[575] I have my probe conected and have checked continuity but my probe does not show to be working. What else could be wrong?

New 3D Resins Comparison Table:
We've just launched a new, comprehensive 3D Resins Comparison Table to help you find the perfect resin for any application. Explore now and elevate your 3D printing experience with ease and precision. Say goodbye to searching all over the web for scattered information.

Livestreams Every Weekday at 1:00 pm Eastern
Join me and likeminded others on a livestream I host every weekday where I experiment, learn and discover. Topic for Tuesdays and Thursdays: CNC Discussion and Random Experiments. Topic for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Microcontroller programming and circuit building.

Question #: 14901

Question: [Mach3 USB Interface Board] I have my probe conected and have checked continuity but my probe does not show to be working. What else could be wrong?

Current Solution

Try the probe connected between the input and DCM with just wires connected to those terminals. When you short the two wires, you should see the change in the diagnostic screen.

Make sure that the probe configuration is correct:
Config -> ports and pins -> inputs tab
on the probe line, make sure the pin number matches the IN number on the controller. Make sure that the port number is 3. And finally, make sure the active low is set correctly. Toggle the active low to toggle the normally open and normally closed state of the probe.

Additional Information:
Nothing changes in the diagnostic screen, however the Digitize led is lit. One wire on in4 the other on DCM. If I were to put a multi-meter to any of the pins would there show any voltage?

Respond:

Other Possible Solutions to this Question

IF I PURCHASE A GREENBULL 6X LONG Z CNC MACHINE KIT AND MACH3, WHAT ELSE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO ASSEMBLE THE WORKING MACHINE? HAVE CAD SOFTWARE.
You will need to build the table unit for your machine. There are instructions on how to do this at the bottom of the product page here, https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-blackFoot-v4
There is no estimate on how much this will cost though, since there are too many variables involved to do this.

- PC with parallel port and USB port
- 20awg stranded wires for the motors - http://www.buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx
- 18awg stranded wires for power supply to drivers
- 24awg stranded wires for breakout board to drivers
(location and spacing of components varies from one person to another, so we do not provide cables/wires)
- General purpose extension cord (cut the female end off) to provide power to power supply
- USB cable to power breakout board
- Parallel cable to communicate to breakout board
- Router
- (optional - instead of router) Spindle with power inverter http://www.buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx
- (if purchasing spindle with inverter) General purpose extension cord (240v) (cut the female end off) to provide power to power inverter
- End Mill(s) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/ProductsEndMills.aspx
- CAD, and/or CAD-CAM software (to produce geometry, machine operations, and g-code) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- CNC control software (to read g-code and control machine) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx

This answer is applicable to most of our machines with the exception of the greenLean and the blueChick since those machines are equipped with a table structure.

Additional Information:

Additional Information:

Additional Information:
Click the link to add information to this solution:
IF I PURCHASE A GREENBULL 6X LONG Z CNC MACHINE KIT AND MACH3, WHAT ELSE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO ASSEMBLE THE WORKING MACHINE? HAVE CAD SOFTWARE.
If I purchase a greenBull 6X Long Z CNC Machine Kit and Mach3, what else would be required to assemble the working machine? I have CAD software.
You will need to build the table unit for your machine. There are instructions on how to do this at the bottom of the product page here, https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-blackFoot-v4
There is no estimate on how much this will cost though, since there are too many variables involved to do this.

- PC with parallel port and USB port
- 20awg stranded wires for the motors - http://www.buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx
- 18awg stranded wires for power supply to drivers
- 24awg stranded wires for breakout board to drivers
(location and spacing of components varies from one person to another, so we do not provide cables/wires)
- General purpose extension cord (cut the female end off) to provide power to power supply
- USB cable to power breakout board
- Parallel cable to communicate to breakout board
- Router
- (optional - instead of router) Spindle with power inverter http://www.buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx
- (if purchasing spindle with inverter) General purpose extension cord (240v) (cut the female end off) to provide power to power inverter
- End Mill(s) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/ProductsEndMills.aspx
- CAD, and/or CAD-CAM software (to produce geometry, machine operations, and g-code) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- CNC control software (to read g-code and control machine) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx

This answer is applicable to most of our machines with the exception of the greenLean and the blueChick since those machines are equipped with a table structure.

