The Mach3 USB controller is specifically engineered to integrate seamlessly with Mach3's CNC control software. Easel, on the other hand, offers an all-in-one CAD/CAM solution along with machine control capabilities. While Easel can output standard G-code compatible with industry-standard post-processors, it can serve as a design tool when used in conjunction with Mach3 but not as the machine control software.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
[575] Will the Mach3 USB interface board support other software such as Easel?

The Mach3 USB controller will work with M3/M4/M5 or M7/M8/M9 combinations. M10/M11 is not available with the controller.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
[575] does the mach3 usb interface board support the M11/M10 command set?

Our MAch3 USB interface boards can be located here:

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I AM INTERESTED IN THE 3 AXIS COMBO USB OPTION. NOTICE YOU ENDORSE PLANET-CNC FOR USE WITH THIS BUT WILL MACH3 INTERFACE WELL BEAK OUT BOARD?

When dealing with 3rd party machines, we have a universal setup that will fit almost any other machine, although please take in consideration the specifications in which your stepper motors and drivers are used and set to!
Now changing the controls, would be more or less changing the Breakout board/interface board to a different one that might use a different program to run your machine. Usually you will not need to change your interface board or breakout board, unless the 3rd party manufacture made it specifically to that set up.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I purchased a 3040 CNC router off eBay a year ago and would like to change the controls. The steppers are 185oz.in motors. My question do i need to purchase a interface board and break out boards?

I do not recommend using the Mach3 USB controller to be used with a torch height controller. There are only 4 inputs on the Mach3 USB controller. We have tried to interface a Proma THC to this board without success; however, we did not exhaust all possibilities.

I would recommend the Pokeys57CNC controller to connect the Proma THC as I have interfaced these two before and they work well together.
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Click the link to add information to this solution:
[575] Hello. Does this USB interface board thc? I have the proma 150.

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.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
WILL THE USB BREAKOUT BOARD WORK WITH MACH3?

If your computer does not have a parallel port, all you will need is a low cost PCI parallel adapter card (these can be found on amazon for $15-$20). If you plan on using a laptop (not recommended) you can try to find a PCMCIA parallel adapter, but many people have frequent issues with this setup. A more expensive solution would be to purchase a USB smooth stepper board. Unfortunately, we do not supply any of these adapters and cannot attest to their reliability.

Additional Information:
ur gay

Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
MY COMPUTER DOES NOT HAVE A PARALLEL PORT. HOW DO I INTERFACE WITH THE BREAKOUT BOARD?

Yes, the Mach3 USB controller will work with the latest Windows version and in 64-bit mode. The 32-bit mode is only relevant for using the parallel port driver if you are using a parallel port breakout board. Since this controller is connected via a USB cable, the 64-bit state will work fine.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
[575] I have a 64 bit Windows 11 laptop. Will this interface board work with this? If not is there an option you can suggest.

If you do the following, you can get mach3 to recognize the probe.

In mach3, go to config, ports and pins, input signals, and scroll down to probe. Check enabled, active low, and emulated. Ignore the ports, pins and keys. They are set automatically.



Go to Mach3 Plugin Control tab, select Configure Pokeys57CNC. Go to pulse engine settings tab, and under the probing input in the lower left corner of the page, scroll down and select Pin 19. Click apply. Close and restart mach 3. When you go to diagnostics page in mach3 after it’s reopened, the digitize light indicates whether the probe circuit is closed. IF it’s lit, it’s closed. IF not, it’s not.

If this information exists anywhere else, I couldn’t find it. I found it through working with poblocks, which also updated my pokeys57cnc firmware.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
how to setup a probe with Mach3 and pokeys57cnc interface

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:
if I wanted to use your inductive proximity sensor's with your USB interface board what would I need besides the sensors I would be using 5 of the sensors.

CP+ to COM
CP- to STEP
CP+ to CW+ (small jumper wire)
CW- to DIR

Additional Information:
If the driver does not have CP or CW labels, the CP is Step and the CW is Direction or DIR. If you connect the 5v to CP+ (or Step+) and CW+ (or DIR+) and the pin to CP- (or Step-) and another pin to CW- (or DIR-), then in software, the configuration for the step on that axis must be active low. Otherwise, if you connect the GND to CP- (or Step-) and CW- (or DIR-) and the pin to CP+ (or Step+) and another pin to CW+ (or DIR+), then in software, the configuration for the step on that axis must be active high.

