The parallel (printer cable) port is uses the computer as its main source of pulse trains to operate the motor driver directly. Parallel ports are a direct connection from the processor commonly referred to as GPIO pins (General Purpose I/O pins) and provides a convenient and powerful way to interface with the computer. The parallel breakout board is included in those kits only to condition those signals for use with the drivers.

The USB serves at the actual controller, sending the pulse trains, but the computer sends simple human readable instructions to the USB controller to tell the controller how to send pulses.

The non-technical differences that may serve as the most important information to you is that the parallel configurations allow for a wider variety of industry standard software that can be used to control the cnc machine. The USB that we offer requires the operator to use a software called Planet-CNC software which is a very well made and feature full cnc control software.

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USB Motion controller breakout board work with planet cnc software?

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Is there a manual or some documentation of how a binary value in the printer port translates to position on each motor?

Was there an opening in the tube upon arrival? Did the tube look like it was wrapped up by the shipper due to the damage that occurred? I am suspecting that the package was damaged by the shipper and the tube suffered an opening where the parts may have fallen out. Make sure to take many pictures of the damaged package condition so a claim can be generated.

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I recieved 2 hiwin linear rails in a tube with tape on it that says recieved in damaged condition. I got 2 rails 2 zerk fittings, no bearing blocks or lead screw. And technically I should have 2 more zerk fittings

I have not come across this problem, but there may be USB, or firmware issues that you are experiencing. I would recommend going on the polabs website and using their support center (https://support.poscope.com/)and posing that question to them. Also, have you tried the ethernet port as an alternative to see if that helps?

Here is the response from an LLM:

Check USB Cable and Port: Start with the basics. Sometimes this error is due to a poor USB connection. Ensure you're using a high-quality, shielded USB cable and that it's plugged into a USB port directly on your computer, not through a hub. If possible, try a different USB port or a different cable to rule out any issues there.

Update Firmware and Software: Ensure that both your PoKeys57CNC firmware and the Mach4 software are up to date. Firmware updates for your PoKeys board might include optimizations or fixes that address connectivity issues.

USB Polling Rate: This error can also arise from the USB polling rate setting in the PoKeys configuration software. It might be set too high for your system's ability to handle it. Try lowering the polling rate and see if that resolves the error.

Computer Performance: Check your computer’s performance. If it’s running several heavy applications simultaneously, it might not be able to process signals from the PoKeys board fast enough. Try closing unnecessary applications or consider using a dedicated machine if your current setup is too taxed.

Mach 4 and PoKeys Plugin Configuration: Dive into the Mach 4 plugin configuration for PoKeys. Ensure that all settings are correctly configured as per the manual. Incorrect settings might lead to communication bottlenecks.

Connection Quality and Interference: Consider any potential interference sources near your CNC setup or computer. Electromagnetic interference from large motors, other electronics, or long cable runs can affect communication quality. Try rearranging your setup to minimize interference.

Consult Documentation and Support: If the issue persists, consult the detailed documentation provided by PoKeys or reach out to their customer support. They can offer more specific advice based on the latest product updates or known issues.

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I HAVE FOLLOWED YOUR YOUTUBE VIDEO ON SETTING UP THE POKEYS 57CNC BOARD BUT WHEN OPEN MACH 4 GET A ERROR MESSAGE CONNECTION IS TO SLOW

For safety's sake I would recommend a new board because they are inexpensive compared to the electronics that they support. Alternatively, it's possible that the one dead pin is a simple fix, such as a bad connection or solder joint; if you feel comfortable making those repairs then it could be worthwhile to check. Finally, if you are not using all the input pins, you could continue to operate the limit switch on pin 11 and hope for the best.

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I have a breakout board and it appears that the pin 12 connection has failed: when i move my limit switches to pin 11 they work; they don't work on pin 12. Do i need a new breakout board?

Our spindle VFD's, have a multitude of different connectors that can be used for different operations. There is a manual that comes with each VFD, and you can refer to page 11 for different functions and descriptions.

