[575] Hi, for the manage the limit switches, is it possible to have, for example, the same limit switch for X-- and X homing? And what is the configuration in mach3? In my CNC machine they are in the same position. Thank you

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Question #: 15609

Question: [Mach3 USB Interface Board] Hi, for the manage the limit switches, is it possible to have, for example, the same limit switch for X-- and X homing? And what is the configuration in mach3? In my CNC machine they are in the same position. Thank you

Current Solution

Absolutely! You can have almost unlimited limit switches and home switches on this controller. It all comes down to the wiring scheme used. I recommend the home switches be on separate input terminals. For example, IN1 would have the X home switch, IN2 would have the Y home switch and, IN3 would have the Z home switch if you plan on using home switches for the Z axis.

Adding the limit switches, these can be located on any input you want, even on the IN1, 2 or 3. The wiring scheme I like to use is as follows:
- IN1 has the X home, X limit ++, and X Limit --
- IN1 has the Y home, Y limit ++, and Y Limit --
- IN1 has the Z home, Z limit ++, and Z Limit --

In most cases, the Limit -- is the same switch as the Home switch.

These can be wired as NC (Normally closed) as a serial scheme, or as NO (Normally open) as a parallel scheme.

To understand the limits and wiring schemes, check out this video:

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

[575] I have finally got my limit switches wired and working - thank you. Can they also used as homing switches and if so it it just a question of looping the two inputs on the board i.e. the limit and home terminals IN2 to IN3
You will want to connect the homing switches (which may also serve as your near limit switches) to different input terminals. It's ok to add more limit switches with the home switches, but each home should be on independent inputs. For example, connect home X and any other limit switch to IN1, connect home Y and any other limit switch to IN2, and so on. This will allow you to properly use the "ref all home" button in Mach3.

Additional Information:

Additional Information:
In the instructions (diagram 1) you show all the home switches connected in parallel? But here you say they need to each have their own inputs. "You will want to connect the homing switches (which may also serve as your near limit switches) to different input terminals." I dont see how the second and third axis can go home if the first axis has already closed the parallel circuit unless they back off a bit until the switch opens up again before the next axis goes to home? My machine has no limit switches so I assume they are home switches.
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[575] I have finally got my limit switches wired and working - thank you. Can they also used as homing switches and if so it it just a question of looping the two inputs on the board i.e. the limit and home terminals IN2 to IN3
I am having trouble connecting the cambam program with my Mach3 to my 4X8 Blackfoot CNC machine. Where can I get help on this issue. Have had my machine since 2015 and have not been able to use it. Thank you
CamBam specifically creates the g-code (machining operations) instructions to be loaded into Mach3. Make sure in your CamBam g-code file parameters, you are using the Mach3 post processor. If you have already done this, let me know. If you are not sure how to do this, let me know.
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I am having trouble connecting the cambam program with my Mach3 to my 4X8 Blackfoot CNC machine. Where can I get help on this issue. Have had my machine since 2015 and have not been able to use it. Thank you
I HAVE A 2000 WK 11–3 Z LIMIT SWITCHES GOING TO C10R10 BREAKOUT BOARD . CAN ALSO USE THEM AS MY HOME POSITION WELL. NEED THE WIRING CONFIGURATION
No, you should not have received two parallel breakout boards in your CNC kit. You can return the extra item using standard shipping with COD. Our apologies for the confusion and the inconvenience.

I will answer the other question as another FAQ. Please check the Customer Service page to see the answer to that question.

If you have difficulty finding the answer, here is a link:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/FAQ/13636
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I HAVE A 2000 WK 11–3 Z LIMIT SWITCHES GOING TO C10R10 BREAKOUT BOARD . CAN ALSO USE THEM AS MY HOME POSITION WELL. NEED THE WIRING CONFIGURATION
Hello. I am interested in the green bull 6X long z CNC machine with electronics. I live in NZ, where the voltage is 230 V and 50 Hz. is it going to be possible to get the inverter to run here? Thanks!
Dealing with our inverters, they are built with a bit of margin on the input power. For our 220V VFD the margin is from 170-250V 50/60Hz, so running our VFD in your location will not be an issue! Our electronics will not have a issue running at 230V as well.
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Hello. I am interested in the green bull 6X long z CNC machine with electronics. I live in NZ, where the voltage is 230 V and 50 Hz. is it going to be possible to get the inverter to run here? Thanks!
I recently wired my CNC machine with limit switches and tested them before mounting to the machine. They were configured and when tested worked great. After mounting them to the machine, they continued to register as triggered. The frame of the CNC machine is made of MDF so I don't think it is shorting off of the machine. Can you tell me what might be wrong?
We recommend using shield wire for wiring the limit switches.
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I recently wired my CNC machine with limit switches and tested them before mounting to the machine. They were configured and when tested worked great. After mounting them to the machine, they continued to register as triggered. The frame of the CNC machine is made of MDF so I don't think it is shorting off of the machine. Can you tell me what might be wrong?
I am interested in buying the greenBull 5X Long Z CNC Machine Kit, but it is not clear for me what is included in this kit. Is there anything else I need to get the machine work?
The greenBull 4X comes with all of the components and electronics to assemble the gantry of the machine. You will need to build the table. We provide the rails and roller chain for the X-axis (along the length of the table for full 8 feet of travel). You will need to provide some wire to connect the electronics and a computer to run the machine. You will also need to purchase the software that you will need to run the machine that matches how you will apply the machine. We suggest the mach3 control program. The CAM program is up to you as there are many options out there.
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I am interested in buying the greenBull 5X Long Z CNC Machine Kit, but it is not clear for me what is included in this kit. Is there anything else I need to get the machine work?
Email link is not functioning. (continuation of z+ limit question) The Usb cnc controller is now switching what the limits are. IE: X- is showing up as Y+ ect. Is this a bad board? Thank you.
All USB boards, are tested and checked before shipment for all axis, and inputs. Here is a link with clear instructions on how to setup Planet-CNC (http://www.planet-cnc.com/faq/machine_setup/).