Additional Information:

Additional Information:

Additional Information:
Click the link to add information to this solution:
If I purchase a greenBull 6X Long Z CNC Machine Kit and Mach3, what else would be required to assemble the working machine? I have CAD software.
i have cnc router. when I do text I have to flip it upsidedown (in software) else it prints backwards. Bottom left is zero and x and y go plus from there. y has dir low checked x does not.
Is bottom left your zero with regard to screen position, or actual machine position (looking down at the machine)? You will want the zero of the machine to reflect that of the screen. This is to make the safest possible scenario for working with the machine and it insures that the output will match that of the screen.

User response:
I'll answer my own question. Unchecked Dir Low on "Y" text now cuts the way you see it in Mach 3. The only thing now is "Y" is plus moving from right to left. I don't think that makes much difference as long as I know that. I'm not sure what will happen if I used a file from someone else. Any opinions?

buildyourcnc response:
It is still recommended that the origin is located where you would expect it to be on the machine. It sounds like the origin is at the right. It also helps to orient the keyboard when jogging where the machine movement matches the direction of the arrow keys.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
i have cnc router. when I do text I have to flip it upsidedown (in software) else it prints backwards. Bottom left is zero and x and y go plus from there. y has dir low checked x does not.
[596] I have my motors and limit switches working correctly but I am unable to get any movement from the 'jog step' so that I can set 0,0,0. What should I check
Are you trying to use the MPG (tab), or the keyboard for jogging the motors? You mention 0,0,0, are you trying to home the machine with the "ref all home"?

If you cannot move the motors with the keyboard, check if the jog is enabled.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
[596] I have my motors and limit switches working correctly but I am unable to get any movement from the 'jog step' so that I can set 0,0,0. What should I check
Y axis on usb controller not working. The motor gets power and holds but will not turn. I tried switching the same wires, driver, and motor over to the A axis on the controller and it works fine like that. I have double, and triple checked the wiring
This sounds like a problem with the step (pulse) signal. The driver motors receive two signals from the computer via the board -- one is high or low and tells the motors which direction to turn, one is a square wave pulsed signal(quick that tells the motor to turn or a constant high signal that tells the motor to maintain its position. With an oscilliscope you can check for proper signal at the board. If you bought the board from us, please contact us to arrange a return authorization.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
Y axis on usb controller not working. The motor gets power and holds but will not turn. I tried switching the same wires, driver, and motor over to the A axis on the controller and it works fine like that. I have double, and triple checked the wiring
[575] Hi, I recently purchased this board and everything seems to be fine! But I am not being able to jog two axis at same time as I used to do on my older board. Did I do something wrong?
with parallel port controllers, you have the ability to jog using two axes at the same time, but with USB controllers, this is not possible.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
[575] Hi, I recently purchased this board and everything seems to be fine! But I am not being able to jog two axis at same time as I used to do on my older board. Did I do something wrong?
MY LASER MACHINE VERTICAL DOES NOT ACTIVATE THE LASER TUBE, VERIFY THE POWER SUPPLIES AND THEY ARE WORKING WHICH THE PROBLEM CAN BE
Same issue here -- TTL output from the AWC708C never seems to be pulled low. Still troubleshooting.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
MY LASER MACHINE VERTICAL DOES NOT ACTIVATE THE LASER TUBE, VERIFY THE POWER SUPPLIES AND THEY ARE WORKING WHICH THE PROBLEM CAN BE
I have computer, Cad/Cam software and my router unit not sure what else I need?
The main components for a CNC machine, includes:
Computer (required with correct OS system for compatibility with the CNC control software and interface board)
CAD/CAM Software
CNC Control Software (Mach 3, Planet-CNC, Linux-EMC2)
Interface Board (Our current models: Parallel interface board(mach3), USB interface board(planet-CNC))
CNC Electronics (which should be included with most cnc kits)
(ex.) Drivers, Motors, Power Supply, Interface Board
CNC Machine