We currently have a PWM, working with our machine, however it is connected via USB, and setup through Mach 3.
Also if you may have misplaced or lost the manual here is a link to the pdf:

(https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQFjAAahUKEwibxaaIndTHAhXQlogKHZVyDFE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-n-c.cz%2Fdownload%2Ffile.php%3Fid%3D42252&ei=_cHkVdvSC9CtogSV5bGIBQ&usg=AFQjCNHTQcxs-KhJkvkhMdxVFPzkoYJtsA&sig2=JAcZawTGMuC-t4wmn1z-rA)

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It is possible to control externally the 1.5kW Inverter (VFD) (220 Volt) with PWM so i can control the spindle rotation? Do you have the documentation? Thank you

Make sure all your bolts/screws are tighten correctly and if using a lead screw make sure your anti-backlash nut is not offset. Now a default setting will be 10101100 for your driver dip switch settings and in motor tuning (mach3) 1600 steps per, 400.02 velocity, 4 in acceleration. now the acceleration and velocity can be adjusted to move your machine faster, but if set to high they could stall. Make sure you have the correct wiring from your motor to your driver (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Documents/PN.SM60HT86-2008BF-U%20(inhouse%20PN.60BYGH303-13)%20(1).pdf).

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I have your Nema 24 electronics kit and am having problems with the Z axis dropping over time. I am using a PC 8902 motor. Any ideas on what the problem is? What should be the motor tuning values in Mach3? Thanks

I have not come across this problem, but there may be USB, or firmware issues that you are experiencing. I would recommend going on the polabs website and using their support center (https://support.poscope.com/)and posing that question to them. Also, have you tried the ethernet port as an alternative to see if that helps?

Here is the response from an LLM:

Check USB Cable and Port: Start with the basics. Sometimes this error is due to a poor USB connection. Ensure you're using a high-quality, shielded USB cable and that it's plugged into a USB port directly on your computer, not through a hub. If possible, try a different USB port or a different cable to rule out any issues there.

Update Firmware and Software: Ensure that both your PoKeys57CNC firmware and the Mach4 software are up to date. Firmware updates for your PoKeys board might include optimizations or fixes that address connectivity issues.

USB Polling Rate: This error can also arise from the USB polling rate setting in the PoKeys configuration software. It might be set too high for your system's ability to handle it. Try lowering the polling rate and see if that resolves the error.

Computer Performance: Check your computer’s performance. If it’s running several heavy applications simultaneously, it might not be able to process signals from the PoKeys board fast enough. Try closing unnecessary applications or consider using a dedicated machine if your current setup is too taxed.

Mach 4 and PoKeys Plugin Configuration: Dive into the Mach 4 plugin configuration for PoKeys. Ensure that all settings are correctly configured as per the manual. Incorrect settings might lead to communication bottlenecks.

Connection Quality and Interference: Consider any potential interference sources near your CNC setup or computer. Electromagnetic interference from large motors, other electronics, or long cable runs can affect communication quality. Try rearranging your setup to minimize interference.

Consult Documentation and Support: If the issue persists, consult the detailed documentation provided by PoKeys or reach out to their customer support. They can offer more specific advice based on the latest product updates or known issues.

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[596] I have followed your YouTube video on setting up the pokeys 57cnc board but when I open Mach 4 I get a error message the the connection is to slow

The Mach3 USB controller does not provide 5V output signals. The Inputs, Outputs, and PWM Spindle Speed terminals are separated from the 5V side of the board. The output terminals use the 24V portion of the controller and you will need a 24V power supply to make these outputs work.

Please watch the video below to completely understand how the outputs of this controller work. Make sure that you are using the RNRmotion.dll plugin and that the port for each of the outputs is set to port 3.

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[575] I cant get a 5v signal on any of the Outputs on the board. what Port# and Pin #s should I be using on Mach3?

