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.

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[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.

Yes, you can use a conductive metal to serve as a zeroing block for the Z axis. All you need to do is connect the block (conductive metal) to one of the 4 inputs on the controller. The end mill must be connected to the DCM terminal (the GND of the 24V power supply) of the controller. In the inputs dialog box (config-ports and pins-inputs). Under the probe line, enter port 3 and the pin used for the block.

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[575] Hi can I use a zeroing block with mock three interface board and do you have one I can purchase and directions on how to set up

Yes, absolutely. If you need two motors for a single axis, you will want to use the same terminals for pulse and direction from the breakout board.

More specifically, you will wire the step/pulse pin to both drivers, and the direction pin to both drivers. If the motors need to turn in different directions, simply swap the A and B coil connections on one of the motors.

Additional Information:
i have checked the cnc machine for any flex and there is none but i still cannot cut circles they end up square.have checked calibration and it is correct but if i run at 4000 mm feed all comes out correct but if i change feed to say 2000 mm it makes the part small, like in tiny.

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I'm going to use 2 stepper motors for my X-axis. Can I use the same connections on the B/O board to do this knowing I will need 2 separate driver boards.

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.

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CAN THERE BE CLOSED LOOP CONTROL WITH STEPPING MOTORS?

The USB on the Parallel breakout board, is used for powering the board itself (5v USB), and the Parallel to communicate directly between the drivers and the computer/mach 3.
Planet-CNC cannot be used with our Parallel Breakout Board, it is only intend to be used with Mach 3/other open source programs.

To use Planet-CNC, please refer to our USB breakout board! (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout)

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can I use the usb on the parallel breakout board with planet cmc

The post-processor that should be used in Aspire, Vectric V-Carve, Cut 2D, and other CAM programs in their suite should use Mach 2/3 Arcs (inch) or Mach 2/3 Arcs (mm).

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[575] Is there a special .tap g code file I should use with this mach3 controller I’m using aspire as cad

I have had no success with this controller paired with a THC
(Torch Height Controller) for plasma cutting. I would instead recommend the pokeys57CNC controller and the PlasmaSense and PlasmaSensOut THC controllers.

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

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-plasma-thc-plasmasenseoutandplasmasense

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[575] Could thi board be used for a plasma cutter with THC?

You can adapt the Mach3 USB controller to control a laser, but I would not recommend it. A traditional laser controller that is designed to control a laser is far better since you can take advantage of more sophisticated features like sweep for engraving, and automatic adjustment of laser intensity for acceleration and deceleration. The Mach3 USB controller can move the axes and turn the laser on and off, but intensity control and engraving are not an option.

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[575] Will this board operate a laser cutter and engraver

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.

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[575] Does this board support indexing on mach3 turn? Planning to use it on a lathe and will do threading jobs

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

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[575] Hello. Does this USB interface board thc? I have the proma 150.

That depends on a few factors. In most cases, three 3.0 amp motors and drivers will not exceed 8.8 amps of available current. All of the motors would need to be at full torque to reach the 9 amps (3x3). This depends on the mechanical method you are using for each motor, and how you are using the machine. In most cases, only two motors are moving at a time (i.e. 3D carving where the X and Z are moving simultaneously and the y only moves to go to the next row). In traditional cutting profiles, only the x and y are moving simultaneously and the z-axis moves at the location it needs to start cutting the next layer.

With that said, it is ok to add an extra power supply if you feel you need more available current.

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[810] Is this a closed loop motor? What is the recommended driver and power supply for this stepper? Would you recommend using one power supply per motor pair or one power supply per motor?

Ok, sure. Let's get the discussion started. Please respond with your questions on this FAQ

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Hi, I am thinking of making a CNC router that I can use in woodworking. I am very happy if you can help me with the necessary parts for this

You can use this board to have two motors/drivers on a single axis.

You have two solutions for this:

Wire the YP and TD to two drivers so they are receiving the same pulses and direction signals from the controller (if you need the motors to turn in opposite directions, just swap the A and B coils where the motor connects to the driver for one of the drivers/motors). This will free up an axis on the board.

Use the Mach3 slaave axis option where you resolve the two motors on a single axis by software. This will require you to use the extra axis on the board.

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[575] Can this board drive two (2) Y-motors? Design uses 1 X, 2 Y, and 1 Z motor. The schematic has X, Y, Z

Our electronics kits with the parallel breakout board will work with Mach 4, however you will need to purchase the Legacy Driver for Mach 4 to work with our breakout board.

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I have a 3 axis combo w/ parallel breakout board. Will this work with Mach 4?

Yes, if you need a replacement part on your machine please call us at 281-815-7701.

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I have a blacktooth laser engraver. The Y Axis stepper motor needs to be replaced. Can you please provide me with the information I would need to replace this motor.

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.

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

A parallel to USB adapter will not work. You will need to use a USB interface like the ones below:

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

Poeys57CNC Interface:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Additional Information:
To answer the question in more detail, the parallel port is actually an extension straight from the CPU and is also called the GPIO (General Purpose I/O) pins. These pins carry signals independently, hence the description as being a parallel port.

The stepper motor driver receives a pulse train (series of pulses). A single pin on the parallel port sends a pulse train to one stepper motor driver and stepper motor for a single axis. Another pin on the parallel port sends a pulse train to another stepper motor driver on another axis. This happens simultaneously as with the direction signals for each axis.

If a parallel port is adapted through a USB (using an adapter), the parallel port cannot have these signals happen in a simultaneous fashion and will cause the stepper motors of a CNC router or machine to be very clunky, if it works at all. To elaborate, the computer sends an instruction to the USB to send a high signal to pin 1, so it does, then another signal to pin 2, so it does. This is happening one after another. The speed at which this happens is reduced dramatically, and the position of one axis may now be out of sync to another axis.

The reason the USB interfaces (linked above) work is that the USB delivers broad instructions to the interface (to a microcontroller) and the interface parses the instructions and outputs simultaneous signals to the stepper motor drivers.

Hope this helps.

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My computer doesn't have a parallel port connection. Can I use a usb to parallel port cable to communicate with my breakout board?

You should not have a problem with using this controller and having more than 500 lines of GCode. The 500-lines limitation is specific to licensing. Make sure that the Mach3 that you are using does not show "Demo" at the top of the screen. You can also confirm this in the help->about. If you are using a license that was purchased through this website, or from Machsupport.com, you should be fine.

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[575] Although i have licensed mach, when i use that particular board it seems to run only 500 lines of code, how can i fix that? i

This controller does not have an encoder input to determine the speed of a lathe spindle. The Pokeys57CNC does have an available encoder input.
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

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[575] how do i connect a lathe spindle speed encoder to this usb breakout board controller so i can set up for thread cutting on my lathe and on the mill for threading