You can actually select many places for the switches, depending on where you think your zero will be. I will take pictures of where we positioned our switches. We set the positions so the zero is at the bottom left corner of the machine.

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I will take pictures tomorrow.

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Thank you. Just want to finish before the holiday.

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Not a problem at all and my apologies for not having that information. I have been meaning to put up a video on the limit switch connection as it is somewhat difficult to explain the process in words and diagrams.

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Any update?

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I plan on driving to the office later today and take pictures.

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Thank you. I've just done almost everything else. Just waiting for the grade 3 grease in the mail. Also, where do you suggest connecting the cable carriers? I ran everything through the top but the carrier is getting kind of full. Because of that, it is pushing the belt out when the gantry moves.

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I will take pictures of those connections as well.

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Much appreciated.

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It’s my pleasure.

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I’m almost to the office. I’ve been shuttling my kids around today. Sorry for the wait.

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I’m adding the images to the end of the VLXL instructions.

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The limit switch connections use the NO (Normally Open) terminals. That means that the switch, when not engaged, is normally open (no connection between the com and the NO terminal). When the switch is engaged, then the connection is closed and the NO and COM terminal become connected, making a circuit.

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Did you bend the arm on the x switch? Or can you mount it flush with enough give to trigger? Same on both sides?


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It does look like it is bent in the picture. No, you do not need to bend the arm of the rotary switch.

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We only have the rotary switch on one side.

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How do I wire the limit switches on the VLXL? Also, where do I place them? You included 2 rotary and two other limit switches.

The wire that we sell for the limit switch wiring is here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/3d-printer-component-cnc-electronicsandmotors-cable-wire-3-conductor-22-awg-wrcon-cablewire3conductor22awg

This is shielded cable to make sure there isn't any external interference with sensitive components and long wires associated with limit switches. This is necessary due to the interference caused by the motors on a CNC router and the milling process.

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So unshielded is cool. That's what I was curious about. Cheers.

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Absolutely. It's really the only type of cable I would recommend for connecting limit switches.

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Do you sell 22 to 24 AWG stranded and shielded for wiring of the limit switches and E_Stop?

If the products have documents available, they are generally found on the product page itself, somewhere in the description or under the instructions.

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Do you have data sheets available for the Adjustable Rotary Limit Switch and E-Stop (Emergency Stop) Button - 120v-10A/240v-6A?

The USB Interface page: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout

On this page, there is a datasheet that explains the connection schemes for the limit switches on step 1 of the instructions. The datasheet explains single and multiple switch configurations and parallel/serial connections schemes for the NO/NC (Normally Open/Normally Closed states).

If there is further information you need, please reply on this FAQ.

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Please provide detailed instructions on how to connect limit switches to CNC USB BOARD. I can not find instructions anywhere. I am new to cnc world and really need help. Thanks

The diagram for wiring the USB interface board is located here: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout#prettyPhoto/2/

Under the board illustration, there are three smaller diagrams of limit switch wiring. On each, there are two connections, the GND and the pin which are labeled at the ends of the circuit on the diagrams. The pin side would go to the axis label ++ or -- terminal (i.e. X++, or X--). The other end, labeled GND would connect to any ground terminal on the board.

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I am using 5 limit switches on my 3 axis machine. I am using the usb controller for planet cnc. I would like to know where all the wires related to the limit switches get connected? A diagram would be helpful.

This video may serve helpful on the homing and limit switches:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/PrimeronHomingandLimitSwitches.aspx

I don't go into great detail on the wiring, however. If after you watch that video and you still need a video, please let me know and I will make a video on the wiring of limit switches and the E-stop button.

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Are there any videos detailing wiring of limit switches and stop button?

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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I HAVE A 2000 WK 11–3 Z LIMIT SWITCHES GOING TO C10R10 BREAKOUT BOARD . CAN ALSO USE THEM AS MY HOME POSITION WELL. NEED THE WIRING CONFIGURATION

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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I have a 2000 WK 11–3 Z limit switches going to A c10r10 breakout board . Can I also use them as my home position as well. I need The wiring configuration

The eyebolts are used in the squaring of the machine. I would use a standard carpenters square and first run the end mill along the edge of the square to first make it parallel with the long axis. Then run the end mill along the other edge with the short axis and adjust the eye bolts and chain according to the angle that the machine is out of square.

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DO NEED TO SQUARE UP THE MACHINE AND IF SO YOU HAVE INSTRUCTIONS OR VIDEO FOR THIS?

The X-axis rails on the Vertical Laser XL are the round rails found here:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/mechanical-rails-linear-guide-rails-20mm

And use these rail blocks:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/mechanical-rails-linear-ball-bearing-block

You want to use lubrication/grease for a couple of reasons.
- The round rail, if subject to moisture, can rust over time. Most oil based lubrication will help prevent this from happening.
- The bearings in the linear guide will be constantly in contact with the round rod of the linear guide. Grease with a NLGI grade 3 specification and one with a good adhesion property so the grease will remain on the surface of the guide for a longer period of time.

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What do you suggest for lubrication on the rails of the VLXL?

Sure, the USB interface has a place for 4 axes of limit switches.

Each axis can have two limit switches: one for the ++ (positive) end and one for the -- (negative) end. The positive end would be the limit switch at the end of the machine that, say the machine has a 4'x8' area, reaches a bit after the 8 foot mark. The negative end would be the limit switch behind the 0 foot location behind the origin. If the origin is in the middle, the negative would be at a little more than the -4 foot end and the positive would be at a bit more than the +4 foot end. Note that you can have more than one switch on each pin where the NC is connected in serial fashion and the NO is connected in parallel fashion (this can be seen on the diagram in the multiple limits switch section). The software configurations for the limits switches are under File -> Settings -> Limit.

