im almost finish with cnc, at this point im on the limit switchs of this build. the question i have is, on the breakboard there are 4 input pins and next to each side is grd, is that the 5v input. i want to install 6 limit switchs and i want to have them on there own pin, i take it that 2 limits each axis gets its own pin and each axis is wired togeather? thanks

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Question #: 12185

Question: im almost finish with cnc, at this point im on the limit switchs of this build. the question i have is, on the breakboard there are 4 input pins and next to each side is grd, is that the 5v input. i want to install 6 limit switchs and i want to have them on there own pin, i take it that 2 limits each axis gets its own pin and each axis is wired togeather? thanks

Current Solution

When wiring the limit switches to our BoB(breakout board), depending in the older model or our revised version (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay#prettyPhoto/0/), the older version will need the COM (limit switch) connected to 5V and the NO/NC to your input pin, but with our newer version you will use GND(ground instead of 5V) to common and the same for NO/NC but the setup in the mach3/confi/ports&pins/ is still the same.

Here is a tutorial where you can see how to set up the limit switches correctly (with our older parallel BoB): Part 1:(

), Part 2:(
)

Respond:

Other Possible Solutions to this Question

i want to install 6 limit switchs and i want to have them on there own pin, i take it that 2 limits each axis gets its own pin and each axis is wired togeather? thanks
You can wire many limit switches on only one pin. You will need to use the NC (Normally Closed) configuration. By using NC, it is like wiring a single wire from the single pin back to ground and when the limit switch is engaged, it breaks the link (like cutting the wire). If you have, say 6 limit switches, then if any one of the switches is engaged, the connection is broken.
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i want to install 6 limit switchs and i want to have them on there own pin, i take it that 2 limits each axis gets its own pin and each axis is wired togeather? thanks
[59] is it ok to use one pin for all of the limit switches wired NC and another pin for a z probe that is NO, or do all input pins need to be the same (NC or NO)? I would like to use LinuxCNC but will use Mach3 if necessary. a thanks!
It's generally acceptable to use one pin for all of your limit switches wired Normally Closed (NC), and another separate pin for a Z probe that is Normally Open (NO). LinuxCNC is quite flexible and allows for mixed configurations of NC and NO switches.

Just ensure you configure LinuxCNC correctly to recognize each pin's logic (Active low or active high). And perhaps run a few tests before running the machine.

Additional Information:
It's generally acceptable to use one pin for all of your limit switches wired Normally Closed (NC), and another separate pin for a Z probe that is Normally Open (NO). LinuxCNC is quite flexible and allows for mixed configurations of NC and NO switches.

Just ensure you configure LinuxCNC correctly to recognize each pin's logic (Active low or active high). And perhaps run a few tests before running the machine.
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[59] is it ok to use one pin for all of the limit switches wired NC and another pin for a z probe that is NO, or do all input pins need to be the same (NC or NO)? I would like to use LinuxCNC but will use Mach3 if necessary. a thanks!
Hello! Question about the x motor on the vlxl. There is no black lead. Is the yellow in its position? Also, I really just want to double check that this wiring diagram is solid. About to finish the wiring. Juan told me to use the 36V for the tube and 24 for the drivers. Correct?
The stepper motor on the X axis on the VLXL is this motor here:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-nema34-651ozin

There is no black lead on that motor and the connection diagram can be found here:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Documents/PN.SM86HT80-5504B-U(inhouse%20PN.85BYGH450A-47-80)%20(1).pdf

Red - A+
Green - A-
Yellow - B+
Blue - B-

The wiring diagram on the instructions for the Vertical Laser XL is meant as a general guide for all laser systems. The motor specific to the axis should be checked against the datasheet to insure proper wiring.

The 24V power supply should be connected to the laser controller. The 36V power supply should be connected to the drivers to power the motion electronics.

Additional Information:
My fault. Must have had that backwards. I'm sure he told me the right way.

Additional Information:
Not a problem. The laser controller has two terminals labeled for the 24V connection.