Miscellaneous Items:
Limit Switches
Cable Carrier
Wires (different gauges)
End Mills/Bits
Vacuum
Emergency Stop Button
Spindle/Router
Click the link to add information to this solution:
I have computer, Cad/Cam software and my router unit not sure what else I need?
What side of the x and y axis do you mount the stepper motor to? If it does not matter what side, do I have to change something in mach3?
It is usually best to mount the motor in a way so it is spinning clockwise to avoid confusion.

Additional Information:
ok, but lets say the motors turn clockwise. if you mount it to ether side of the y axis it will pull to that side so what are the correct positions of the stepper motors. is it the left side or the right side of the y axis and also is it the front or back of the x axis?

Additional Information:
cw250 with mach3 controller
Click the link to add information to this solution:
What side of the x and y axis do you mount the stepper motor to? If it does not matter what side, do I have to change something in mach3?
I have the 1.5kW spindle using the 110V vfd which I bought new and has never run correctly for me. The spindle will not accelerate to any reasonable speed before stopping. When it stops, the vfd display reads "E.oA.A". It does not appear to be wiring or settings, I have checked those many times. What else should I look at to troubleshoot this? Is it DOA?
The E.oA.A is an error that the VFD specifies as an overcurrent during ramp up (or acceleration). In other words, the spindle is trying to accelerate to quickly. The spindle cannot handle the inertia during ramp up and it is trying to draw too much current during this process. The best solution that I have researched is to increase the ramp up (acceleration) time, or slow the acceleration. You will need to check which programming setting you need to change, but there will be setting called acceleration time (or ramp up time). Increase this number in small increments until the error goes away. Then, increase it more so there is a safety factor.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
I have the 1.5kW spindle using the 110V vfd which I bought new and has never run correctly for me. The spindle will not accelerate to any reasonable speed before stopping. When it stops, the vfd display reads "E.oA.A". It does not appear to be wiring or settings, I have checked those many times. What else should I look at to troubleshoot this? Is it DOA?
I have an engine NEMA 34 from Y axis on my green bull that do not response, I already check connections and everything seems to be OK, how can I check that the motor it's working properly or not?
If one or more motor is not responding, please follow the troubleshooting directions below:

For parallel Bob only! Make sure both the parallel and USB are connected.

Re-check wiring, and connections for continuity (no breaks in the wires) and check for correct wiring locations from driver to BoB.
Check dip switch settings on the driver.
Check components, by swapping the motors (ex. y-axis motor to z or x-axis driver and z or x-axis motor to y-axis driver) to check if motor functions on another driver.
Depending on software check step low active (mach 3) or invert pulse (planet-cnc) for the axis which is not responding.
Mach 3 - config/port & pins/motor outputs / Planet-CNC - file/settings/axes
Click the link to add information to this solution:
I have an engine NEMA 34 from Y axis on my green bull that do not response, I already check connections and everything seems to be OK, how can I check that the motor it's working properly or not?
I currently have my whiteant build complete. But when I go to print the 20mm x 20mm box I seem to be having issues. The Z axis does not seem to move. Also the X axis hits the limit and does not move of of it. What is the best way to trouble shoot this issue?
When you press the x-axis limit switch, does the LED emit light?
Click the link to add information to this solution:
I currently have my whiteant build complete. But when I go to print the 20mm x 20mm box I seem to be having issues. The Z axis does not seem to move. Also the X axis hits the limit and does not move of of it. What is the best way to trouble shoot this issue?
Hello. I have bought an RnR Motion Controller and a YL260-A and I have it set up to the AVI from RnR to the VI1 of YL620-A but I'm getting that the RPM varies not like interference but like a drop from max value to min value. What could be happening?
Is the cable between the mach3 USB and the YL260 shielded. If that does not solve the problem, add an induction coil to the cable to reduce any current fluctuations.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
Hello. I have bought an RnR Motion Controller and a YL260-A and I have it set up to the AVI from RnR to the VI1 of YL620-A but I'm getting that the RPM varies not like interference but like a drop from max value to min value. What could be happening?
I want to by a 5 by 10 foot kit, sorry, I don't have the time to read everything here. what should I be thinking about, Can you veiw my cart and tell me what else I need to get?
In regards to getting a complete plug and go system, there are a lot of items to consider.
Electronics, DYI or one of our electronics kits that come assembled and tested?
Cable for the motors is a additional purchase, spindle? = silicone tubing/water pump, etc.
Cable carrier (wire management), software (also additional purchase).