Please contact customerservice@buildyourcnc.com so we can assist you.

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I ordered the 3-axis medium stepper motor kit. The drivers i recieved were those for the 3-d printer main board, not the modular ones. How am i suppose to wire that up now?

Connecting the limit switches on the redLeaf use the input pins on the parallel breakout board. Here is a link to the wiring diagram for that parallel breakout board.

https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay#prettyPhoto/2/

The connection is simple. Just create a circuit from ground to the pin. When the pin is engaged, the circuit is closed (using normally open on the switch). Use mach3's autoset to automatically set the pin for the limit or home setting.

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Do you guys have any videos showing how to connect limit switches to a redleaf? If not, could you please make one? I looked at the diagrams on the limit switch page but I don't understand them.

We are in the process of sending the correct items (with the purchase of ArtCAM), with all recent and future orders. Please refer to your email for a order(conformation/ tracking info) for your package delivery location.

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I received the software package I ordered ArtCAM Express 2013, It had no dongle nor have I recieved the PAF License number. Pease advise......

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.

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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.

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I have a planetcnc USB controller to run my project and when I start the 240v router the USB connection shuts down.

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.

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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.

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I have a planetcnc USB controller to run my project and when I start the 240v router the USB connection shuts down.

You can find wiring diagrams and illustrations for the spindle on this page: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/spindle-inverter-2!2kw-spindle-novfd

This information pertains to the 2.2 kW spindle; however, the wiring is the same for the other spindles as well.

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I am missing the wiring information for the 1.5kw spindle, my electrician says I need documentation for the 4 prong connector into the VFD

Is this CNC related. If so, what controller are you using?

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I'm using the Mach 3/USB CNC interface board, with the Mach 3 software.

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Does the LED on the controller light up, or blink?

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I believe I've corrected the issue. I found that their are 2 spring like tabs on the female USB port. And take a sharp point like on a compass and gentle raise those tabs a bit. This tighten up the connection, and I never received an error from losing connection.

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It appears I have a connection issue with the USB port on my computer with the USB cord. I purchased a new cord but has the same issue. Is there anything I can do to correct this issue?

We have sent machines everywhere across the globe and we can work with freight companies to get you a good rate on a shipment. Please email sales@buildyourcnc.com to request a quote.

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Im from chile have you ever send any machine to south america? can i buy only the mechanic and electronic things ( wood parts are much weight)

I haven't delved into using encoders with stepping motors too much. From my research, you need to have a controller that can provide the closed loop control, rather than software handling that process. I have also found from my research that using encoders on stepping motors is generally used to stop the machine in the case that the motor failed to achieve the commanded position for some reason and gives the user the chance to correct and continue with the job.

If you want proper closed loop control, it may be best to go with servos and servo controller that provide the closed loop control within the real of those two components.

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I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY REFERENCES TO STEPPING MOTOR ENCODER FEED-BACK FOR CLOSED LOOP CAPABILITY IN OF THE HARDWARE YOU SELL. THIS A SUPPORTED FEATURE WITH HARDWARE/SOFTWARE SELL?

Are you trying to use the MPG (tab), or the keyboard for jogging the motors? You mention 0,0,0, are you trying to home the machine with the "ref all home"?

If you cannot move the motors with the keyboard, check if the jog is enabled.

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[596] I have my motors and limit switches working correctly but I am unable to get any movement from the 'jog step' so that I can set 0,0,0. What should I check

This sounds like a problem with the step (pulse) signal. The driver motors receive two signals from the computer via the board -- one is high or low and tells the motors which direction to turn, one is a square wave pulsed signal(quick that tells the motor to turn or a constant high signal that tells the motor to maintain its position. With an oscilliscope you can check for proper signal at the board. If you bought the board from us, please contact us to arrange a return authorization.

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Have checked stepper motor wires dozens of times and they are wired like diagram says. Stepper motors will not turn under power. I am using laser control option. What should I do?