The 36V power supply works really well for stepper motor drivers as the voltage/current on this power supply allows for best stepper motor performance with this laser application.
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Hello! Question about the x motor on the vlxl. There is no black lead. Is the yellow in its position? Also, I really just want to double check that this wiring diagram is solid. About to finish the wiring. Juan told me to use the 36V for the tube and 24 for the drivers. Correct?
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.
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 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.
I got the plans and hardware from you guys and im almost ready for the stepper motor part of this build. what size motors are good to use for this build? the size of cnc will be 2x4 when finish or what size will not work? thanks
We recommend our electronics combo for the scratch build kit, which you can find on our site here: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-3axis-425-elcombo. This is our standard general purpose 3 axis electronics system, and includes (3) NEMA 24 425 oz-in stepping motors, (3) Drivers (3.0Amp 24-40 Volts, with 1-1/64 microstepping), (1) 36v 8.8a Power Supply, (1) Interface Board either USB or Parallel. (The USB version requires PlanetCNC software; the parallel interface board gives you a variety of options, Mach3 being one popular choice.)
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I got the plans and hardware from you guys and im almost ready for the stepper motor part of this build. what size motors are good to use for this build? the size of cnc will be 2x4 when finish or what size will not work? thanks
Additional to Question 3444: Additional Information: To Clarify: I need to set up 3 home switches which can double for limits (that's 3 pins.). Another pin for a probe. That's 4 pins used. Now I need to set up the other limit and E-stop switches. No pins left, how do I do that? Can a ground pin be doubled up on? Plus, I have a SuperPID. Another pin?
You can put all of your limit switches (including the E-stop which serves the same purpose as the limit switches) and home switches on a single pin. When homing, mach3 will move the axis it wants to home, hit the switch, pull away from the switch, then move the next axis and repeat the steps for the next two axes.

The probe is on the 2nd pin. The SuperPID is on the 3rd pin and now you have another pin remaining.

The GND terminal can be doubled up.
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Additional to Question 3444: Additional Information: To Clarify: I need to set up 3 home switches which can double for limits (that's 3 pins.). Another pin for a probe. That's 4 pins used. Now I need to set up the other limit and E-stop switches. No pins left, how do I do that? Can a ground pin be doubled up on? Plus, I have a SuperPID. Another pin?
Hello, I have a BlackToe 2 x 4 machine. I was wondering if it could be beneficial, or even possible to install two motors on the x-axis (one one each chain drive sprocket). I am noticing a slight shift in the gantry with each reversal of direction. If so, do you have a kit or schematic for this? Thanks
it is possible to install 2 motors on a single axis but you will require another driver and motor, but wire it directly to the same pins on your breakout board. Also the orientation of your motor since it is opposite side of the original so getting it to move accordingly to the original motor it will need to be orientated correctly. The slight shift could be the cause of the rod not being completely flat where the set screws are suppose to tighten the sprocket to the rod, so sanding it to a flatter surface might fix the shift in directions.
Currently do not have a kit or schematic available.
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Hello, I have a BlackToe 2 x 4 machine. I was wondering if it could be beneficial, or even possible to install two motors on the x-axis (one one each chain drive sprocket). I am noticing a slight shift in the gantry with each reversal of direction. If so, do you have a kit or schematic for this? Thanks
I am attempting to set up limit switches on the 5 axis parallel breakout board that came with my BlackFoot kit. The output pins are driving the motors perfectly, but I can't figure out the input pins. With one lead in the 5V pin and one lead testing the input pins, my multimeter reads 0V for all of the input pins. Shouldn't those circuits be +5V? Where am I going wrong?
When wiring the limit switches to our BoB(breakout board), depending in the older model or our revised version (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay#prettyPhoto/0/), the older version will need the COM (limit switch) connected to 5V and the NO/NC to your input pin, but with our newer version you will use GND(ground instead of 5V) to common and the same for NO/NC but the setup in the mach3/confi/ports&pins/ is still the same.

Here is a tutorial where you can see how to set up the limit switches correctly (with our older parallel BoB): Part 1:(
), Part 2:(
)
Click the link to add information to this solution:
I am attempting to set up limit switches on the 5 axis parallel breakout board that came with my BlackFoot kit. The output pins are driving the motors perfectly, but I can't figure out the input pins. With one lead in the 5V pin and one lead testing the input pins, my multimeter reads 0V for all of the input pins. Shouldn't those circuits be +5V? Where am I going wrong?
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.
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!
hello, my question is, I recieved two breakoutboards exactly the same, do I need them both for my greenbull 4x8 also, I cant find any tutorial showing the installatio and placement of the limit switches, can I have some assistance please? sorry fot he bad english and thanks.
No, you should not have received two parallel breakout boards in your CNC kit. You can return the extra item using standard shipping with COD. Our apologies for the confusion and the inconvenience.