We can view your cart, but please send us your email and username to customerservice@buildyourcnc.com so it will remain secure!
Click the link to add information to this solution:
I want to by a 5 by 10 foot kit, sorry, I don't have the time to read everything here. what should I be thinking about, Can you veiw my cart and tell me what else I need to get?
Have checked stepper motor wires dozens of times and they are wired like diagram says. Stepper motors will not turn under power. I am using laser control option. What should I do?
This sounds like a problem with the step (pulse) signal. The driver motors receive two signals from the computer via the board -- one is high or low and tells the motors which direction to turn, one is a square wave pulsed signal(quick that tells the motor to turn or a constant high signal that tells the motor to maintain its position. With an oscilliscope you can check for proper signal at the board. If you bought the board from us, please contact us to arrange a return authorization.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
Have checked stepper motor wires dozens of times and they are wired like diagram says. Stepper motors will not turn under power. I am using laser control option. What should I do?
I purchased a parallel port breakout board. I have checked all the info and found nothing on the usb port. What is it used for?
The USB port on the Parallel Interface board is necessary to supply 5V power. Connect with a USB cable to a USB source.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
I purchased a parallel port breakout board. I have checked all the info and found nothing on the usb port. What is it used for?
[575] I have finally got my limit switches wired and working - thank you. Can they also used as homing switches and if so it it just a question of looping the two inputs on the board i.e. the limit and home terminals IN2 to IN3
You will want to connect the homing switches (which may also serve as your near limit switches) to different input terminals. It's ok to add more limit switches with the home switches, but each home should be on independent inputs. For example, connect home X and any other limit switch to IN1, connect home Y and any other limit switch to IN2, and so on. This will allow you to properly use the "ref all home" button in Mach3.

Additional Information:

Additional Information:
In the instructions (diagram 1) you show all the home switches connected in parallel? But here you say they need to each have their own inputs. "You will want to connect the homing switches (which may also serve as your near limit switches) to different input terminals." I dont see how the second and third axis can go home if the first axis has already closed the parallel circuit unless they back off a bit until the switch opens up again before the next axis goes to home? My machine has no limit switches so I assume they are home switches.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
[575] I have finally got my limit switches wired and working - thank you. Can they also used as homing switches and if so it it just a question of looping the two inputs on the board i.e. the limit and home terminals IN2 to IN3
Can I get a replacement computer only ? I have a blacktoe with parallel port and it seems to have stopped working.
Sure. If you had your own computer to start with and now need a replacement for it, consider our redSprout and redLeaf systems. You can find information about them here: https://buildyourcnc.com/AssembledElectronics.aspx If you started with one of our assembled systems, and only need to replace certain components, contact our sales department at sales@buildyourcnc.com for a quote.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
Can I get a replacement computer only ? I have a blacktoe with parallel port and it seems to have stopped working.
[575] I have one of these but pc says device is faulty. If i buy one from you will you be able to fix such problems
If your PC is unable to communicate successfully with the Mach3 USB controller that you purchased, the problem can exist outside of the controller. If the problem is with the controller, then my controller will work. If the problem is not with the controller, then the problem will persist.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
[575] I have one of these but pc says device is faulty. If i buy one from you will you be able to fix such problems