taken with precaution, due to the fact that we do not know the model or manufacturers specifications for your BoB)

Here is a link to our CNC electronic videos(
&list=PL122021172205E9AA&index=1).
Try using this to compare the one you have to our older model version BoB, try setting up your X-axis to work wiring it to your driver and motor, and power supply.
For further assistance email: customerservice@buildyourcnc.com

I would recommend trying to contact them if possible to avoid any serious damages to your product.

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I have a CNC Machine from China, and the Breakout Board is not Labeled. Is there any way to test the board using Mach3 to find out the pin designations? db25 bob
[575] I have my probe conected and have checked continuity but my probe does not show to be working. What else could be wrong?
Try the probe connected between the input and DCM with just wires connected to those terminals. When you short the two wires, you should see the change in the diagnostic screen.

Make sure that the probe configuration is correct:
Config -> ports and pins -> inputs tab
on the probe line, make sure the pin number matches the IN number on the controller. Make sure that the port number is 3. And finally, make sure the active low is set correctly. Toggle the active low to toggle the normally open and normally closed state of the probe.

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Nothing changes in the diagnostic screen, however the Digitize led is lit. One wire on in4 the other on DCM. If I were to put a multi-meter to any of the pins would there show any voltage?
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[575] I have my probe conected and have checked continuity but my probe does not show to be working. What else could be wrong?
I installed a pokeys57cnc and use Mach3 for the mill. When I page up or down the Z axis moves down. Is there a setting I need to change? I checked the Z axis wiring and it matches the X and Y axis which function correctly.
If the Z-Axis is moving down when you press the page up or page down (or by moving the z-axis by another means like with an MPG, Pendant, or the built-in MPG in Mach3), then the direction signal wire is not connected correctly. The direction signal wire works by moving in one direction with a low signal (like gnd) and moving in the other direction with a high signal (like 5v). If the signal stays at one of the two signals, it will only move in the direction of the current signal state. Recommended action is to determine if the DIR- and DIR+ signal wires are connected securely and make good contact at the driver and controller sides.
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I installed a pokeys57cnc and use Mach3 for the mill. When I page up or down the Z axis moves down. Is there a setting I need to change? I checked the Z axis wiring and it matches the X and Y axis which function correctly.
I installed a pokeys57cnc and use Mach3 for the mill. When I page up or down the Z axis moves down. Is there a setting I need to change? I checked the Z axis wiring and it matches the X and Y axis which function correctly.
If the Z-Axis is moving down when you press the page up or page down (or by moving the z-axis by another means like with an MPG, Pendant, or the built-in MPG in Mach3), then the direction signal wire is not connected correctly. The direction signal wire works by moving in one direction with a low signal (like gnd) and moving in the other direction with a high signal (like 5v). If the signal stays at one of the two signals, it will only move in the direction of the current signal state. Recommended action is to determine if the DIR- and DIR+ signal wires are connected securely and make good contact at the driver and controller sides.
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I installed a pokeys57cnc and use Mach3 for the mill. When I page up or down the Z axis moves down. Is there a setting I need to change? I checked the Z axis wiring and it matches the X and Y axis which function correctly.
I installed a pokeys57cnc and use Mach3 for the mill. When I page up or down the Z axis moves down. Is there a setting I need to change? I checked the Z axis wiring and it matches the X and Y axis which function correctly.
To make an axis move in the opposite direction to what it is currently moving, you will need to toggle the ":direction:" active low setting for that axis. for instance, if when you press the page up button and your z-axis move down instead of up, then you need to make this change in the configuration.

To do this in Mach3:
- Click on the config option in the top menu
- Click on ports & pins
- Click on the motor outputs tab
- on the axis you wish to reverse, click on the "dir active low" to toggle the state of that parameter.
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I installed a pokeys57cnc and use Mach3 for the mill. When I page up or down the Z axis moves down. Is there a setting I need to change? I checked the Z axis wiring and it matches the X and Y axis which function correctly.
I am looking at getting a 4x8 cnc router kit. I am having a hard time figuring out what is included in the kit and what else i will need to buy with it to get off the ground and running. Is there someone i could talk to to walk me through it? If not, can you break down what all I need to go from scratch to a running set up? thanks
Hi, you can call me at the 281-815-7701 number. Please leave a message when you call as most of the calls are screened to avoid scam calls. You can also email me at customerservice@buildyourcnc.com or phooddaniel@berkeley.edu.

