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Question #: 12217

Question: Can I use Mach3 or 4 with your USB controller PCA?

Current Solution

The USB controller board is currently only compatible with Planet-CNC software.

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

  • 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?

  • Is there any other software that will work with your controller Mach3?

    The mach3 control software will work with all major CAM software (CAMBAM, Aspire and Vectric, BobCAD/CAM, ArtCAM, Dolphin CAM, CAM software that integrate with SolidWorks and AutoDesk Inventor, and many more).

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Is there any other software that will work with your controller Mach3?

  • Can I add a relay to the Mach3 USB controller?

    Yes, you can add a relay to the Mach3 USB controller. The relay must be a 24V relay on it's input side and be able to be set to active low. I demonstrate this in a video on the following page:
    https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

    The video is titled: Mach3 USB Controller Outputs

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Can I add a relay to the Mach3 USB controller?

  • where can I find wiring instructions for the Mach3 USB controller?

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

    Scroll down until you see the videos. The wiring instructions cover wiring all of the axes, setting up the inputs to sense limit switches, setting up the outputs and how to diagnose the outputs, setting up an external relay to control external devices, and setting up spindle speed.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    where can I find wiring instructions for the Mach3 USB controller?

  • 4 axis kit can I use 2 motors for the gantry with one controller card? or I buy the 3 axis kit instead?

    Yes, you can use the 4 axis kit and use two of the motors on the gantry. You will need to wire the gantry axis motors to the same step and direction signals on the controller interface. For example, if the gantry axis is the X axis, then on the controller step and direction terminals (CP and CW) is wired to both of the stepper motor drivers for the X axis.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    4 axis kit can I use 2 motors for the gantry with one controller card? or I buy the 3 axis kit instead?

  • 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.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    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?

  • 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?

  • Can the USB CNC Controller be used with LinuxCNC?

    The USB Interface can only be used with the Planet-CNC software which runs under the windows operating system.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Can the USB CNC Controller be used with LinuxCNC?

  • Is it possible to add proximity sensors with your USB Controller Board

    Yes, proximity sensors work similarly to limit switches. There are three connections that connect to the signal (input terminal) and two power connections that is connected to the 24V power supply that supplies the Mach3 USB controller. I have only tested NPN proximity switches with that controller in NO (normally open mode).

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Is it possible to add proximity sensors with your USB Controller Board

  • [575] Is there a special .tap g code file I should use with this mach3 controller I’m using aspire as cad

    The post-processor that should be used in Aspire, Vectric V-Carve, Cut 2D, and other CAM programs in their suite should use Mach 2/3 Arcs (inch) or Mach 2/3 Arcs (mm).

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Is there a special .tap g code file I should use with this mach3 controller I’m using aspire as cad

  • How do you zero the z axis using a plate with the planet-cnc software and your USB controller?

    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/

    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    How do you zero the z axis using a plate with the planet-cnc software and your USB controller?

  • I have your USB controller sitting here and want to control it with something other than PlanetCNC control software?

    The USB controller will only work with the Planet-CNC software. This software is well made and will provide great functionality. The planet-cnc software delivers instructions to the microcontroller on the board and the microcontroller will send out the pulse trains needed to move the machine correctly.

    There are two main alternatives if you want to use the mach3 software:
    First, get a parallel port card and add it to your computer and get a parallel breakout board. If you have a laptop/notebook computer, this will not be possible.
    Second, if you have a laptop, or really want to use the USB as the main interface for controlling the machine, you will need to get the smoothstepper board which works with mach3. The price combination is much higher than the USB controller with planet-cnc, but will work with Mach3.

    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:
    The planet cnc controller can be prone to electrical interference and has been known to cause such problems. In the first instance try to use a quality double sheilded USB cable, hopefully this will fix your problem. Alternatively you may need to sheild your limit switch, estop and or motor cabling. My pick is that a quality USB cable will fix it though, worked for me.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I have your USB controller sitting here and want to control it with something other than PlanetCNC control software?

  • Can I use your USB interface board and Mach3 on my 3 axis CNC router?

    Planet-CNC is the control software. If you decide to use the USB controller, you will need to use the planet-CNC software as the control software. You will be able to use any of the CAM software applications with the planet-CNC control software.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Can I use your USB interface board and Mach3 on my 3 axis CNC router?

  • does the Mach3 USB Controller support Mach4

    No, the Mach3 USB controller only works with Mach3. If you wish to use Mach4, I would recommend this very feature-rich controller:
    Pokeys57CNC controller https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    does the Mach3 USB Controller support Mach4

  • I want to change my old DSP controller and break out board with new one in your site that support usb it is possible ? if yes can we contact us to talking about details ?

    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.

    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I want to change my old DSP controller and break out board with new one in your site that support usb it is possible ? if yes can we contact us to talking about details ?

  • How do you install the software for the Mach3 USB controller?

    The Mach3 usb controller/interface has instructions and videos on this page:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

    There is a 5 step process on that page to install the plug-in and the configuration xml file that is necessary for the proper functioning of the controller.

    The videos on that page also demonstrate in detail how to install the software, plug-ins, xml file and wiring and testing most of the features of the Mach3 USB interface.

    Hope this helps.

    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:
    good day, does this controller board support the M11/M10 command set.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    How do you install the software for the Mach3 USB controller?

  • Is there a kit or actual product that can be wired into the Mach3 controller to give me virtual zero

    The mach3 control software will work with all major CAM software (CAMBAM, Aspire and Vectric, BobCAD/CAM, ArtCAM, Dolphin CAM, CAM software that integrate with SolidWorks and AutoDesk Inventor, and many more).

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Is there a kit or actual product that can be wired into the Mach3 controller to give me virtual zero

  • [575] Does the USB MACH3 controller support Sherline 1/2 pulse mode?

    The Mach3 100 kHz controller may be able to support the Sherline 1/2 pulse mode, but I have not tried it. There is no information in the documentation that is related to the parameter that can be set in Mach3 for the Sherline 1/2 pulse mode. You may be able to play with the available kHz ranges that the plugin allows to see if there is a pulse width that meets the Sherline 1/2 pulse mode specification.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Does the USB MACH3 controller support Sherline 1/2 pulse mode?

  • I'm having a problem with my controller card: I can measure 24 volts going to the card, but when I set Mach3 outputs I reagister no voltage. Please help
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