I will answer the other question as another FAQ. Please check the Customer Service page to see the answer to that question.

If you have difficulty finding the answer, here is a link:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/FAQ/13636
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hello, my question is, I recieved two breakoutboards exactly the same, do I need them both for my greenbull 4x8 also, I cant find any tutorial showing the installatio and placement of the limit switches, can I have some assistance please? sorry fot he bad english and thanks.
Hi there. I have an ex school Boxford HSRmi2 sat in my workshop, good condition and I'm assured it's all ok, but I want to rip everything out and go down the Mach 3/4 rabbit hole with servos. I need help at this point as I haven't done anything like this before and have no knowledge of controllers/motors etc. Could someone please point me in the right direction? Thanks.
If you are wanting to use servos, I would highly recommend using closed loop steppers and drivers. You will get the best features of both the servo closed loop and the exact digital positioning of stepper motors.

For controllers: the pokeys57cnc will work with either Mach3 or Mach4
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Otherwise, you can use the Mach3 USB controller if you only an on using Mach3:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board
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Hi there. I have an ex school Boxford HSRmi2 sat in my workshop, good condition and I'm assured it's all ok, but I want to rip everything out and go down the Mach 3/4 rabbit hole with servos. I need help at this point as I haven't done anything like this before and have no knowledge of controllers/motors etc. Could someone please point me in the right direction? Thanks.
I buy a four axis kits and i connect all parts respecting the plan. The USB connector is using for électric alimentation of the When I want to activate the engine with the computer keyboard , nothing works. The current 5VDC since green light is on but when I check with a voltmeter each pin , then I see that there is no current. What's happening?
Depending on the board you are currently using, either the Parallel or USB interface board.
The parallel interface needs the USB cable for power(5v) and the parallel cord for communicating from the board to the computer and vise versa.
The USB interface board, will need a keyboard jog header made to fit the 12 pin connector(2 x 6). Making this connector will allow you to be able to wire it to a external panel, where you can use it to jog your machine rather than using the onscreen jogging.

Please contact customerservice@buildyourcnc.com for further assistance.
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I buy a four axis kits and i connect all parts respecting the plan. The USB connector is using for électric alimentation of the When I want to activate the engine with the computer keyboard , nothing works. The current 5VDC since green light is on but when I check with a voltmeter each pin , then I see that there is no current. What's happening?
I have your breakout board with relay parallel port , I have a vacuum, light on router and air pump I want to also hook up to board, can I hook those up to board and also could I had reylays to each one, what is the best way to figure this out any information would be great. Thanks
Here is how to connect your router to the parallel breakout board through the on-board relay. You will need a spare extension cord. You will need to remove a portion of the outer jacket of the extension cord to expose the white, black and green wires (white = neutral, black = live and green = ground), understanding that the neutral and live create the completed circuit.

See this image of a similar connection. The terminal has the same connections.
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/images/vacuum-pressure-controller-relay-terminals-700.JPG

Image of the relay terminal:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/images/breakoutboardrelayNONC.PNG

The live/black wire would be cut and one end of the cut would be secured into the P terminal and the other cut end would be secured into the S terminal. The live and ground wire would be uncut and travel from the plug to the router.

Additional Information:
You can also connect other high powered devices to the breakout board using any of the output terminals. You will need to supply extra relays like the one shown here:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-breakout-Relays-relay-board-250V-12A-5V

