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.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
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 absolutely communicate with the Pokeys57CNC controller. The developer's website has various ways of control, including their poblock software, or directly programming using C#, or C++. I have tested the C# method for a job I did for Lockheed Martin and worked really well.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
[596] Hi there! Thank you for your great works. I was wondering if there is a way to communicate with this board using custom-developed software instead of Mach3 or Mach4.

Dealing with our USB BoB, the potentiometer that will be used in the key jog, is a 5V, 5k - 10k Ohm potentiometer.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I am building a cnc mill using your USB controller and i would like to know what is the specification of potentiometer used for adjusting manual axis jog speed

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.

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

The diagram for wiring the USB interface board is located here: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout#prettyPhoto/2/

Under the board illustration, there are three smaller diagrams of limit switch wiring. On each, there are two connections, the GND and the pin which are labeled at the ends of the circuit on the diagrams. The pin side would go to the axis label ++ or -- terminal (i.e. X++, or X--). The other end, labeled GND would connect to any ground terminal on the board.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I am using 5 limit switches on my 3 axis machine. I am using the usb controller for planet cnc. I would like to know where all the wires related to the limit switches get connected? A diagram would be helpful.

I would suggest using the NPN proximity sensor for the Mach3 USB or the Pokeys57cnc. The proximity sensors have a top DC voltage limit of 30 volts, so it would be best to use the 24V power supply that is used to power the controller. Both controllers have a 24V power requirement, so that is convenient.

The blue wire of the proximity sensor is the GND wire and is connected to the 24V power supply's V- terminal. The brown wire is the positive wire and is connected to the V+ terminal of the 24V power supply. The black wire is the signal wire and is connected to the input terminal of the controller.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
Good evening, if I wanted to use your inductive proximity sensor's with your USB interface board what would I need besides the sensors I would be using 5 of the sensors. I have a 48V 12amp power supply. Thank you

I would suggest using the NPN proximity sensor for the Mach3 USB or the Pokeys57cnc. The proximity sensors have a top DC voltage limit of 30 volts, so it would be best to use the 24V power supply that is used to power the controller. Both controllers have a 24V power requirement, so that is convenient.

The blue wire of the proximity sensor is the GND wire and is connected to the 24V power supply's V- terminal. The brown wire is the positive wire and is connected to the V+ terminal of the 24V power supply. The black wire is the signal wire and is connected to the input terminal of the controller.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
if I wanted to use your inductive proximity sensor's with your USB interface board what would I need besides the sensors I would be using 5 of the sensors.

All of our controller will allow two steppers on any of the axes. Multiple stepper motors and drivers on a single axis is more a function of the way the stepper motor drives are connected to the output pins of the controller. To connect two stepper drivers to a single axis, you need to connect the output pins (dir and step) to each of the two stepper motor drivers.

Consider the controller on cost, features and how they are connected to the computer.

Out lowest cost controllers are:

Mach3 USB board - Has good features and uses the USB from the computer as the main connection
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

Parallel Breakout - The computer generates the main signals and this board conditions the signals for the drivers. Although it requires the parallel port from older computer, the board has the most broad compatibility with control software out there including Mach3 and LinuxCNC.
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay

Highest cost but most feature rich:

Pokey57CNC - works with both Mach3 and Mach4
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I am looking for a controller for a 3 axis dual Y stepper cnc machine. If at all possible I would like a list of the parts that will be needed. I prefer to go with an ethernet setup vs a parallel port.

Yes, we can make a redLeaf system that has all 6A drivers for use with the 651 oz-in motors. We can also wire the electronics in a way that two of the drivers will use the pins of the same axis so that axis will drive two drivers and motors.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I am building a machine that requires 2 steppers to drive the Y axis, can you make me a redleaf system using the 651oz steppers that will work for me?

Yes, you can use a laptop if you have a controller that uses a USB, like the Mach3 USB card. If you don't have that, you can purchase that part here:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

If you have a controller board that connects to a 25 pin connector, modern laptops will not be able to connect to that port.

