The pulse stream is output directly from the onboard microcontroller on the Mach3 USB controller, so there is no need for a safety charge pump from the computer to the controller. Parallel port breakout boards were connected to the computer via GPIO pins (General Purpose Input/Output) and each pin dedicated to the step pulse would be output directly from those pins. In that case, a safety charge pump was needed.

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[575] The older B.O.B. needed a charge pump as an added safety feature, does this U.S.B. board need a charge pump?

There are several CAD/CAM programs out there for MacOS. Here is a list of a few: http://www.macuser.de/forum/f53/3d-2d-cad-395058/#post4499316
I've also read good things about punchCAD: http://www.punchcad.com/
Of course, there is always SketchUp if you are in a pinch. There are a few CAM plugins for SketchUp as well, but I've never used them, so I can't vouch for them.

CAD/CAM will get you as far as designing your parts and producing the g-code, but if you also want to run the CNC machine with your Mac, you will need a piece of software similar to Mach3 or EMC to run the g-code. I haven't been able to find anything like these programs that runs on Mac, so you may have to run Mach3 or EMC in Windows using Boot Camp or a virtual machine such as VMware or Parallels.

Personally, I would use the Mac to do all the CAD/CAM, then use a cheap PC to run the CNC machine.

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EasyDNC for OSX
www.dnc-x.com

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Hi guys I’m new to the cnc and I’m beginning to learn how to operate and cad-cam software also my cnc runs on Mach3 my questions is if I should use MacBook to do all designs if I can have all this software to run on Mac or I have to use windows software to operate it? I have separate small computer connected to the cnc table who have Mach3 on it please help. Also if you know any other software much easy for beginners please let me know thank you guys!
My email if needed is r1jastrzebski@gmail.com

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Hi , thank you for your advise!

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Hi , thank you for your advise!

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Hi , thank you for your advise!

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Hi , thank you for your advise!

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CAN I USE A MAC TO CONTROL THE CNC?

No the USB board is a stand alone purchase, you can find the needed USB cable here: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-cable-wire-USB-2!0-Cable-TypeA-Male-To-TypeB-Male-newbiehack-Cables_and_Wires-USB-2!0-Cable-TypeA-Male-To-TypeB-Male

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So does it come with. A control box and router

Mach 3 CNC software can do the following:

Converts a standard PC to a fully featured, 6-axis CNC controller
Allows direct import of DXF, BMP, JPG, and HPGL files through LazyCam
Visual Gcode display
Generates Gcode via LazyCam or Wizards
Fully customizable interface
Customizable M-Codes and Macros using VBscript

SET:

Spindle Speed control
Multiple relay control
Manual pulse generation
Video display of machine
Touch screen ability
Full screen eligibility

EQUIPMENT:

Lathes
Mills
Routers
Lasers
Plasma
Engravers
Gear cutting

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how to wire relay with mach board. I have mach interface board with one relay

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HOW MANY AXES CAN MACH 3 CONTROL?

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 power supply that is used to power this controller must be 24VDC maximum. Any higher voltage and the controller components can be damaged. The 24VDC power supply doesn't need to be a high amp power supply. I would recommend This power supply: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-power-supply-24v-1a-dc

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[575] Instructions read 24v on the card, can it support 36vdc ?

You can use the mach3turn in the mach3 loader and simply enable the motor outputs. For the inputs and outputs, make sure to use port 3 for the port number and reference the terminal description for the pin number (i.e. IN2 is Pin 2). Don't forget to use the plug RNRMotion.dll in the plugins folder first.

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[575] Where can i find a xml file for maxh3turn?

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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[575] Hi, Can I use this board with a closed loop stepper?

Connect the XD to the Dir, XP to the Step, and the 5V on the Mach3 USB controller to the +5V.

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[575] I have motor control boards that have 4 pin input ( Step, Dir, EN, +5V) how do I connect this USB board?

You can connect the 5V from the Mach3 USB controller to the 5V terminal on the driver, the XP to the Step terminal on the driver and the XD to the Dir terminal on the driver.

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[575] I have motor control boards that have 4 pin input ( Step, Dir, EN, +5V) how do I connect this USB board?

I have not tried using the handwheel inputs for anything other than for handwheel operation. I haven't had success using a THC with the Mach3 USB controller. The pokeys57CNC controller is a better solution for THC (torch height controller) and plasma cutter use.

Here is a link to the okeys57CNC controller: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

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[575] can the handwheel inputs be used for thc

You can go to our instructions on for the breakout board here: http://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay to get the information on turning the spindle on and off from the computer and mach3. Alternatively, you can connect the computer using RS485 serial to the inverter and send control commands that way.

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HOW TO CONTROL MY 2.2 KW SPINDLE VIA MACH3 usb

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How should I wire the Mach3 card (red, 4 axis) and the vfd (Yl620-a)?

