Hi, this BBB comes with a USB port and its cable to power it up. Once connected to the computer a led in the BBB will light up to show it has power.

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Breakout board I have does not have USB port for the 5v power. Does the parallel port supply the 5V power?

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Hi, I need assistance, the parallel breakout board I received looks different from the one on the video, does this one need a 5V supply? If so, where do I connect the positive and where do I connect the ground? Thanks for your help.

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.

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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?

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

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I bought a 'BuildyourCNC V1' relay board to go with my mach3 usb controller. I have been sent a 'Songle' relay. It's not the one in your picture and it's got different connections, for which there isn't a wiring diagram. The one I ordered says it is 5v, this one seems to be saying it's a 24v unit. Can you please explain what has happened? Thanks

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.

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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?

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

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I bought a 'BuildyourCNC V1' relay board to go with my mach3 usb controller. I have been sent a 'Songle' relay. It's not the one in your picture and it's got different connections, for which there isn't a wiring diagram. The one I ordered says it is 5v, this one seems to be saying it's a 24v unit. Can you please explain what has happened? Thanks

can not get the limit switches to work on the usb controller board

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Wiring the motors to the drivers for our 8 wire motor is probably the 425 oz-in NEMA 24 stepping motor. Here is the URL for the diagram of the motor:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Documents/PN.SM60HT86-2008BF-U%20(inhouse%20PN.60BYGH303-13)%20(1).pdf

Wire it in bipolar parallel as specified on the data sheet.

Here is the URL for the motor to check if it is the same that you purchased.
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-nema24-425ozin

The USB mach3 board URL is here:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

The wiring diagram is on that page and instruction on how to use it.

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I recently purchased the 3 axis mach3 usb kit the motors have 8 different colored wires (no stripes on wire just solid color) all instructions have different colors. cannot find tutorals. does the mach 3 hook up same as planet? please let me know where I can find wiring diagram to hook up mach 3 usb BOB and motors (I am new to this kind of work projects)

For our parallel breakout board (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay#prettyPhoto/2/) the schematic will show the connections going from the BB to the drivers. The parallel breakout board uses the 25 pin parallel connection to communicate from the computer to drivers, and the USB is used to power the main-board itself, supplying 5V.

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The electronics package I just bought from you (Book Build) is different from your wireing diagrams and video tutorials. Is there an updated wiring diagram available? Is the USB port on the breakout board connected directly to the computer USB to supply 5 volts? Thank you.

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 have nearly completed the CNC machine from the book, but I am using it with a USB breakout board, and have no idea how to wire the 6 limit switches to the board. I'm having difficulty following the diagram on the USB breakout board screen. Can someone please help me?

You will need PlanetCNC software for the USB breakout board and when plugging in the USB the computer should automatically recognize the board, however you can go into device manager to see if the USB terminal is working correctly.
The parallel breakout board; the USB is not a connection terminal rather than a power source, and the parallel port will be the communication terminal.
The items you will need for a water cooled spindle would be: water pump, silicon tubing(length desired by customer), a extension cord(from a hardware store(orange))(1 same gauge wire/length as extension cord).

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I am making my own CNC setup using all the electronics from your website and I have many questions. Please advise how to have my computer recognize the USB connection from my breakout board also I would like to use a water cooled spindle but I need to know the parts required for a 4x10 bed area used for woods and plastics

The digital signal portion of the CO2 laser tube power supply has various terminals for signal power, signal gnd, laser intensity and engaging the laser (turning it on or off). The TL and TH are triggers to turn the laser power on or off. These may be labeled L or H on some laser power supplies. You can use either TL/L, or TH/H to control the laser.

If you use the TL or L terminal to control the laser:
If a low signal (gnd) is present at that terminal, the laser will turn on. If a high signal (5v) is present, the laser will turn off.

If you use the TH or H terminal to control the laser:
If a high signal (5v) is present at that terminal, the laser will turn on. If a low signal (gnd) is present, the laser will turn off.

You should first test the control signal from the interface with a multimeter to make sure the laser will be controlled correctly before powering the laser power supply

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On the blacktooth machine wiring diagram for parallel breakout a wire goes from 6 on the BOB to TL on the laser power supply. My power supply has an"H" followed by a "L". Which is correct? I've connected to the "L" but the laser appears always on.

What we intend our customers to use for wiring the motors to the drivers will be 4 conductor 20 AWG cable, now for the PSU to Drivers; 16-18 Gauge wire should be used, and drivers to BB(Breakout Board) should be a 24 AWG wires.

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In my 4'x8' Blackfoot rig, there is a maximum wire length of 16" between drivers, breakout board, and power supply as well as a maximum wire length of 10' from drivers to motors. What AWG wires should I use to connect power supply to drivers, drivers to motors, and drivers to breakout board?

Our breakout board, does require 5v to operate the correct voltages coming in from the drivers and also coming in from your computer, now the 5V will be supplied by the USB connection, so no external power supply is needed, for either our USB/Parallel breakout board.

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Just for general knowledge. If a spindle gets i.e. 240VAC, and the drivers 36-50VDC for power, why do you need 5VDC for the Breakout Board (BlueBrew)? Is it only for the relay? I think I've seen other BoB's working without power supply, or am I wrong?

You should have no problem connecting the Pokeys57CNC controller to the drivers of your machine as long as the drivers have step (Pulse or PUL) and direction (DIR) terminals. You will need the cable pack that is sold separately so you can connect the headers/connectors of the pokeys57cnc controller to the drivers using ribbon cables.

I show this process in great detail on this page:
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Is you scroll down on the page, you will see a set of videos that show the process step-by-step.