A typical limit switch has three connections on it. These connections consist of COM (common), NC (normally closed) and NO (normally open). The COM would generally go to GND and the NC or the NO would go to the pin. If the NC is used, then the the switch is constantly connected until the switch is pushed (engaged) then the connection from the pin to gnd is broken (open). Use the settings in software to set whether in NC or NO configuration.

Let me know if this information was helpful (or not) by adding information to this question. Thanks.

User response:
Thank you very much for this helpful information. I'm still a little fuzzy on how the 6 limit switches physically connect to each other and to the USB breakout board. You've stated one switch (home) goes to positive and another switch (limit) goes to negative. Are all the GND prongs from all 6 switches connected to each other and going to GND on the breakout board, or no? And the NC prongs, how exactly are they connected to each other? And to the board? There has to be a diagram somewhere shows this visually, no? I don't know how to wire the switches in series or in parallel. I have already physically installed all the switches on the machine and ran the wires to where the board is. Now I just need to know where to plug these wires into the board. Also, taking into consideration that I'm using the Planet CNC software, the only settings I have pertaining to limit switches is "Enable/Disable" for each axis, and the actual limit for each axis. Nothing about NC or NO. Is that only in Mach3?
Thank you.

buildyourcnc response:
On the USB interface, the COM on the switch connects to GND and the NC or NO connects to the input pin (i.e. x++, y--, etc.)

Limit switch configuration is rather difficult to understand, especially with series and parallel. You can think of series as a single wire going from GND to the axis letter input terminal (i.e. X++ or X--). If the wire is broken, then the circuit is open (or the switch is engaged in a normally closed scenario). Normally closed is like an actual wire, and when engaged, the switch "opens" (breaks the wire). This is why we recommend in some systems that you can put many switches in series on a single pin. When one of the switches is engaged (breaking the connection) then the entire circuit of switches is broken and the machine stops.

In a parallel scenario, the state of the circuit is always broken until the one of the switches is engaged and the circuit is then closed or connected. The topology looks like a ladder. All the switches connect to both sides of the ladder and the switches are like the runs of the ladder (the horizontal bars that the feet are placed while climbing). Imagine all of the switches broken in this scenario (normally open). It would be like the ladder could be split in two, but if one of the ladder runs (switches) is closed by engaging it, then that run would connect both sides of the ladder and the two sides of the ladder would have a connection.

There is a diagram on the USB page of the various limit switch configurations. If you need more information (visual and/or otherwise), please let us know and we will immediately add that information to benefit everyone.

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I purchased limit switches from you mounted them on my machine and wire them to the breakout for using pin 12 and the ground on the breakout board, after a few minutes I got a message about a limit switch trip. Am I supposed to use the extra outport on the board instead of the ground?

We don't have cad models of the HIWIN blocks, but you can find the models on McMaster.com. They have can drawings and models for most of these types of parts.

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do you have CAD available for the hiwin guide blocks you sell and the rail?

If you are using the AWC708 or equivalent laser controller, the limit switches will connect between the EL input terminal and the GND terminal in normally open (NO) connection. Most limit switches can be connected as NO, or normally closed (NC).

For instance, a limit switch for the X- limit will be connected from the ELX- terminal to the NO connection of the limit switch, then a connection from the GND terminal on the laser controller to the COM connection to the same limit switch.

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How are limit switches connected to the AWC708 controller?

I have very detailed wiring videos for the Pokeys57CNC controller on the pokeys57CNC controller webpage: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

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[50] I purchased 3 Axis Heavy Gantry Electronics /w Pokeys57CNC controller (Mach3 and 4 Compatible) and Cable Pack I plan to use Mach 3 do You have a wiring diagram Thanks

We don't have cad models of the HIWIN blocks, but you can find the models on McMaster.com. They have can drawings and models for most of these types of parts.

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DO YOU HAVE CAD AVAILABLE FOR THE HIWIN GUIDE BLOCKS SELL AND RAIL?

We don't have cad models of the HIWIN blocks, but you can find the models on McMaster.com. They have can drawings and models for most of these types of parts.

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DO YOU HAVE CAD AVAILABLE FOR THE HIWIN GUIDE BLOCKS SELL AND RAIL?

Consider the loads on each axis when choosing appropriate stepper motors. If your holding torque is maxed out at roughly 16oz/in (1lb/in), then you could use the NEMA 11 or 14. Also consider the shaft sizes and current ratings when choosing drivers that pair with the motors.

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I am planning to build a scratch CNC machine to do rotary engraving on writing pens. Can you recommend the parts I would need? I'm thinking NEMA 14 (11?) and 3/8" acme rod. Not sure which linear motion to use. I have an old lathe to use for the 4th axis.

The electronics packages come with standard stepping motor drivers, stepping motors, power supply (36v and 8.8amps), and a breakout board (USB or parallel, depending on the option you select). The USB will not work with linuxcnc, but the parallel breakout board works fine with linuxcnc. All of our drivers work well with the linuxcnc software. We use this software with some of our machines and we also sell the CNC electronics / computer system (redLeaf and redSprout) with linuxcnc installed and tested (if the customer selects linux over windows or requests a dual boot system).

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May i have more detailed Information aboute the 4 Axis Electronics Combo? We're using EMC2 and i wanna check compatibility first before I'll buy some. https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Item/electronicsAndMotors-4axis-425-elcombo

We are working on getting these on the blackTooth page


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Ok, thanks. Do you use a separate 24V P/S for the supply voltage on the AWC708C or tap into the stepper motor P/S?

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Do you have instructions how to mount the AWC708 DSP on the blackTooth?