The newer kits that are featured on the home page include everything you need except a computer and software. The legacy CNC routers that are located in the CNC machines menu selection include all of the parts for the gantry, but you will need to build the table yourself. All of the information on the measurements to be followed for the table construction are on the machine pages.
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I am looking at getting a 4x8 cnc router kit. I am having a hard time figuring out what is included in the kit and what else i will need to buy with it to get off the ground and running. Is there someone i could talk to to walk me through it? If not, can you break down what all I need to go from scratch to a running set up? thanks
On B-Y-CNC USB Controller, I built a Kybd Jog pad to connect with on-board header. Jog seems to be backwards (Y+ moves it in the Y- direction). I've checked wiring. Could there be an error in the firmware?
When you have Jogged the motor using the Keyboard Jog header, did you also try Jogging it with the on screen arrows? If it is also inverted, you will have to invert the axis to move it in the direction you require: Planet-CNC/File/Settings/Axes/Reverse (check box) on the axis that is running in reverse.

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The on-screen jog works properly, but the keyboard jog header runs the motors backwards. I had played with the software reverse function too, but couldn't get the on-screen and the keyboard pendant to work in the same direction. That's what lead me to check my wiring (maybe I had wires going to the wrong side of the header), and then to suspect a possible firmware error. I get the same story with all three axes.

I wanted to see if anyone else has any experience with the keyboard jog header.
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On B-Y-CNC USB Controller, I built a Kybd Jog pad to connect with on-board header. Jog seems to be backwards (Y+ moves it in the Y- direction). I've checked wiring. Could there be an error in the firmware?
I ordered a collet set for a Porter Cable router on 10/7, my card was charged on 10/8. I have not heard anything from you as to when it would ship, or even a confirmation of the order. Please let me know the status.
That order did not show up in our system. We searched and found it in our PayPal activity. We are sending it today. My apologies for this.

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I received my order, thank you. However the collet nut will not fit my Porter Cable 690, the threads are too coarse. Can you please send the correct nut, and I will return the wrong nut.
Thank you,
Tom

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I believe the wrench is different also.

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Ok. I will send the correct wrench and collet nut.

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It’s Monday 11-16, and I have not received the nut and wrench. Have you shipped it yet?

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Let me check.

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The set of collets and nut/spanner came straight from the supplier PreciseBits. I am working to understand what went wrong and get it resolved.

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Do you have any new info on the status?

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It’s now Dec 2nd, I ordered this on Oct 7th. No resolution yet! Still waiting, Not very happy.
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I ordered a collet set for a Porter Cable router on 10/7, my card was charged on 10/8. I have not heard anything from you as to when it would ship, or even a confirmation of the order. Please let me know the status.
when cutting patterns with my cnc router there is significant chatter in the cut-I've replaced the router-what else should I try?
Do you use the same bit?? If so, check if it is not dull or worn. Maybe it is time for a new bit. Additionally, I would check if the z axis mounts are tightened correctly and the router has no wiggle room. If that doesn't help, check all of the play that may be in the structure and where the bearings run along the rails and tighten all loose connections that may be present.

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So confused....is backlash and chatter the same thing or are they completely unrelated?

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Chatter and backlash are different. Backlash is a condition where there is play in the mechanical parts (i.e. a nut not tight against the treads, or two gears not meshing together tightly). Chatter is a phenomenon caused by many possible conditions including vibration, resonance, springiness and flexibility in the system and certain types of end kill and machine movement scenarios.

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Meant to say end “mill” at the end there.
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when cutting patterns with my cnc router there is significant chatter in the cut-I've replaced the router-what else should I try?
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.
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.
I currently have my whiteant build complete. But when I go to print the 20mm x 20mm box I seem to be having issues. The Z axis does not seem to move. Also the X axis hits the limit and does not move of of it. What is the best way to trouble shoot this issue?
When you press the x-axis limit switch, does the LED emit light?
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I currently have my whiteant build complete. But when I go to print the 20mm x 20mm box I seem to be having issues. The Z axis does not seem to move. Also the X axis hits the limit and does not move of of it. What is the best way to trouble shoot this issue?
I have constructed the cnc router machine as shown in woodsmith magazine. I have purchased the 3 Nema stepper motors. The one larger motor has 4 wires, as do the other two. However, on the schematic, the Z, and Y axis motors indicate 8 wires each. Did I go wrong, or are there different Nema 23 motors?
The 8 wire motors need to be wired in bipolar parallel configuration. The wiring is as follows: Red and Blue to A+, Yellow and Black to A-, White and Brown to B+ and Orange and Green to B-. To find the wiring for the 4 wire motors, the wiring is Red to A+, Orange to A-, Blue to B+ and Green to B-.
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I have constructed the cnc router machine as shown in woodsmith magazine. I have purchased the 3 Nema stepper motors. The one larger motor has 4 wires, as do the other two. However, on the schematic, the Z, and Y axis motors indicate 8 wires each. Did I go wrong, or are there different Nema 23 motors?
I have not used my CNC router (Mach3, USB interface board) for several months. When I tried to use it, all 3 stepper motors moved extremely slowly. Where should I start troubleshooting?
If your motors turn very slowly using your Mach3 USB board, then either the pulse from the board is being output at a slow rate or the motor drivers are set to a higher than expected microstepping:

The Mach3 USB board outputs the pulse rather than the computer, but Mach3 controls this pulse frequency within the motor tuning section. First, determine if the travel distance is correct with the computer and the physical travel of the machine.

If the travel is different, then your stepper motor driver's microstepping is incorrect, or the steps per inch/mm in the motor tuning within Mach3 is incorrect.

If the travel is correct, then simply change the velocity and acceleration parameters to your desired level. If Mach3 will not achieve the velocity you desire, then decrease your stepper motor driver's microstepping setting, readjust the step per inch/mm in mach3 and readjust the acceleration and velocity to your desired levels.

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Text is engraved in mirror image
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I have not used my CNC router (Mach3, USB interface board) for several months. When I tried to use it, all 3 stepper motors moved extremely slowly. Where should I start troubleshooting?
What side of the x and y axis do you mount the stepper motor to? If it does not matter what side, do I have to change something in mach3?
It is usually best to mount the motor in a way so it is spinning clockwise to avoid confusion.

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ok, but lets say the motors turn clockwise. if you mount it to ether side of the y axis it will pull to that side so what are the correct positions of the stepper motors. is it the left side or the right side of the y axis and also is it the front or back of the x axis?

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cw250 with mach3 controller
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What side of the x and y axis do you mount the stepper motor to? If it does not matter what side, do I have to change something in mach3?
I am interested in buying the greenBull 5X Long Z CNC Machine Kit, but it is not clear for me what is included in this kit. Is there anything else I need to get the machine work?
The greenBull 4X comes with all of the components and electronics to assemble the gantry of the machine. You will need to build the table. We provide the rails and roller chain for the X-axis (along the length of the table for full 8 feet of travel). You will need to provide some wire to connect the electronics and a computer to run the machine. You will also need to purchase the software that you will need to run the machine that matches how you will apply the machine. We suggest the mach3 control program. The CAM program is up to you as there are many options out there.
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I am interested in buying the greenBull 5X Long Z CNC Machine Kit, but it is not clear for me what is included in this kit. Is there anything else I need to get the machine work?
I just wanted to know what I can expect to pay to build the blackFoot 4'x8' CNC machine, excluding computer, software and router? Is the kit complete or do I have to purchase additional items to finish?
You will need to build the table unit for your machine. There are instructions on how to do this at the bottom of the product page here, https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-blackFoot-v4
There is no estimate on how much this will cost though, since there are too many variables involved to do this.

- PC with parallel port and USB port
- 20awg stranded wires for the motors - http://www.buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx
- 18awg stranded wires for power supply to drivers
- 24awg stranded wires for breakout board to drivers
(location and spacing of components varies from one person to another, so we do not provide cables/wires)
- General purpose extension cord (cut the female end off) to provide power to power supply
- USB cable to power breakout board
- Parallel cable to communicate to breakout board
- Router
- (optional - instead of router) Spindle with power inverter http://www.buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx
- (if purchasing spindle with inverter) General purpose extension cord (240v) (cut the female end off) to provide power to power inverter
- End Mill(s) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/ProductsEndMills.aspx
- CAD, and/or CAD-CAM software (to produce geometry, machine operations, and g-code) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- CNC control software (to read g-code and control machine) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx

This answer is applicable to most of our machines with the exception of the greenLean and the blueChick since those machines are equipped with a table structure.

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I just wanted to know what I can expect to pay to build the blackFoot 4'x8' CNC machine, excluding computer, software and router? Is the kit complete or do I have to purchase additional items to finish?
How do I get started I would like to build a cnc router. Making the machine I can do, but I am weak on cad,cam and mach3. I am thinking about a 4’x4’. Do you have plans I can buy?
We are developing plans for our machine, but they are not completed yet. Please let me know if you would like to be added to our list of customers wanting plans. Thanks,

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If you have specific questions regarding CAD, CAM and Control, please add another question to the customer service and I will answer them in detail.
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How do I get started I would like to build a cnc router. Making the machine I can do, but I am weak on cad,cam and mach3. I am thinking about a 4’x4’. Do you have plans I can buy?