Yes, you can connect a THC, Torch Height Controller, with the Mach3 USB controller. The THC uses the inputs to determine if the z axis needs to move up or down according to the arc of the plasma torch. The THC connects its outputs to the inputs of the controller so the controller will be informed of the states of the plasma torch.

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I am interested in using the Mach3 USB interface board. I was wondering if there was a way to run a torch height controller with this board for use with a plasma cutter, and if so do you know of any THCs that will work. Thank you.

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 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?

Yes, here is the URL for the parallel breakout board that we sell:

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay

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can I purchase just the parallel controller board? I purchased the usb option 4 axis combo and would like to also try the system with my parallel port computer. Any help with this will be greatly appreciated; my goal is to implement mach4.

All of our controller will allow two steppers on any of the axes. Multiple stepper motors and drivers on a single axis is more a function of the way the stepper motor drives are connected to the output pins of the controller. To connect two stepper drivers to a single axis, you need to connect the output pins (dir and step) to each of the two stepper motor drivers.

Consider the controller on cost, features and how they are connected to the computer.

Out lowest cost controllers are:

Mach3 USB board - Has good features and uses the USB from the computer as the main connection
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

Parallel Breakout - The computer generates the main signals and this board conditions the signals for the drivers. Although it requires the parallel port from older computer, the board has the most broad compatibility with control software out there including Mach3 and LinuxCNC.
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay

Highest cost but most feature rich:

Pokey57CNC - works with both Mach3 and Mach4
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

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I am looking for a controller for a 3 axis dual Y stepper cnc machine. If at all possible I would like a list of the parts that will be needed. I prefer to go with an ethernet setup vs a parallel port.

Yes, the redLeaf plug-and-play CNC electronics can include a THC (Torch Height Controller) and motors of any size. The limit of the number of motors that this package can include is 8 motors in total.

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Will the redleaf package allow me to run a torch height controller and 2 nema 34 motors for my gantry? I would prefer to have motors on both sides of the machine with a heavy gantry

If you want speed control, it is recommended to use the RS-485 connection on the VFD and use the control program such as Mach3 to communication serially with the VFD using this RS-485 connection.

If you would rather use a controller such as the PMDX-107 to simulate the effect of a potentiometer using the Aref, Aout and Agnd and the Rev/Dir and Fwd/Run terminals to control operation and direction, you can connect those to the VFD.

PMDX-107 Aout connects to the VI (analog voltage in). This is like the wiper on a potentiometer.
PMDX-107 Agnd connects to the ACM terminal on the VFD for Analog common.
PMDX-107 COM connects to DCM terminal on the VFD for Digital common.
PMDX-107 Fwd/Run connects to the FOR terminal on the VFD for Forward.
PMDX-107 Rev/Dir connects to the REV terminal on the VFD for Reverse.

Refer to your PMDX-107 manual to correctly configure your dip switch settings and make sure to calibrate (tweak) the speed control using the trimmer next to the terminals on the PMDX-107.

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I have the USB controller board and the 8825 step driver. I need a wiring diagram between the two. Specifically, what does the GND pin on the X-axis connect to? Also, what does the 5V pin on the driver connect to?

You can find a wiring diagram here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout#prettyPhoto/2/

The CP terminal is wired to the step terminal on the 8825 step driver.
The CW terminal is wired to the direction terminal on the 8825 step driver.
The GND terminal connects to the GND on the 8825 step driver

The 5V connector on the driver simply powers the logic side of the chip and needs to connect to VCC pin on the keyboard jog.

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I have the USB controller board and the 8825 step driver. I need a wiring diagram between the two. Specifically, what does the GND pin on the X-axis connect to? Also, what does the 5V pin on the driver connect to?

Yes, the best way to attach a relay to the output of the Mach3 USB board is to use an SSR (Solid State Relay) at the 24 Volt rating. This is the standard supply for this side of the Mach3 USB board.

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I am converting from a Parallel Port to the Mach3 USB. My limit switches can accomodate up to 5VDC and I want to Drive a Relay from one of the outputs. Will my switches work and do I need a 24VDC Relay?

if you purchased the USB interface, you will need planet-cnc software rather than Mach3, and you will need a usb cable to connect the usb interface to the computer.

The blackToe 2x4 CNC Machine Kit with optional table will need wire to connect the electronics. Don't forget to get some end mills to use for cutting the intended material.


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If I purchase the [blackToe 2x4 v4.1 CNC Machine Kit - USB Electronics - Table Included] all I would need for this CNC to be fully operational is a laptop with mach 3 software and a router. Is this correct?

No, you do not need another motion controller if you have the parallel breakout board and you are using the "Legacy Parallel Port Plug-In" with Mach4. The motion controller is the parallel port.

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I purchased hardware for my plasma table which included 3 nema 34 stepper motors and drivers, power supply,Blue brew BOB, and Mach 4 Control software with parallel port plug-in. In configuring the Mach 4 software it asks for a motion controler. Do I need another device such as a smoothstepper motion controler?

