It is not necessary to connect the spindle VFD (Variable Frequency Drive also called an Inverter) to the computer or CNC motion electronics. The VFD can be controlled independently using the control panel on the VFD. The control panel has the ability to control all aspects of the spindle including Speed, Torque, limits, etc. However, you can connect the VFD to the computer so the CNC control program can control the spindle during the CNC Machine operation. You will need to connect the VFD to the computer via a serial conection (in this case, it is the RS-485 protocol).

The following are instructions on how to connect the VFD to Mach3 via this RS-485 serial connection.

The first thing you will need is the dynamic link library to pair with mach3 called the Huanyang VFD Mach3 PlugIn. You can find this file at the mach3 support forum here: http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,14182.0.html

You will also need to download the Microsoft .net 3.5 framework and install it: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21

Follow the pdf that comes with the library file, but here is a synopsis of what you need to do (I also added a lot more information that may be useful during this process as the manual does not cover the main connections that need to be done):

You will need to program your VFD so that it knows how to communicate with mach3 and the computer (go into the programming mode of the VFD and change these parameters):
- PD001 - value 2 - Enables with communication aspect of the VFD
- PD002 - value 2 - Enables frequency control from the communcations port
- PD163 - value 1 - VFD address
- PD164 - value 1 - Baud rate of 9600 (speed of the communication)
- PD165 - value 3 - 8N1 RTU - 8 bits (that's the size of the word that gets communicated), N (No parity or no error checking) and 1 (1 stop bit)

Copy the dll file to the PlugIns folder of mach3.

Connect the RX and TX lines to your computer. There are a couple ways you can do this, but the recommended way would be to use an FTDI USB device which converts a USB to a serial com port. The device will have Rx and Tx connectors to connect to the VFD terminals with the same labels. This method is recommended since serial ports are not as common in computers these days.

Next, you will need to configure mach3 to use the plugin library. Start mach3 and click on Menu -> config ->Config Plugins. Enable the new plugin by clicking on the red cross on the left column next to the plug in. Restart mach3 after doing this.

No you need to configure mach3 to use the HuanyangVFD plugin. Go to the ports & pins configuration and select the spindle setup tab. Make sure that the Disable Spindle Relays checkbox is unchecked. We don't want mach3 to output a signal for a relay since the spindle will start up and turn off within the VFD and not from an external relay.

Next, go to the HuanyangVFD settings by clicking on Menu -> plugin control -> HuanyangVFD. Set the parameters to the same settings you put into the VFD programming. The com port will be shown as new hardward when you plug in the USB FTDI device. A little bubble will be displayed at the bottom right where it will notify you that a new device is being installed (be patient while windows assigns a com port). Alternatively, you can use the windows device manager to see which port was set for the new USB FTDI device). You may need to restart mach3 several times until you get the correct information displayed in the PD001 and PD002 fields. When the com port is correct and the other parameters, like baud and VFD address is the same as you entered in the programming, then the PD001 and PD002 will show the number 2, otherwise, a 99 will appear which means that communication was not successful.

You can now control the on/off and RPM of the spindle using the RS485 communication between mach3 and the VFD.

Additional Information:
The question was how to connect the spindle to the redfy. I did not receive a VFD.
I have the redFly system and a 2.2kW Spindle - 110V how do i connect the spindle?

Additional Information:
If you received a spindle without a VFD, please contact us asap. Our spindle will not work without a VFD.

Additional Information:
Hi, how is this setup in mach4?

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how do I connect my spindle to mach3 so mach3 can control it

Yes, you can send your electronics to us for repair, or retrofit to work with either Mach3, Mach4 or LinuxCNC. You can send us an email at customerService@buildyourcnc.com to set up your appointment.

Some of the types of CNC electronics we will consider.

- We will work on electronics from other manufacturers as long as you are ok with the Mach3, Mach4 or LinuxCNC control software for your CNC machine or CNC router.

- We will repair or retrofit used CNC electronics.

- Some customers find that electronics are overwhelming to put together so we will finish these electronics wiring and assembly for you.

The cost for these includes labor cost for the time it takes to finish the CNC electronics repair or retrofit and for any parts that need to be replaced or added.

