Hi. I have just purchared this board and will be using a 3d touch probe. The probe has 3 wires, 24v+, 24v- and a signal wire to the pin 4 (I think). The way I see it is that the probe is NO and the signal wire when activated will send a 24v+ signal to pin 4 (active low NOT ticked) activating the board. Would I be right in this understanding? Much apreciated.

Question #: 15448

Question: Hi. I have just purchared this board and will be using a 3d touch probe. The probe has 3 wires, 24v+, 24v- and a signal wire to the pin 4 (I think). The way I see it is that the probe is NO and the signal wire when activated will send a 24v+ signal to pin 4 (active low NOT ticked) activating the board. Would I be right in this understanding? Much apreciated.

Current Solution

I am assuming that you are referring to the Mach3 USB controller.

Your understanding seems mostly correct, but it's important to clarify a few points regarding the 3D touch probe and the Mach3 USB Interface Board. The probe has three wires: 24V+, 24V-, and a signal wire. Here's how it typically works:

24V+ and 24V- Wires: These are for powering the probe. Make sure they are connected to the appropriate power supply.

Signal Wire: This wire sends the signal to the board when the probe is activated. In your case, it seems to be connected to pin 4.

Active Low Setting: If the probe is Normally Open (NO), when activated (i.e., when it touches the surface), it will complete the circuit. If you're using "active low NOT ticked," this means the board will interpret an open circuit (no contact) as an active signal. When the probe touches a surface and closes the circuit, the signal will stop.

It's crucial to ensure that the probe's voltage specifications match what the Mach3 USB Interface Board can handle. Since the board's inputs might not be designed for a 24V signal, using a voltage divider or an appropriate interface circuit to step down the voltage to a safe level for the board might be necessary.

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WORKS. I HAVE ALL STRUCTURE AND MECHICAL PARTS OF THE BLACKTOOTH CUTTER DONE. HOWEVER WHEN WIRE UP STEPPER MOTOR TO DRIVER. THAT MACH 3 USB CONTROLLER BOARD, TRY JOG MOTOR, WORKS! PREVIOSULY HAD PLANET CNC BREAKOUT HOWRVER, ONLY MOVED MOTORS IN ONE DIRECTION COULDNT CHANGE IT. ANY HELP WOULD BE APRECIATED
Did you install the Mach3 USB plug-in?

Make sure that you followed all of the steps and diagrams on the following page:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board
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ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WORKS. I HAVE ALL STRUCTURE AND MECHICAL PARTS OF THE BLACKTOOTH CUTTER DONE. HOWEVER WHEN WIRE UP STEPPER MOTOR TO DRIVER. THAT MACH 3 USB CONTROLLER BOARD, TRY JOG MOTOR, WORKS! PREVIOSULY HAD PLANET CNC BREAKOUT HOWRVER, ONLY MOVED MOTORS IN ONE DIRECTION COULDNT CHANGE IT. ANY HELP WOULD BE APRECIATED
I have the mach 3 USB board running a XYZ router, and a Z touch off (button style @ fixed position). I am wondering if there's a way to also use an X,Y plate that will only be responsible for corner finding. Is the digitize input the only input that can be used for a touch plate?
Yes, you can use a corner plate very easily. You will want to make a corner plate that has three independent plates that do not conduct with each other. Each of these plates will be connected to a different input (i.e. IN1 for X, IN2 for Y and IN3 for Z). The end mill or tool that is inserted into the spindle will connect to V- of the 24V power supply, or the DCM on the controller, which is connected to the 24V V-. Then, you can use the ref all home button on the program run screen of Mach3.
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I have the mach 3 USB board running a XYZ router, and a Z touch off (button style @ fixed position). I am wondering if there's a way to also use an X,Y plate that will only be responsible for corner finding. Is the digitize input the only input that can be used for a touch plate?
The relay doesn't have a A+ B - it has signal in god. 5v. / 0 S P. This has to go to my USB motion card wiring shows v+ goes to top of coil no number and comes out the bottom to #2 the relay I got from you is not that simple
The relay is only used for devices like routers, spindles, coolant, mist, etc. The relay works like an automatic switch and will allow current to pass when the relay is engaged.
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The relay doesn't have a A+ B - it has signal in god. 5v. / 0 S P. This has to go to my USB motion card wiring shows v+ goes to top of coil no number and comes out the bottom to #2 the relay I got from you is not that simple
Absolutely nothing works. I have all structure and mechical parts of the blacktooth cutter done. However when i wire up the stepper motor to the motor driver. and that to the mach 3 usb controller board, and try to jog the motor, nothing works! I previosuly had the planet cnc breakout board, howrver, that only moved the motors in one direction and i couldnt change it. any help would be apreciated
Did you install the Mach3 USB plug-in?