Or you can find SSRs (Solid State Relays) that will accept 5v to drive the relay coil. Make sure the SSR will protect the 5V line from Back EMF as there is a coil in the relay. The one we sell contains a fly-back diode to protect the 5v terminal.
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I have your breakout board with relay parallel port , I have a vacuum, light on router and air pump I want to also hook up to board, can I hook those up to board and also could I had reylays to each one, what is the best way to figure this out any information would be great. Thanks
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?
[788] Thanks for the oportunity to ask, I am building a cnc and using npn closed sensors could you help me with the conection of these, do i still connect them in series if i use more than two in each axis. Also you mention that a stop switch should be connected grd and input to the controller would that be done after the 24v power supply. Thanks r
If the sensors are NC (normally closed) you can wire them in series. If the sensors are NO (Normally Open) you can still wire them to the same input, but the wiring needs to be in parallel (like a ladder). I have more information on the following video:
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[788] Thanks for the oportunity to ask, I am building a cnc and using npn closed sensors could you help me with the conection of these, do i still connect them in series if i use more than two in each axis. Also you mention that a stop switch should be connected grd and input to the controller would that be done after the 24v power supply. Thanks r
Hi I have been having a problem with one particular chain sproket on the gantry, I have gone thru five they keep coming off the bearing they are pressed onto. I have checked the allignment with the drive sproket and the other sproket next to it, I also checked the allignment of the chain from each end , all is within less than a 1/16" and almost identical to the other side of the gantry.
Please contact customerservice@buildyourcnc.com to get this issue resolved.
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Hi I have been having a problem with one particular chain sproket on the gantry, I have gone thru five they keep coming off the bearing they are pressed onto. I have checked the allignment with the drive sproket and the other sproket next to it, I also checked the allignment of the chain from each end , all is within less than a 1/16" and almost identical to the other side of the gantry.
I PURCHASED YOUR BOOK TO BUILD A CNC ROUTER, THE PLAN DRAWINGS ARE INDECIPHERABLE AND TEXT WITH THEM IS ILLEGIBLE. THERE NOTE REFER MDF PARTS LAYOUT 1 PDF, 2 PDF PLANS & CUT LIST DOWNLOADABLE FROM THIS SITE. WHERE THEY CAN'T FIND THEM?
Looks like you are trying to screw me out of $30 plus tax as there will be no pdf files forthcoming unless I shell out another $255. Unless you provide the pdf files I will be forced to seek return of funds and will be notifying VISA, GOOGLE PLAY and the BBB doing so until I get satisfaction. If you are not going to honor your book title by providing complete usable information you should remove your book from the market place, or offer it for free. At this point I don't know how you justify screwing your customers like this, but this one ain't going to take it laying down.

Additional Information:
Official Buildyourcnc response:
Thanks for informing us of this issue. Have you looked at this part of the wabsite:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Book.aspx

The link to the "book" portion of the website is in the footer of every page of the website. If there is a problem with the pdf documents on any page of this portion of the website, please let me know here. Many thanks, Patrick Hood-Daniel
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I PURCHASED YOUR BOOK TO BUILD A CNC ROUTER, THE PLAN DRAWINGS ARE INDECIPHERABLE AND TEXT WITH THEM IS ILLEGIBLE. THERE NOTE REFER MDF PARTS LAYOUT 1 PDF, 2 PDF PLANS & CUT LIST DOWNLOADABLE FROM THIS SITE. WHERE THEY CAN'T FIND THEM?
I purchased your book to build a cnc router, the plan drawings are indecipherable and text with them is illegible. There is a note to refer to MDF Parts Layout 1 PDF, MDF Parts Layout 2 PDF and MDF Plans & Cut List PDF downloadable from this site. Where are they I can't find them?
Looks like you are trying to screw me out of $30 plus tax as there will be no pdf files forthcoming unless I shell out another $255. Unless you provide the pdf files I will be forced to seek return of funds and will be notifying VISA, GOOGLE PLAY and the BBB doing so until I get satisfaction. If you are not going to honor your book title by providing complete usable information you should remove your book from the market place, or offer it for free. At this point I don't know how you justify screwing your customers like this, but this one ain't going to take it laying down.

Additional Information:
Official Buildyourcnc response:
Thanks for informing us of this issue. Have you looked at this part of the wabsite:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Book.aspx

The link to the "book" portion of the website is in the footer of every page of the website. If there is a problem with the pdf documents on any page of this portion of the website, please let me know here. Many thanks, Patrick Hood-Daniel
Click the link to add information to this solution:
I purchased your book to build a cnc router, the plan drawings are indecipherable and text with them is illegible. There is a note to refer to MDF Parts Layout 1 PDF, MDF Parts Layout 2 PDF and MDF Plans & Cut List PDF downloadable from this site. Where are they I can't find them?