Here is an example of CNC electronics that we worked on for a customer:

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I need my spindle and cnc electronics repaired. How can I fix it?

Yes, you can send your electronics to us for repair, or retrofit to work with either Mach3, Mach4 or LinuxCNC. You can send us an email at customerService@buildyourcnc.com to set up your appointment.

Some of the types of CNC electronics we will consider.

- We will work on electronics from other manufacturers as long as you are ok with the Mach3, Mach4 or LinuxCNC control software for your CNC machine or CNC router.

- We will repair or retrofit used CNC electronics.

- Some customers find that electronics are overwhelming to put together so we will finish these electronics wiring and assembly for you.

The cost for these includes labor cost for the time it takes to finish the CNC electronics repair or retrofit and for any parts that need to be replaced or added.

Here is an example of CNC electronics that we worked on for a customer:

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My cnc electronics does not turn on with my spindle. How can I fix it?

LinuxCNC has excellent documents; however, I would like to offer our help in case you don't understand the information on that page. So, please use this FAQ (Question #: 13233) to state your questions by submitting additional information below.

The LinuxCNC spindle control page is found here: http://linuxcnc.org/docs/html/examples/spindle.html

Additional Information:
After reading the LinuxCNC page my first questions would be can the spindle be controlled by PWM signal? Also, what pin on the parallel port would I set to Spindle Enable and FRW?

Additional Information:
To connect your computer to the VFD, use a USB to RS-485 interface. RS-485 is just a serial interface protocol that uses standard 0 to +5 voltage TTL signal levels for communication (as opposed to RS-232 which uses -12v and +12 for signal level changes).

Get a high quality interface to reduce any issues during the process. The VFD should have two terminals labeled RS+ and RS-. The USB to RS-485 adapter should have this labeled on it as well so the connections should be relatively straight forward.

In the VFD parameters:
PD001: 2 to accept RS485 commands
PD002: 2 to accept frequency comands
PD163: 1 to RS485 slave address:1
PD164: 1 RS485 baud rate 9600
PD165: 3 8bit, no parity, 1 stop bit

Make sure LinuxCNC is also set accordingly:

The PIN14 and PIN16 in the stepconf wizard should be set to unused because you don't want LinuxCNC to be outputting unnecessary signals.

In the options step of the stepconf wizard:
- Check the Include Halui user interface component.
- Check the Include custom PyVCP GUI panel.
- Check Spindle speed display

You will want to edit the custom.hal text file located in the folder that was created from the stepconf wizard. Add these following lines:
loadusr -Wn vfd hy_vfd -n vfd -d /dev/ttyUSB0 -p none -r 9600
net spindle-cmd-rpm-abs => vfd.speed-command
net spindle-cw motion.spindle-forward => vfd.spindle-forward
net spindle-ccw motion.spindle-reverse => vfd.spindle-reverse
net on motion.spindle-on => vfd.spindle-on

The dev folder in linux is typically used for interfacing devices and peripherals to the computer as these devices are communicated by simple memory addresses and these files are linked directly to these addresses.

Under the custom_postgui.hal file, change this line:

from: sets spindle-at-speed true
to: net spindle-at-speed => cfd.spindle_at_speed

and add the line:

setp vfd.enable 1

When you start LinuxCNC, you will a spindle section with the reverse and forward buttons, a stop button and - and + buttons. Use these buttons to conform that the spindle is functioning properly. The spindle speed indicator in LinuxCNC will show the spindle speed and you can confirm that this is equal to the speed indicated on the VFD.


Credit for this helpful information goes to:

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How can I make LinuxCNC control a spindle?

The spindle is quieter and has more consistent torque (It doesn't get "bogged down" when it starts cutting into material). It can be used with collets of varying sizes (not restricted to imperial sizes). It is water cooled and so it does not blow air downward to cool the spindle like the router does. The spindle is also machined with much higher precision than typical routers and will have a much longer life.

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Why should I use a spindle rather than a router?

Depending if the spindle can work with this specific VFD, it might be possible. However we would not like to risk you working unit, with a possible match so we would like more details on your specific model and any information available on the spindle itself.

Response
The only info on the spindle is 2.2KW 400HZ 220V. Made by Zhong Hua Jiang.