Make sure that you followed all of the steps and diagrams on the following page:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board
Click the link to add information to this solution:
Absolutely nothing works. I have all structure and mechical parts of the blacktooth cutter done. However when i wire up the stepper motor to the motor driver. and that to the mach 3 usb controller board, and try to jog the motor, nothing works! I previosuly had the planet cnc breakout board, howrver, that only moved the motors in one direction and i couldnt change it. any help would be apreciated
I would like to re-order another breakout board, but I would like each output tested beofore shipping. I have recieved a breakout board where the mist coolant doesnt work, and the y-axis sends a 1.5vdc signal voltage. They should all be 5v as you know, or the driver will not read.
If you have received a part that does not work as advertised, or does not function properly, we will ship you a replacement. Please contact customerservice@buildyourcnc.com to make these arrangements.
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I would like to re-order another breakout board, but I would like each output tested beofore shipping. I have recieved a breakout board where the mist coolant doesnt work, and the y-axis sends a 1.5vdc signal voltage. They should all be 5v as you know, or the driver will not read.
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.
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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?
Hi Patrick right now I have a parallel port cnc machine that I built in 2013 using the hardware and components I purchased from your website. I want to update my system by changing my current parallel port interface board to a Mach3 USB interface board from your website. Is the Mach3 USB interface board all I need to do this or is there other components I need to get. please advise.
The Mach3 USB interface board will require a 24V power supply to enable the use of the input, output terminals, and the spindle VFD 0-10V and output for speed control.
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Hi Patrick right now I have a parallel port cnc machine that I built in 2013 using the hardware and components I purchased from your website. I want to update my system by changing my current parallel port interface board to a Mach3 USB interface board from your website. Is the Mach3 USB interface board all I need to do this or is there other components I need to get. please advise.
Limit switches for axis. The print shows that you can wire the limits either n.o. or n.c. so if this is correct I would need to tell the board in the software how to look at these limits, I'm either going to get an input or loose an input depend on how i wire it.
BYCNC Response:
This is correct. You will need to use a method appropriate for the software you are using. Also remember that NC switches are typically wired in series, while NO switches are normally wired in parallel.

User Response:
I am using the cnc planet software for your USB board. Are the limit configurations in this software?

BYCNC Response:
Yes, Planet CNC software is compatible with the use of limit switches. Configuration information will depend on your specific application. You can view Planet CNC's information here: http://www.planet-cnc.com/files/CNCUSBController.pdf
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Limit switches for axis. The print shows that you can wire the limits either n.o. or n.c. so if this is correct I would need to tell the board in the software how to look at these limits, I'm either going to get an input or loose an input depend on how i wire it.
[311] I am looking to use this type of thing with a pipe for theater. Where the pipe can be lowered and it would have electrical and signal cable inside. Is this good for that or should I look at something else?
This would totally work for that application. This cable carrier is used for any object that needs to move and carries some electrical or tubing within it. This cable carrier is great for cable management where you want to make sure the wires and tubes are in a position that you set, not where the wires and tubing want to go.
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[311] I am looking to use this type of thing with a pipe for theater. Where the pipe can be lowered and it would have electrical and signal cable inside. Is this good for that or should I look at something else?
[59] is it ok to use one pin for all of the limit switches wired NC and another pin for a z probe that is NO, or do all input pins need to be the same (NC or NO)? I would like to use LinuxCNC but will use Mach3 if necessary. a thanks!
It's generally acceptable to use one pin for all of your limit switches wired Normally Closed (NC), and another separate pin for a Z probe that is Normally Open (NO). LinuxCNC is quite flexible and allows for mixed configurations of NC and NO switches.