Please check continuity for each individual wire and for any crossover disruption when wiring your board, try to wire each as cleanly and with out crossing any live power wires and or motor motion wires.
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Email link is not functioning. (continuation of z+ limit question) The Usb cnc controller is now switching what the limits are. IE: X- is showing up as Y+ ect. Is this a bad board? Thank you.
I am interested in the GreenBull 4x8 CNC machine kit you have; I also wish to get the laser attachment but I was wondering if its possible to have the laser larger than a 40w, say in the 80-150w range?
Currently our greenBull can only accommodate a 40W laser tube due to the size and current mounts on the spindle/laser hybrid assembly!

However please contact 281-815-7701 for further assistance with the greenBull machine.
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I am interested in the GreenBull 4x8 CNC machine kit you have; I also wish to get the laser attachment but I was wondering if its possible to have the laser larger than a 40w, say in the 80-150w range?
Hi I have just set up my machine using a mach 3 USB board I can only get the Z to go in one direction Y and X are Ok I have check wiring and looked at video over and over what have I missed??
Most likely, the driver is not receiving the high or low signal for the direction terminals. The way direction works for an axis is the controller will output a high signal (5V) for one direction and low signal (0V) for the opposite direction. If the signal is always at one signal, say 5V, whether it is commanded in one direction or the other, then the axis will only move in that direction.

To solve this problem, make sure that the wiring is secure at both ends (from the controller to the driver). Also, make sure the Dir+ and DIR- are both wired correctly (i.e. the Dir- is connected to the signal gnd on the controller and the ZD is connected to Dir+ on the driver.

You can use a multimeter to determine the voltage at the ZD terminal by:
- setting the multimeter to DC voltage (the V with a straight line, or dashed line above the V)
- place the black lead on the gnd terminal
- place the red lead on the ZD terminal
- press the page up button and check the voltage
- press the page down button and check the voltage.

You should see the voltage change from 0V to 5V or vice versa.
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Hi I have just set up my machine using a mach 3 USB board I can only get the Z to go in one direction Y and X are Ok I have check wiring and looked at video over and over what have I missed??
I used DSP controller for my CNC machine. How can I determine why my CNC machine produce different output as per my requirement. example, i make a design size 10mm x30mm in my design software, now, why is it that my cnc output is15mm x 65 mm?
The DSP controller uses its own pulses per unit (in your case, it's pulses per mm). That number is he same as steps per mm (or steps per inch if you are using that unit). Make sure that the pulses per mm is configured correctly for the machine mechanical components and the mircistep setting on the driver for each axis.

Additional Information:
You will need to make sure the DSP's parameters match the specifications for motor tuning.
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I used DSP controller for my CNC machine. How can I determine why my CNC machine produce different output as per my requirement. example, i make a design size 10mm x30mm in my design software, now, why is it that my cnc output is15mm x 65 mm?
[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!
BlackToe g-code or rather the DXF-file(s), but I can't find that option on the site anymore. Also, is it possible to convert all measurements to mm instead of inches? (Since I live in Sweden). Thank you!
The files and hardware option for our machines has been removed from the site due to the following reasons:
Difficulty for the end use of the files and the challenges (and time/money) on our side to assist in using these files.
The abuse of these files over the internet.
Ultimately may reduce the sales of machines keeping us in business.
Sadly, this is what has come out of our company attempting to be open; however, the machines sold on this site is still far lower in price than the competition for the quality that we provide as we have a great desire to engender the cottage industry to fulfill their need for low end manufacturing. My sincere apologies if this causes any inconvenience.