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HOW TO CONTROL MY 2.2 KW SPINDLE VIA MACH3

Yes. You don't need to power the board with 24V. The controller will work with only a USB connection to the computer. However, the Input and output terminals (IN1-4 and OUT1-4) will not work without at least 12V on the DCM and 24V terminals.

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[575] Is it possible to run board on usb power

You can use two MGPs (bare MPGs) to provide independent axis control. The handwheel input on this controller contains discrete inputs for the X, Y, Z, and A axes. These inputs can receive a pulse to move their axis. For instance, you can connect an MPG to the X-axis pin and the wheel will move the X-axis only.

Of course, if you have a traditional pendant, you can move any axis independently from only a single wheel with a switch that selects the axis you wish to move.

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[575] can we use two MPG for two axis independant axis movement

Yes, the Mach3 USB controller works with the Mach3 control software, one of the most popular control software for CNC machines. Fusion360 has a Mach3 post-processor.

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[575] does it works with Fusion 360?

The password is: 608

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WHAT IS THE SYSTEM PASSWORD FOR LASER CONTROL UNIT?

Yes, that driver has standard step and direction signal terminals that will work fine with the Mach3 USB controller.

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[575] We have Gecko 203V that require 5v input signal, can this be done?

It is not necessary to connect the spindle VFD (Variable Frequency Drive also called an Inverter) to the computer or CNC motion electronics. The VFD can be controlled independently using the control panel on the VFD. The control panel has the ability to control all aspects of the spindle including Speed, Torque, limits, etc. However, you can connect the VFD to the computer so the CNC control program can control the spindle during the CNC Machine operation. You will need to connect the VFD to the computer via a serial conection (in this case, it is the RS-485 protocol).

The following are instructions on how to connect the VFD to Mach3 via this RS-485 serial connection.

The first thing you will need is the dynamic link library to pair with mach3 called the Huanyang VFD Mach3 PlugIn. You can find this file at the mach3 support forum here: http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,14182.0.html

You will also need to download the Microsoft .net 3.5 framework and install it: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21

Follow the pdf that comes with the library file, but here is a synopsis of what you need to do (I also added a lot more information that may be useful during this process as the manual does not cover the main connections that need to be done):

You will need to program your VFD so that it knows how to communicate with mach3 and the computer (go into the programming mode of the VFD and change these parameters):
- PD001 - value 2 - Enables with communication aspect of the VFD
- PD002 - value 2 - Enables frequency control from the communcations port
- PD163 - value 1 - VFD address
- PD164 - value 1 - Baud rate of 9600 (speed of the communication)
- PD165 - value 3 - 8N1 RTU - 8 bits (that's the size of the word that gets communicated), N (No parity or no error checking) and 1 (1 stop bit)

Copy the dll file to the PlugIns folder of mach3.

Connect the RX and TX lines to your computer. There are a couple ways you can do this, but the recommended way would be to use an FTDI USB device which converts a USB to a serial com port. The device will have Rx and Tx connectors to connect to the VFD terminals with the same labels. This method is recommended since serial ports are not as common in computers these days.

Next, you will need to configure mach3 to use the plugin library. Start mach3 and click on Menu -> config ->Config Plugins. Enable the new plugin by clicking on the red cross on the left column next to the plug in. Restart mach3 after doing this.

No you need to configure mach3 to use the HuanyangVFD plugin. Go to the ports & pins configuration and select the spindle setup tab. Make sure that the Disable Spindle Relays checkbox is unchecked. We don't want mach3 to output a signal for a relay since the spindle will start up and turn off within the VFD and not from an external relay.

Next, go to the HuanyangVFD settings by clicking on Menu -> plugin control -> HuanyangVFD. Set the parameters to the same settings you put into the VFD programming. The com port will be shown as new hardward when you plug in the USB FTDI device. A little bubble will be displayed at the bottom right where it will notify you that a new device is being installed (be patient while windows assigns a com port). Alternatively, you can use the windows device manager to see which port was set for the new USB FTDI device). You may need to restart mach3 several times until you get the correct information displayed in the PD001 and PD002 fields. When the com port is correct and the other parameters, like baud and VFD address is the same as you entered in the programming, then the PD001 and PD002 will show the number 2, otherwise, a 99 will appear which means that communication was not successful.

You can now control the on/off and RPM of the spindle using the RS485 communication between mach3 and the VFD.

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The question was how to connect the spindle to the redfy. I did not receive a VFD.
I have the redFly system and a 2.2kW Spindle - 110V how do i connect the spindle?

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If you received a spindle without a VFD, please contact us asap. Our spindle will not work without a VFD.

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Hi, how is this setup in mach4?

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MACH3 CONTROL SPINDLE

Yes and properly soldered.

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20

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DO YOU SUPPLY THE MALE PORTION OF MOTOR CONTROL CABLES WITH REDLEAF?