Just ensure you configure LinuxCNC correctly to recognize each pin's logic (Active low or active high). And perhaps run a few tests before running the machine.

Additional Information:
It's generally acceptable to use one pin for all of your limit switches wired Normally Closed (NC), and another separate pin for a Z probe that is Normally Open (NO). LinuxCNC is quite flexible and allows for mixed configurations of NC and NO switches.

Just ensure you configure LinuxCNC correctly to recognize each pin's logic (Active low or active high). And perhaps run a few tests before running the machine.
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[59] is it ok to use one pin for all of the limit switches wired NC and another pin for a z probe that is NO, or do all input pins need to be the same (NC or NO)? I would like to use LinuxCNC but will use Mach3 if necessary. a thanks!
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?
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.

Additional Information:
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?

Additional Information:
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?
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.
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.
Hi my names is Minh Truong I would like to said thank you very much for your video I got the system mach3 working fine but one thing I can NOT set and config the digitizer on the board IN4 I am not sure how to setup because in the Mach3 pin 14 for digitizer Please shoe me hoe to set it up for the digitizer.
Can you send me a link to the digitizer you are using?
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Hi my names is Minh Truong I would like to said thank you very much for your video I got the system mach3 working fine but one thing I can NOT set and config the digitizer on the board IN4 I am not sure how to setup because in the Mach3 pin 14 for digitizer Please shoe me hoe to set it up for the digitizer.
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.
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.
I have a home built CNC running Mach 3. I have power to all the motors and the breakout board but no movement when running g-code. I cannot even manually move the motors with the arrow keys or page up and down. It also has an integrated 120v receptacle showing an open ground. I don't know if all this is related.
The fact that you cannot move the motors with the keyboard serves as a clue to a couple possibilities.

- The software may not be communicating with parallel port. (One possibility may be that your step pins are not low active, or vice versa depending on your drivers).
- You may not be in the correct tab of Mach3. Make sure you are in the Program Run tab.
- The jog on/off button on the program run screen may not be lit (invoked).

This address below shows the complete troubleshooting for this type of situation. It will show how to test each pin at the parallel port at the back of the computer and everything else associated with correctly wiring the electronics.

https://buildyourcnc.com/CNCElectronicsandWiring.aspx

Additional Information:
6 axis robot with Mach3 Card 6 Axis Motion Controller
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I have a home built CNC running Mach 3. I have power to all the motors and the breakout board but no movement when running g-code. I cannot even manually move the motors with the arrow keys or page up and down. It also has an integrated 120v receptacle showing an open ground. I don't know if all this is related.
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
Click the link to add information to this solution:
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.
I am trying to decide which board I should use. I have a wireless MPG and every time I jog Z my X axis steps. If this is not a board issue I would like to go with a wired MPG. So I would like a board that I can have a wired MPG, use a tool touch off probe, control either spindle (VFD) on/off or on/off with speed control, and have homing switches.
A wireless MPG is generally independent of the controller since it communicates to Mach3 directly and does not pass through the controller. I am using a wireless MPG and I have no problems with either of the controllers that I sell (Mach3 USB controller or the Pokeys57CNC controller).

The issue you are having may be in the configuration of the wireless MPG that you are using.
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I am trying to decide which board I should use. I have a wireless MPG and every time I jog Z my X axis steps. If this is not a board issue I would like to go with a wired MPG. So I would like a board that I can have a wired MPG, use a tool touch off probe, control either spindle (VFD) on/off or on/off with speed control, and have homing switches.
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
Click the link to add information to this solution:
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.
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
Click the link to add information to this solution:
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.