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Question #: 14968

Question: [Mach3 USB Interface Board] Hi, Can I use this board with a closed loop stepper?

Current Solution

Yes, this CNC controller can be used with closed-loop stepper drivers and motors. The loop for control and feedback is between the driver and the motor. The closed-loop driver receives step and direction signals, which this controller will output which furnishes the driver with the necessary signals to move the motor. Additionally, the closed-loop driver can output a fault signal to this controller through the controller's input terminals in case the motor should encounter a situation that prevents the motor from moving so the CNC can shut down.

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

  • [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, 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.

    Additional Information:
    mach3 not showing in device manager

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [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.

  • [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, 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.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [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

  • 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.

    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.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    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.

  • CAN THERE BE CLOSED LOOP CONTROL WITH STEPPING MOTORS?

    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:
    CAN THERE BE CLOSED LOOP CONTROL WITH STEPPING MOTORS?

  • [575] Can this card work with a gecko g540?

    Yes, the Mach3 USB controller can work with the Gecko G540 drives.

    Here are the connections you will need from the Mach3 USB controller to the G540:
    XP terminal to Pin 2 of the DB25 LPT connector
    XD terminal to Pin 3 of the DB25 LPT connector
    YP terminal to Pin 4 of the DB25 LPT connector
    YD terminal to Pin 5 of the DB25 LPT connector
    ZP terminal to Pin 6 of the DB25 LPT connector
    ZD terminal to Pin 7 of the DB25 LPT connector
    Any pins from 18 through 25 can be connected to the GND terminals next to the XP terminal.

    Pins 10 through 13 can be connected to IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Can this card work with a gecko g540?

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

    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)

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    can I use the usb on the parallel breakout board with planet cmc

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

    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).

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Is there a special .tap g code file I should use with this mach3 controller I’m using aspire as cad

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

    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

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Could thi board be used for a plasma cutter with THC?

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

    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.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Will this board operate a laser cutter and engraver

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

    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.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Does this board support indexing on mach3 turn? Planning to use it on a lathe and will do threading jobs

  • [823] Is a closed loop system possible with the DDCS Expert?

    You can connect closed-loop motors and drivers to this controller. The feedback loop is only between the driver and the motor. When the controller commands the motor to reach a specified location, the motor/driver combination will attempt to get to that position, but if unable to reach the position, the driver will output an error signal which can be wired to the controller to stop the machine. As with all closed-loop drivers and motors, if you stop the movement, and then allow the movement to continue, it will reach it's intended destination since the driver receives the encoder values from the motor. Most controllers work this way and the DDCS is no exception.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [823] Is a closed loop system possible with the DDCS Expert?

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

    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

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Hello. Does this USB interface board thc? I have the proma 150.

  • [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?

    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.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [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?

  • 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

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

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    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

  • [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

    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.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [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

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

    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.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I have a 3 axis combo w/ parallel breakout board. Will this work with Mach 4?

  • 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.

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

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    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.

  • [575] How connect one spindle encoder on this White Eagle Mach3 board ????

    This controller does not have an encoder input for the spindle. The controller can output a PWM signal which causes the spindle VFD to spin at a specific RPM. That RPM is shown in Mach3 as long as the configuration has been applied properly. You can also calibrate the RPM of the spindle to match the RPM shown in Mach3 with the use of a tachometer and adjust the configuration in Mach3.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] How connect one spindle encoder on this White Eagle Mach3 board ????

  • 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?

    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 STEPPING MOTOR ENCODER FEED-BACK FOR CLOSED LOOP CAPABILITY IN OF THE HARDWARE YOU SELL. THIS A SUPPORTED FEATURE WITH HARDWARE/SOFTWARE SELL?

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