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Question #: 14696

Question: Hi Do you know if your Mach3 interface board works with any of other of the current CAM programs such as MACH4?

Current Solution

The Mach3 USB controller only works with Mach3. We have a controller that works with Mach3 and Mach4 called pokeys57CNC controller.
Here is a link to that controller:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

  • Hi Do you know if your Mach3 interface board works with any of other of the current CAM programs such as MACH4?

    The Mach3 USB controller only works with Mach3. We have a controller that works with Mach3 and Mach4 called pokeys57CNC controller.
    Here is a link to that controller:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Hi Do you know if your Mach3 interface board works with any of other of the current CAM programs such as MACH4?

  • Would I be able to use the Mach3 CNC Control Software or any of the CNC CAM Software(BOBCAD/CAM,CAMBAM) if I choose to use the Planet-CNC USB Interface Board?

    Planet-CNC is the control software. If you decide to use the USB controller, you will need to use the planet-CNC software as the control software. You will be able to use any of the CAM software applications with the planet-CNC control software.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Would I be able to use the Mach3 CNC Control Software or any of the CNC CAM Software(BOBCAD/CAM,CAMBAM) if I choose to use the Planet-CNC USB Interface Board?

  • 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?
  • MY COMPUTER DOES NOT HAVE A PARALLEL PORT. HOW DO I INTERFACE WITH THE BREAKOUT BOARD?

    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?

  • Do you know which BobCAD-CAM post processor works with your USB controller? Do you have a dll or command document to communicate with your USB controller?

    The BobCAD post processor that will work with the USB interface that uses the Planet-CNC software:

    According to the Planet-cnc folks, wincnc or mach3 post-processors should work. According to a representative at BobCAD, mach3 post-processor should work.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Do you know which BobCAD-CAM post processor works with your USB controller? Do you have a dll or command document to communicate with your USB controller?

  • MY COMPUTER DOES NOT HAVE A PARALLEL PORT. HOW DO I INTERFACE WITH THE MACHINE?

    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?

  • HOW DO I WIRE THE 4TH AXIS THAT YOU SELL. I HAVE MACH3 SOFTWARE. NO INSTRUCTIONS ON YOUR SITE

    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

  • WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD TELL ME WHETHER OR NOT SHIP ANY OF YOUR KIT PRODUCTS TO THE UK?

    You can determine if the area is serviceable by:
    - selecting the items you want to purchase on the website
    - go to the cart (shopping cart top left of any webpage)
    - log in, or register
    - Enter the address and click on calculate shipping.

    The webpage will return the direct rates and whether your area is serviced or not. Feel free to enter any address as long as you are able to receive the package from that address.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD TELL ME WHETHER OR NOT SHIP ANY OF YOUR KIT PRODUCTS TO THE UK?

  • HOW COMPLEX IS YOUR KIT TO ASSEMBLE, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - HARD IT SETUP CONTROL THE LASER WITH MACH3?

    The blackTooth Laser cutter and Engraver can be built in a weekend. Take a look at the build instructions and try to determine if you feel you have sufficient capability to put together the laser system.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    HOW COMPLEX IS YOUR KIT TO ASSEMBLE, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - HARD IT SETUP CONTROL THE LASER WITH MACH3?

  • I am Trying to put a payment trough via the online payment system but my card has been declined DO you any other paymenyoptions

    In the payment screen, we offer a paypal option and a bill me later paypal option. If the credit/debit card is declined, use the paypal options, or call us to purchase using another method, such as check/money order, or wire transfer. 281-815-7701

    Additional Information:
    20

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I am Trying to put a payment trough via the online payment system but my card has been declined DO you any other paymenyoptions

  • COULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN, IF IT'S TRUE, THAT HANDS-FREE CELL PHONE CAR MICROPHONES RADIATE MORE THAN ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT USED WITH THESE PHONES?

    Hands-free cell phone car microphones have been tested by the manufacturers and meet the current ANSI/IEEE (American National Standards Institute/Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standards for radiofrequency (RF) safety. These are the same standards that the Federal Communications Commission enforces under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and they place limits on the specific absorption rate (SAR) of RF energy in the body. Recent inflammatory articles in the British press were not substantiated by testing at ISO-accredited testing facilities at Motorola. Manufacturers of cell phones are required under FCC regulations to assure that their products meet the SAR limits on both hand-held and hands-free units. Further information can be obtained on the Internet at The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (FDA information) or Office of Engineering and Technology (FCC information).

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    COULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN, IF IT'S TRUE, THAT HANDS-FREE CELL PHONE CAR MICROPHONES RADIATE MORE THAN ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT USED WITH THESE PHONES?

  • IS THE MACH3 SOFTWARE COMPATIBLE WITH 3 AXIS MOTION CONTROL COMBO KITS? PLANET CNC MENTIONED AS BEING COMPATIBLE.

    Mach 3 is compatible with our electronic combo's that include the Parallel Breakout Board.
    Planet-CNC is compatible with our electronic combo's that included our USB Breakout Board.

    The parallel breakout board is compatible to a wide variety of software control packages. The USB interface board that we sell can only be used with the Planet-cnc control software.

    If you are concerned with your computer (desktop) not having a parallel port, one can be purchased and inserted into a PCI slot on the motherboard. Some motherboard also come with a parallel port header (connector) on the motherboard and a simple cable can be connected to this connector to get that functionality on the computer. The former solution of getting a parallel port adapter card to plug into the motherboard is probable the easiest and least expensive option.