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I have a ShopBot CNC that was converted to Mach 3. The controller has gone out. I pourchased your Pokeys57 board, but I'm not sure I have everything I need. I think my motor drivers are OK, but am not sure how to wire them to what I purchased from you. Need Help. How can we make this work, or do I need a different board to distribute the movement signals to my drivers?

The electronics can be tricky sometimes, especially if more than one change is made for a test. You can move the x-dir wire to another pin and set it in the software configuration. If it works, then only that pin is bad.

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ON THE BOB...EVERYTHING TESTS OK BOB EXCEPT X-DIRECTION OUT. IT'S VOLTAGE IS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT THAN Y AND Z (5.00 INSTEAD OF 5.03. TESTED X DIRECTION ALL THREE DRIVERS. IN EACH CASE THERE GOING INTO DRIVER BUT NOT OUT IT.

I can provide a paypal invoice for the difference in price. Just give me an email at customerservice@buildyourcnc.com and then I can send you the invoice.

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I can provide a paypal invoice for the difference in price. Just give me an email at customerservice@buildyourcnc.com and then I can send you the invoice.

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thats great thank you. please send it to james_moya@hotmail.com and i will be paying with my cc.

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thats great thank you. please send it to james_moya@hotmail.com and i will be paying with my cc.

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i placed an order with you on 5.27.20 for 3 stepper motors. i realize now i need the rest of the electronics (drivers, breakout board power supply etc...) i see you offer a bundle and would like to know how i can get the rest of the bundle. im looking at the $390 bundle without the motors obviously. please advise. thank you

We are currently getting it completed for us to post it under the 2.5A stepper driver page. However here is the correct wiring procedure.

First: Wire the 24V power supply to the 2.5A driver, by wiring +V on the power supply to 12-24V on the driver. Next wire the COM on the power supply to Ground(GND) on the 2.5A driver. GND on the driver will also go to the GND on the USB board, for specific axis. (additional 3-4 wires connected to ground will be needed for the other axes as well).

Second: Wire the USB board to the driver(one driver per axis on the USB board):
CP on the driver will go to CP on the desired axis on the USB board.
CW on the driver will go to CW on the desired axis on the USB board.
5V will go to the VCC pin on the keyboard jog pins on the USB board (check schematic here: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout#prettyPhoto/2/).
GND on the USB board to GND on the driver. (as specified in step 1).
EN is not used.

Personal Note:
I would recommend that you crimp the VCC pin to a wire which could be split for the other axes as well, each driver will need 5V.

Third: Wire the stepper motor to the driver, (using either the Nema 23 100-oz or the Nema 17 62-oz stepper motors, the wiring will be the same. For the Nema 23 the yellow and white is not connected.)
Black to A1
Green to A2
Red to B1
Blue to B2

Fourth: Repeat steps 1-3 for each driver/motor per axis.

Mention: Remember that GND on the driver will also go to the GND on the USB board for specific axis, and VCC pin on the USB board (keyboard jog) will go to 5V on all drivers for each axes as well, each driver will need 5V!

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Is there a complete wiring diagram for the Medium Combo Kit with the usb board? Your USB tutorial does not cover the modular 2.5a drivers. https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-3axis-100-elcombo

Attaching two motors in parallel is possible, but you will need another motor and driver for the opposite side. Each motor must have its own driver to work accordingly and fluently. The two can be wired together, to the same pins on your breakout board and set the dip switches on the driver to match the ones on your x-axis(ex). But remember to view the orientation of the motor and which way it spins, since it is on the opposite side it will have to be orientated correctly to move in sync with the other motor.

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I just finished building my first CNC with the electronics I purchased from you and I am already thinking about improving it. I would like to build a 2 motor X axis solution. Is it possible to attach 2 parallel motors and drivers to the BlueBrew Breakout Board? If so, how?

https://buildyourcnc.com/Item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-e-stop-button-switch-safety#prettyPhoto/0/

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How do I wire up multiple E-stop to breakout board, does each E-stop need there own pin? If not since there are only 4 screws on stop 2 for no and 2 for nc do you just splice the wires together if your only using 1 pin? Thanks

On "our" VFDs, we advise that the R connect to black (live), T connect to white (neutral) and green to E or earth. We are not professional electricians, so we also recommend that you seek the advice of a professional electrician. Some VFDs are made to work on 3 phase power and this configuration may not work with these VFDs.

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On your diagram it says to connect the power to the VFD in port L1, L2 and PE. On the VFD I have there is no L1 or L2. Which ports do I connect my input power to? There is only a P+, P-, R, S, T, U, V, W, and PE. What do I do?

When working with our parallel breakout board, a USB to Parallel converter will not work. You will need the exact 25 pins connected directly to get full functionality from our breakout board. The different board in our book was our older version, but was made more compact. The wiring will still be the same and can be found here (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay#prettyPhoto/2/).
The USB connection on the board is necessary, since it applies the 5v required to power the main board.

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can i use a 25 pin to usb cable (printer cable) with the 25 pin break out board? ive set everything up correctly reading from the build your own cnc machine book but nothing seems to be working. also the breakout board seems to be a different type then in the book would that change anything? .

The RNRMotion driver will not conflict with the mach3 license. Make sure you have the RNRmotion driver in the plugins folder and the provided xml in the main mach3 folder. Also, make sure to have the mach3 license file in the mach3 folder. If you still experience problems, please give us a call.

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i purchased a breakout board from you guy and the rnr motion control is messing with my license in mach 3 tech support at mach said it is the rnr software i need help to contact them and let them see what they can do to help