How old is your CNC computer system?

Additional Information:
The CNC computer system is 2013 (5 years). The built in video card went out. I will order the Mach3 USB card. Thank you.

Additional Information:
You're welcome

Click the link to add information to this solution:
The motherboard on the computer I bought from you went out. What would you suggest. I have a laptop, could I use it and use a Mach3 USB interface board?

You can find the datasheets to our motors be going to the the stepping motor category page https://www.buildyourcnc.com/category/nema and selecting the motor. This will bring you to the product page for the motor and all of the motor information will be found there.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I would like to design my own CNC router around one of your electronics bundles, either the 3 Axis - Heavy Gantry or 3 Axis - All Large Motors. Do you have the data sheets for the motors so that I can use the dimensions in my model?

Sure, the USB interface has a place for 4 axes of limit switches.

Each axis can have two limit switches: one for the ++ (positive) end and one for the -- (negative) end. The positive end would be the limit switch at the end of the machine that, say the machine has a 4'x8' area, reaches a bit after the 8 foot mark. The negative end would be the limit switch behind the 0 foot location behind the origin. If the origin is in the middle, the negative would be at a little more than the -4 foot end and the positive would be at a bit more than the +4 foot end. Note that you can have more than one switch on each pin where the NC is connected in serial fashion and the NO is connected in parallel fashion (this can be seen on the diagram in the multiple limits switch section). The software configurations for the limits switches are under File -> Settings -> Limit.

A typical limit switch has three connections on it. These connections consist of COM (common), NC (normally closed) and NO (normally open). The COM would generally go to GND and the NC or the NO would go to the pin. If the NC is used, then the the switch is constantly connected until the switch is pushed (engaged) then the connection from the pin to gnd is broken (open). Use the settings in software to set whether in NC or NO configuration.

Let me know if this information was helpful (or not) by adding information to this question. Thanks.

User response:
Thank you very much for this helpful information. I'm still a little fuzzy on how the 6 limit switches physically connect to each other and to the USB breakout board. You've stated one switch (home) goes to positive and another switch (limit) goes to negative. Are all the GND prongs from all 6 switches connected to each other and going to GND on the breakout board, or no? And the NC prongs, how exactly are they connected to each other? And to the board? There has to be a diagram somewhere shows this visually, no? I don't know how to wire the switches in series or in parallel. I have already physically installed all the switches on the machine and ran the wires to where the board is. Now I just need to know where to plug these wires into the board. Also, taking into consideration that I'm using the Planet CNC software, the only settings I have pertaining to limit switches is "Enable/Disable" for each axis, and the actual limit for each axis. Nothing about NC or NO. Is that only in Mach3?
Thank you.

buildyourcnc response:
On the USB interface, the COM on the switch connects to GND and the NC or NO connects to the input pin (i.e. x++, y--, etc.)

Limit switch configuration is rather difficult to understand, especially with series and parallel. You can think of series as a single wire going from GND to the axis letter input terminal (i.e. X++ or X--). If the wire is broken, then the circuit is open (or the switch is engaged in a normally closed scenario). Normally closed is like an actual wire, and when engaged, the switch "opens" (breaks the wire). This is why we recommend in some systems that you can put many switches in series on a single pin. When one of the switches is engaged (breaking the connection) then the entire circuit of switches is broken and the machine stops.

In a parallel scenario, the state of the circuit is always broken until the one of the switches is engaged and the circuit is then closed or connected. The topology looks like a ladder. All the switches connect to both sides of the ladder and the switches are like the runs of the ladder (the horizontal bars that the feet are placed while climbing). Imagine all of the switches broken in this scenario (normally open). It would be like the ladder could be split in two, but if one of the ladder runs (switches) is closed by engaging it, then that run would connect both sides of the ladder and the two sides of the ladder would have a connection.