Additional Information:
NO, is not possible, I can help with the shipping cost

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BlackToe g-code or rather the DXF-file(s), but I can't find that option on the site anymore. Also, is it possible to convert all measurements to mm instead of inches? (Since I live in Sweden). Thank you!
hello, is it possible to send all components of a 4Axis CNC in size of ( about 2' x 5' ) to Iran country without table and all required manuals and measurements to create and assemble cnc machine and table plus required software? i need total price for this request if it's possible for transfer.
Yes, you can purchase the blackToe 2'x4' CNC machine kit without the optional table.
https://buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-blacktoe-v4-2x4

The 4th axis product can be found here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/axes-4th

We recommend Mach3 or LinuxCNC to control the machine:
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/control-SOFTWARE-mach3
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/control-SOFTWARE-linuxcnc

When you go to the cart to check out, the shipping prices will be displayed when you click on the calculate shipping button.

The instructions to assemble the machine is on the product pages of the machine and parts you purchase. See above links.
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hello, is it possible to send all components of a 4Axis CNC in size of ( about 2' x 5' ) to Iran country without table and all required manuals and measurements to create and assemble cnc machine and table plus required software? i need total price for this request if it's possible for transfer.
[575] Do I have to use the motion driver and configuration file to use this card? The x,y,a shows that it's moving on display, but the motors aren't moving.
Yes, the RNRMotion.dll file must be used and put in the plugins folder under the Mach3 folder.

The XML file that I link on the Mach3 USB controller page is the file you should start with. This file will have the necessary configuration that links the Mach3 USB controller to the Mach3 control software. You can then make whatever changes you need to this configuration to tailor it to your machine.

Do you see a quick flashing red led on the board when you press the arrow keys?

Additional Information:
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[575] Do I have to use the motion driver and configuration file to use this card? The x,y,a shows that it's moving on display, but the motors aren't moving.
[575] How can I wire/ configure for a plasma cutter without THC? Plasma cutter has a cnc port, where when you short two of the pins, it activates the cutter. Just looking to see how to make that short when pressing f5 in Mach3.
The THC and the triggering of the plasma are actually two different functions of a controller. To trigger a plasma cutter, you can use one of the outputs of the Mach3 USB controller (out 1, 2, 3, or 4). That output can be connected to a relay that connects to the two wires that will trigger the plasma.

This video will show how this is done:

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[575] How can I wire/ configure for a plasma cutter without THC? Plasma cutter has a cnc port, where when you short two of the pins, it activates the cutter. Just looking to see how to make that short when pressing f5 in Mach3.
Online sending options are very expensive for European customers (~50% of the material cost). Could you tell us the weight and size of the greenLean Vertical CNC Machine Kit, allowing us to find better options ?
We are able to ship internationally but unfortunately we cannot control the shipping costs incurred for international customers. However, if you are associated with educational programs or Makerspaces and/or Fab Labs we do offer certain discounts in some cases. Please send an email to customer service for more information on receiving a quote.
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Online sending options are very expensive for European customers (~50% of the material cost). Could you tell us the weight and size of the greenLean Vertical CNC Machine Kit, allowing us to find better options ?
[575] does the 24VDC input actually need 24 VDC if only using the input for homing switches? Can you use 12 VDC? and would it be damaged with a higher voltage than 24 VDC?
Yes, you can use 12VDC for the MAch3 USB controller at the 24V and DCM terminals. I have not tested using 12VDC in conjunction with the ACM and AVI terminals (PWM output) to control the spindle speed. PWM typically requires a reference voltage (from the VFD) and it's own voltage to produce the PWM signal. I am not sure if 12VDC is sufficient for the PWM. I have tested the inputs with 12VDC and they work fine.
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[575] does the 24VDC input actually need 24 VDC if only using the input for homing switches? Can you use 12 VDC? and would it be damaged with a higher voltage than 24 VDC?
In the Build your own CNC machine book, You said you use 1 1/4" angle on the main table but 1" would be better. So my question is Should I use 1" angle on the main table (4' length) and 1 1/4" angle for the BRA's and other rails?
You can use either 1" x 1" x 1/8", or 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" x 1/8" angle on the table sides. The BRAs should all be 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/8". The Y ans Z axes should use the 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/8" angles.
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In the Build your own CNC machine book, You said you use 1 1/4" angle on the main table but 1" would be better. So my question is Should I use 1" angle on the main table (4' length) and 1 1/4" angle for the BRA's and other rails?
I want to build a similar CNC to the Blacktoe 2'x6' design that Matt Gottscualk built. Is it possible to also outfit a small knife tip/setup for very precise cuts in vinyl/plastic?
Yes, the knife you are referring to is called a tangential knife and is available here https://buildyourcnc.com/Item/endmill-Tangential-cutting-Dragknives-Donektools-D2

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I want to build a similar CNC to the Blacktoe 2'x6' design that Matt Gottscualk built. Is it possible to also outfit a small knife tip/setup for very precise cuts in vinyl/plastic?