Take a look at these two videos that I created today on Instagram on the proper wiring of a relay to the Mach3 USB controller.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYGGBtj3cq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYLvq9DXVK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Don't forget to watch the initial video on the Mach3 USB outputs on the Mach3 USB product page (last video on that page):
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

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Hi I am trying to activate Mach3 USB Controller Output Terminals to activate a plasma from a output relay. I have looked at the video and applied 24VDC to 24v and dcm and measured from 24v and out1 and get no voltage when activating torch on mach3. The output 1 or 2 does not work.

Take a look at these two videos that I created today on Instagram on the proper wiring of a relay to the Mach3 USB controller.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYGGBtj3cq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYLvq9DXVK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Don't forget to watch the initial video on the Mach3 USB outputs on the Mach3 USB product page (last video on that page):
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

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Hi I am trying to activate Mach3 USB Controller Output Terminals to activate a plasma from a output relay. I have looked at the video and applied 24VDC to 24v and dcm and measured from 24v and out1 and get no voltage when activating torch on mach3. The output 1 or 2 does not work.

Take a look at these two videos that I created today on Instagram on the proper wiring of a relay to the Mach3 USB controller.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYGGBtj3cq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYLvq9DXVK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Don't forget to watch the initial video on the Mach3 USB outputs on the Mach3 USB product page (last video on that page):
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

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Hi I am trying to activate Mach3 USB Controller Output Terminals to activate a plasma from a output relay. I have looked at the video and applied 24VDC to 24v and dcm and measured from 24v and out1 and get no voltage when activating torch on mach3. The output 1 or 2 does not work.

Take a look at these two videos that I created today on Instagram on the proper wiring of a relay to the Mach3 USB controller.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYGGBtj3cq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYLvq9DXVK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Don't forget to watch the initial video on the Mach3 USB outputs on the Mach3 USB product page (last video on that page):
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

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Hi I am trying to activate Mach3 USB Controller Output Terminals to activate a plasma from a output relay. I have looked at the video and applied 24VDC to 24v and dcm and measured from 24v and out1 and get no voltage when activating torch on mach3. The output 1 or 2 does not work.

Take a look at these two videos that I created today on Instagram on the proper wiring of a relay to the Mach3 USB controller.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYGGBtj3cq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYLvq9DXVK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Don't forget to watch the initial video on the Mach3 USB outputs on the Mach3 USB product page (last video on that page):
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

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Hi I am trying to activate Mach3 USB Controller Output Terminals to activate a plasma from a output relay. I have looked at the video and applied 24VDC to 24v and dcm and measured from 24v and out1 and get no voltage when activating torch on mach3. The output 1 or 2 does not work.

Take a look at these two videos that I created today on Instagram on the proper wiring of a relay to the Mach3 USB controller.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYGGBtj3cq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYLvq9DXVK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Don't forget to watch the initial video on the Mach3 USB outputs on the Mach3 USB product page (last video on that page):
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

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Hi I am trying to activate Mach3 USB Controller Output Terminals to activate a plasma from a output relay. I have looked at the video and applied 24VDC to 24v and dcm and measured from 24v and out1 and get no voltage when activating torch on mach3. The output 1 or 2 does not work.

Take a look at these two videos that I created today on Instagram on the proper wiring of a relay to the Mach3 USB controller.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYGGBtj3cq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYLvq9DXVK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Don't forget to watch the initial video on the Mach3 USB outputs on the Mach3 USB product page (last video on that page):
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

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Hi I am trying to activate Mach3 USB Controller Output Terminals to activate a plasma from a output relay. I have looked at the video and applied 24VDC to 24v and dcm and measured from 24v and out1 and get no voltage when activating torch on mach3. The output 1 or 2 does not work.

The Mach3 USB will not work with Linux CNC. You can use our parallel breakout baord instead (if you have a computer that has a parallel port available).

Here is the link to that interface:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay

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Hello. I'm currently building my first CNC router, and I'm powering it with a 3 axis electronics kit that was purchased through your site. I chose to get the Mach 3 USB Breakout board, but now I'm wanting to try to use Linux CNC to work with the computer I have available. Will that work with this board?

If you purchase the greenLean, you will get everything you need except a router, computer to operate the machine, and software to control the machine. You state that you have a computer. You can use this computer, but you will need to determine if it has a parallel port, or if you are going to need the USB controller option. As for the software, there are too many different options for you to choose from. We would not be able to tell you which to get, and how much it will cost you. This is a matter of preference. I can tell you, however, that you will need 3 types of software to complete a CNC project. You will need CAD software to design your design, CAM software to add tool paths and convert the design to g-code, and then control software to take the g-code and operate the machine.

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I am building a wet plasma table for my shop that is 8'x 16'. I will need hardware and software. Please heko me wuth the list, My phone is 9124273734. I would like to talk with someone if possible. Thanks, Rus