I would recommend using a wireless pendant, like here: https://amzn.to/49nAjkg (Affiliate link)

I use this pendant on my machine and works quite well. If you have communication issues from the pendant to the dongle, there may be too much interference surrounding the dongle, and exposing the internal antenna works well. This is something I needed to do.

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[575] Is there any information on connecting and setting up a pendant.

Unfortunately, all of the attemps I have made to use this controller with a THC did not work, so I would not recommend this board for plasma machines that use a THC. THe Pokeys57CNC controller will work with several THC controllers. I have used the Proma and the PlasmaSens controllers with the Pokeys57CNC.

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[575] does this thc controls

You can determine if the country is serviceable by:
- selecting the items you want to purchase on the website
- go to the cart (shopping cart top left of any webpage)
- log in, or register
- Enter the address and click on calculate shipping.

The webpage will return the direct rates and whether your area is serviced or not. Feel free to enter any address as long as you are able to receive the package from that address.

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[575] can you add a start cycle

There are 4 separate input terminals on the controller. However, you can add an unlimited number of sensors and switches to these inputs using a parallel wiring scheme for normally open circuits and a serial wiring scheme for normally closed circuits.

Check out this video where I explain these wiring schemes in detail:

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[575] how many inputs on mach3

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?

Unfortunately, all of the attemps I have made to use this controller with a THC did not work, so I would not recommend this board for plasma machines that use a THC. THe Pokeys57CNC controller will work with several THC controllers. I have used the Proma and the PlasmaSens controllers with the Pokeys57CNC.

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[575] Does this support THC function?

If you wish to test the cutting of a project, zero the z-axis above the workpiece more than the measurement of the final depth of the cut. Make sure you have enough travel for the clearance passes.

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[575] Mach3 cutting in air above stock

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.

Additional Information:
20

Additional Information:
20

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[575] Can it control a safety charge pump ?

This Mach3 USB controller does not support THC functions. I would recommend using the Pokeys57CNC controller instead.

Here is a link to the Pokeys57CNC controller:
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

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[575] Does this card support THC functions.

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.

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

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

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 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?

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

The post-processor in Vcarve is the standard mach3 post-processor. Use the one with non-ATC if you don't have an automatic tool changer.

Additional Information:
Is there a video somewhere showing Mach3 with V-Carve?

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[575] what would we use for the post processor? for vcarve

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?

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?

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 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