Was originally on a Delta C200 vfd. That is 220 single phase.

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I PURCHASED A VFD AND SPINDLE FROM FRIEND, HIS SET UP IS 220. DON'T HAVE 220 IN MY SHOP. QUESTION CAN USE YOUR 110 WITH THIS SPINDLE??

The 2.2kW spindle has a power rating of 2.2kW or 2200 watts.

If the VFD AC voltage input is rated for 220 volts, then 2200 watts / 220 volts is 10 amps, so a 15 or 20 amp breaker will work.

If the VFD AC voltage input is rated for 110 volts, then 2200 watts / 110 volts is 20 amps, so a 25 or 30 amp breaker will work.

Additional Information:



Additional Information:

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[77] What circuit breaker should I use for this spindle?

The 2.2kW spindle has a power rating of 2.2kW or 2200 watts.

If the VFD AC voltage input is rated for 220 volts, then 2200 watts / 220 volts is 10 amps, so a 15 or 20 amp breaker will work.

If the VFD AC voltage input is rated for 110 volts, then 2200 watts / 110 volts is 20 amps, so a 25 or 30 amp breaker will work.

Additional Information:



Additional Information:

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[78] What size circuit breaker should I use for this spindle?

The type of wire that should be used between the spindle and the VFD (Variable Frequency Driver also called the inverter) should be of stranded type and we use between 18 and 16 AWG.

The total current is divided among the three coil wires, therefor a wire gauge of 16 should be sufficient.

Currently we use 20AWG 4 conductor.

Additional Information:


Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

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WHAT ELECTRICAL CABLE DO I USE TO CONNECT VFD INVERTER SPINDLE?

Yes, we can supply 220-240 volt spindles.

https://buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx

Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

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hi. I'm in the UK. can u supply a 220-240v spindle

The type of wire that should be used between the spindle and the VFD (Variable Frequency Driver also called the inverter) should be of stranded type and we use between 18 and 16 AWG.

The total current is divided among the three coil wires, therefor a wire gauge of 16 should be sufficient.

Currently we use 20AWG 4 conductor.

Additional Information:


Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
What kind of wire should I use between the invertor and the spindle?

Depending if the spindle can work with this specific VFD, it might be possible. However we would not like to risk you working unit, with a possible match so we would like more details on your specific model and any information available on the spindle itself.

Response
The only info on the spindle is 2.2KW 400HZ 220V. Made by Zhong Hua Jiang.

Was originally on a Delta C200 vfd. That is 220 single phase.

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I purchased a vfd and spindle from a friend, his set up is 220. I don't have 220 in my shop. My question is can I use your 110 vfd with this spindle??

LinuxCNC has excellent documents; however, I would like to offer our help in case you don't understand the information on that page. So, please use this FAQ (Question #: 13233) to state your questions by submitting additional information below.

The LinuxCNC spindle control page is found here: http://linuxcnc.org/docs/html/examples/spindle.html

Additional Information:
After reading the LinuxCNC page my first questions would be can the spindle be controlled by PWM signal? Also, what pin on the parallel port would I set to Spindle Enable and FRW?

Additional Information:
To connect your computer to the VFD, use a USB to RS-485 interface. RS-485 is just a serial interface protocol that uses standard 0 to +5 voltage TTL signal levels for communication (as opposed to RS-232 which uses -12v and +12 for signal level changes).

Get a high quality interface to reduce any issues during the process. The VFD should have two terminals labeled RS+ and RS-. The USB to RS-485 adapter should have this labeled on it as well so the connections should be relatively straight forward.

In the VFD parameters:
PD001: 2 to accept RS485 commands
PD002: 2 to accept frequency comands
PD163: 1 to RS485 slave address:1
PD164: 1 RS485 baud rate 9600
PD165: 3 8bit, no parity, 1 stop bit

Make sure LinuxCNC is also set accordingly:

The PIN14 and PIN16 in the stepconf wizard should be set to unused because you don't want LinuxCNC to be outputting unnecessary signals.