Additional Information:
If you have a driver that is labeled pul, dir and ena: Pul+ is the Step+ and Pul- is the Step-. Pul is short for pulse. A pulse will create a step. Don't worry about the enable terminals.

On the x-axis, pin #2 can go to pul- and pin #3 can go to dir-. The 5v will go to pul+ and dir+. The configuration for each axis for step will be active low and toggle active low for the dir on each axis to make it go in the direction desired.

Additional Information:


Additional Information:


Additional Information:


Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
HOW DO I WIRE FROM THE BREAKOUT BOARD TO DRIVER?

The Mach3 USB interface board requires 24V relays externally. There are no relays on the mach3 usb board. If you use an external relay on the mach3 usb board, the relay connects to the V+ which is 24V and the output pin is the return.

Additional Information:
I understand what you are saying. Does your relay board work with the Mach3 USB board? If not, what relay board do you suggest to work with this usb controller?

Additional Information:
Our relay board works with our parallel breakout board. An off the shelf SSR (Solid State Relay) made for 24V should work fine.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I have your Mach3 usb interface board and am interested in the relay board to turn plasma torch on/off. I have a different relay board that doesn't work, it needs 0/5v from output pin to trigger and the usb board doesn't put out 5 volts. Does this relay board need 5v on output or will work fine with this usb controller?

We have a video that shows the connection and implementation of a CO2 laser on the youtube channel here:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
How do I interface to a laser with the Pokey57

You have the ability to designate the 4th axis, commonly known as the A-axis, for rotary indexing operations when using a Mach3 USB controller.

To achieve this in Mach3, you'll need to:

Open the Mach3 software.
Navigate to "Config" and then to "Ports and Pins."
Go to the "Motor Outputs" tab.
Enable the A-axis and assign the respective Step and Direction pins.
Save your settings and exit the "Ports and Pins" dialog.
To calibrate the A-axis, go to "Settings" and use the "Set Steps Per Unit" option.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
[575] Does this board support indexing on mach3 turn? Planning to use it on a lathe and will do threading jobs

Yes, you can connect various MPGs or pendants to your computer, or directly to the controller. Both the Mach3 USB controller and the Pokeys57CNC controller have a connector for a standard pendant or MPG. You can also connect MPGs or pendants that connect to the USB.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
[50] Can I connect a manual pulse generator to either of the interface boards?

If your computer does not have a parallel port, all you will need is a low cost PCI parallel adapter card (these can be found on amazon for $15-$20). If you plan on using a laptop (not recommended) you can try to find a PCMCIA parallel adapter, but many people have frequent issues with this setup. A more expensive solution would be to purchase a USB smooth stepper board. Unfortunately, we do not supply any of these adapters and cannot attest to their reliability.

Additional Information:
ur gay

Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
MY COMPUTER DOES NOT HAVE A PARALLEL PORT. HOW DO I INTERFACE WITH THE MACHINE?

The Pokeys57cnc board: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

This board contains a 0-10V output at pin #17 that can be connected to the spindle's VFD 0-10V input. On the VFD, this terminal is typically called AI0 or above.

Pin #14 on the Pokeys57cnc board can also be used as a spindle error input.

The Galvanically isolated I/O section of terminals on the Pokeys57cnc board (which also contain the pins 14 and 18, can be used to serve as the on/off for the spindle/VFD using the VFDs digital input.

Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
How do you wire the connection between the vfd and the pokoys57cnc breakout board?

The motor that is attached to the 4th axis is wired as follows:

The motor should have red, green yellow and blue wires coming form the motor. The red and green are paired as one coil and the yellow and blue is paired as the other coil. You can wire the motor to a 3.0 amp driver with red to A+, green to A-, Yellow to B+ and Blue to B-

Click the link to add information to this solution:
HOW DO I WIRE THE 4TH AXIS THAT YOU SELL. I HAVE MACH3 SOFTWARE. NO INSTRUCTIONS ON YOUR SITE

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.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
[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?