    Additional Information:


    Additional Information:
    Is the mach 3 software compatible with kollmorgen s200 servo motors and controllers?

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    IS THE MACH3 SOFTWARE COMPATIBLE WITH 3 AXIS MOTION CONTROL COMBO KITS? PLANET CNC MENTIONED AS BEING COMPATIBLE.

  • WILL THE USB BREAKOUT BOARD WORK WITH MACH3?

    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?

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

    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.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY REFERENCES TO ENCODER FEED-BACK CAPABILITY IN OF THE HARDWARE YOU SELL. THIS A SUPPORTED FEATURE WITH HARDWARE/SOFTWARE SELL?

  • HEY ! I HAVE PURCHASED A VFD WITH MATCHING SPINDLE 1.5KW AND CONTROL PROGRAM UCCNC. MY INTERFACE CARD IS DB25, THE QUESTION HOW DO CONNECT TO DB25 SO THAT CAN SPEED UCCNC? SINCERELY "CNC BEGINNERS"

    Identify the Control Signals: First, determine which control signals from the DB25 interface card are used for spindle speed control. Typically, these are PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals or analog voltage signals.

    VFD Configuration: Your VFD should be configured to accept the type of control signal your DB25 card provides. This involves setting parameters in the VFD that correspond to the type of input signal it will receive for speed control.

    Wiring: Connect the appropriate output pins from the DB25 card to the input terminals on the VFD. This usually involves connecting the PWM or analog output to the corresponding input on the VFD. Make sure to consult the manuals for both your VFD and interface card for specific wiring details.

    UCCNC Settings: Configure UCCNC to output the correct type of signal (PWM or analog) that matches your VFD's configuration. This is done through the software's spindle setup section.

    Test and Adjust: Run some tests to ensure that the spindle speed is being correctly controlled by UCCNC. You might need to tweak settings in either the VFD or UCCNC for optimal performance.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    HEY ! I HAVE PURCHASED A VFD WITH MATCHING SPINDLE 1.5KW AND CONTROL PROGRAM UCCNC. MY INTERFACE CARD IS DB25, THE QUESTION HOW DO CONNECT TO DB25 SO THAT CAN SPEED UCCNC? SINCERELY "CNC BEGINNERS"

  • [575] Buffering. In former days, I used a MS DOS application to do the milling jobs. I was told that Windows sometimes does other jobs ans so my milling job would be ruined. Does this USB board buffer some of the CNC data to circumvent such errors?

    This was true for controllers that use the parallel port to communicate with the CNC as the CPU is sending signals to each of the parallel port pins (GPIO or General Purpose Input/Output). With newer types of controllers that use the USB connection, this is not a problem anymore since all of the signal processing happens on the controller rather than in the computer. The computer only needs to send high-level commands to the controller and the controller translates the simple commands to pulse trains that the drivers can accept.

    Additional Information:
    I don't believe that the board itself buffers. MAch3 however, does use an algorithm for look-ahead.

    Additional Information:
    Thank you for the information. I plan to use a second SSD with a minimal Windows 10 or 11 system.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Buffering. In former days, I used a MS DOS application to do the milling jobs. I was told that Windows sometimes does other jobs ans so my milling job would be ruined. Does this USB board buffer some of the CNC data to circumvent such errors?

  • HAVE PORTER CABLE 7518 ROUTER ON MY CNC AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOUR ER20 COLLET NUT, FOR THE CABLE, WILL FIT ROUTER.

    Yes, our porter cable collets and nuts will fit the porter cable 7518.

    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    HAVE PORTER CABLE 7518 ROUTER ON MY CNC AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOUR ER20 COLLET NUT, FOR THE CABLE, WILL FIT ROUTER.

  • I WIRED MY VFD (2.2KW VERSION) AND TRIED TEST RUNNING THE SPINDLE. CONFIGURED TO YOUR SPECS ON THIS WEBSITE, ONLY ISSUE IS WE GOT AN ERROR CODE. ERR 02, DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS? OR HAVE A LIST OF CODES? THANK

    Can you provide the model number of your VFD?

    Yes, I have the "YL600 - 2S - 2K20"

    It just came with a small booklet that is all in Chinese...

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I WIRED MY VFD (2.2KW VERSION) AND TRIED TEST RUNNING THE SPINDLE. CONFIGURED TO YOUR SPECS ON THIS WEBSITE, ONLY ISSUE IS WE GOT AN ERROR CODE. ERR 02, DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS? OR HAVE A LIST OF CODES? THANK

  • I HAVE YOUR MACH3 USB BOB, DO YOU GUYS SELL A TORCH CONTROL RELAY CAN WIRE UP TO TURN MY PLASMA ON AND OFF HOW WOULD WIFE THAT TOO THIS BOB?

    We do have a relay board that words like a standard relay.

    Here is the URL of the relay board that we offer:

    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-breakout-Relays-relay-board-250V-12A-5V

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I HAVE YOUR MACH3 USB BOB, DO YOU GUYS SELL A TORCH CONTROL RELAY CAN WIRE UP TO TURN MY PLASMA ON AND OFF HOW WOULD WIFE THAT TOO THIS BOB?

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