In the options step of the stepconf wizard:
- Check the Include Halui user interface component.
- Check the Include custom PyVCP GUI panel.
- Check Spindle speed display

You will want to edit the custom.hal text file located in the folder that was created from the stepconf wizard. Add these following lines:
loadusr -Wn vfd hy_vfd -n vfd -d /dev/ttyUSB0 -p none -r 9600
net spindle-cmd-rpm-abs => vfd.speed-command
net spindle-cw motion.spindle-forward => vfd.spindle-forward
net spindle-ccw motion.spindle-reverse => vfd.spindle-reverse
net on motion.spindle-on => vfd.spindle-on

The dev folder in linux is typically used for interfacing devices and peripherals to the computer as these devices are communicated by simple memory addresses and these files are linked directly to these addresses.

Under the custom_postgui.hal file, change this line:

from: sets spindle-at-speed true
to: net spindle-at-speed => cfd.spindle_at_speed

and add the line:

setp vfd.enable 1

When you start LinuxCNC, you will a spindle section with the reverse and forward buttons, a stop button and - and + buttons. Use these buttons to conform that the spindle is functioning properly. The spindle speed indicator in LinuxCNC will show the spindle speed and you can confirm that this is equal to the speed indicated on the VFD.


Credit for this helpful information goes to:

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What settings does I use for controlling the spindle in StepCon/Linuxcnc?

You can go to our instructions on for the breakout board here: http://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay to get the information on turning the spindle on and off from the computer and mach3. Alternatively, you can connect the computer using RS485 serial to the inverter and send control commands that way.

Additional Information:
HOW TO CONTROL MY 2.2 KW SPINDLE VIA MACH3 usb

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Additional Information:


Additional Information:
How should I wire the Mach3 card (red, 4 axis) and the vfd (Yl620-a)?

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Additional Information:



Additional Information:

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HOW TO CONTROL MY 2.2 KW SPINDLE VIA MACH3

Yes, you can use a 220 to 110 step down transformer to provide power to your 2.2kw VFD and spindle.

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Could I safely use a 2200w 220 to 110 converter and uninteruptable power supply with my 2.2kw inverter and spindle?

The spindle is quieter and has more consistent torque (It doesn't get "bogged down" when it starts cutting into material). It can be used with collets of varying sizes (not restricted to imperial sizes). It is water cooled and so it does not blow air downward to cool the spindle like the router does. The spindle is also machined with much higher precision than typical routers and will have a much longer life.

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WHY SHOULD I BUY THE SPINDLE?

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

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

The plans or DXF files are not offered. We sell the machines as kits or fully assembled. The kits are very well priced and will most likely cost less if materials and labor than working from plans (this comes from feedback from many customers that built similar machines from plans).

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co you sell plans so I can cut my own laser setup??

I have not tried connecting a 110V spindle to a 220V VFD; however, the parameters in a 220V VFD do allow changes to the values for the spindle motor. If you do plan on connecting the 110V spindle to a 220V VFD, damages can occur, so I would not recommend it.

With that said, here is the output of an LLM:
Using a 220-volt VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) to run a 110-volt spindle is technically possible, but it requires careful setup to avoid damaging the spindle. Here's what you need to consider:

Check the VFD Specifications: Ensure that the VFD can be set up to output the correct voltage for your spindle. Many VFDs are capable of outputting variable voltages and can be configured via their programming settings to match the voltage requirements of the spindle.

Adjust the Output Voltage: You'll need to configure the VFD to output 110 volts to match your spindle. This is crucial because supplying 220 volts to a 110-volt spindle would likely damage it permanently. Check the VFD's manual for instructions on how to adjust the output voltage settings.

Set the Current Correctly: Besides voltage, make sure the output current does not exceed what your spindle can handle. The VFD should be configured to supply the current at the rating appropriate for the spindle’s power and voltage requirements.

Consult the Manuals: Always refer to the manuals of both the spindle and the VFD. These documents can provide specific guidance on compatibility and settings.

Consider Professional Installation: If you are not familiar with electrical systems or if the manuals do not provide clear guidance, it may be wise to hire a professional. This helps ensure that the setup is done safely and correctly.

By taking these steps, you can safely use a 220-volt VFD with your 110-volt spindle, ensuring it operates efficiently without risk of damage. Just be meticulous with the settings and when in doubt, consult with or hire a professional.

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[77] I have a 110 volt 2.2kw water cooled spindle. Can I run it with a 220 volt VFD?