There is a diagram on the USB page of the various limit switch configurations. If you need more information (visual and/or otherwise), please let us know and we will immediately add that information to benefit everyone.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I purchased limit switches from you mounted them on my machine and wire them to the breakout for using pin 12 and the ground on the breakout board, after a few minutes I got a message about a limit switch trip. Am I supposed to use the extra outport on the board instead of the ground?

Sure, not a problem at all. You will need to call our office and provide your information so that we can change the correct order.

Our phone number can be seen by hovering over the "Need Help?" at the top right of each page.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
hi, would like to make a change on my order, i purchase this part 2.2kW Spindle with 220V Inverter $528.00, and would like to make it for 110 volts instead of 220v. please

When you plug the USB controller into the computer using a USB cable, and the planet-cnc software is running, you will be presented with a dialog box that will contain a text box for the key that you received from the planet-cnc folks.

Additional Information:


Additional Information:
Is there any other software that will work with your controller Mach3? Thanks for the help!

Click the link to add information to this solution:
However it how do I get the software to work? PlanetCNC sent me a key that looks like it will only work with a backup control board I purchased from them?

We currently do not sell any plan's for any of our machines, only for our scratch and build kit.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
Would you sell a kit that has all of the hardware and electronics with CNC plans for the table and gantry? Some of have access to a CNC temporarily (TechShop) but want one of our own.

This will depend on the VFD you have to identify the correct terminal. The terminal on the VFD will be labeled AI1 typically (Analog Input #1). You will also need to make sure to complete the PWM circuit using the GND terminal on the VFD.

Additional Information:
I have wired my 0-10V signal to the AI1 and GND terminals as suggested. I have also set the PD-01 and PD-02 settings to 1. Still nothing. Is there something else that I am missing?

Additional Information:
Thanks for the information. Can you let me know the model of the VFD that you have?

Additional Information:
VFD Model # YL600-2S-2K20

Additional Information:
Thanks. I will check our resources and documentation to see if there is another programming setting that needs to be changed.

Additional Information:
Does your VFD have a VI terminal?

Additional Information:
No, it does not. The terminals for this VFD are as follows (seperated by dashes "-").

10V-AI1-AO2-PLC-DI5-DI3-DI1-COM
AI2-GND-AO1-DI6-DI4-DI2-FM-24V

Additional Information:
Do you have a PD070 parameter?

PD070 is the main Analog Input parameter.

The options for that parameter is:
0: 0-10V
1: 0-5V
2: 0-20mA
3: 4-20mA
4: 0-10V (4-20mA Stacked)
5: XIA
6: (VI+XIA)/2
7: (3VA+XIA)/4
8: (XIA_XIB)/2
9: Max (XIA, XIB)
10: Min (XIA, XIB)


Additional Information:
There is a PD-00 thru PD-09. PD-07 is currently set to 0.

Additional Information:
It appears that the manual I’m using “Titled YL600” is not the same as your unit. I will check our manuals and find the one that has only PD-00 to PD-09.

Additional Information:
For that VFD, the parameters are P0. The 0 may look like a D on the display.

The parameters that need to be changed for the AI1 to work (Brackets [] around the correct selection):

P0-01: First Motor Control Mode
- 0: Sensorless Vector Control
- 1: Flux Vector Control (FVC)
- [2]: V/F Control

P0-02: Options of Command Source
- 0: Operation Panel Command Channel (LED will be off)
- [1]: Terminal Command Channel (LED will be on)
- 2: Communication Command Channel (LED will flicker)

P0-03: Options of Principle Frequency Source X
- 0: Digital Setting (Preset Frequency P0-08, UP/DOWN modifiable, no power-down memory)
- 1: Digital Setting (Preset Frequency P0-08, UP/DOWN modifiable, with power-down memory)
- [2]: AI1
- 3: AI2
- 4: AI3
- 5: Pulse Setting (DI5)
- 6: Multi Speed Instruction
- 7: Simple PLC
- 8: PID (Proportional Integral Derivative Control)
- 9: Communication Given

P0-11: Upper Limit Frequency Source
- 0: P0-12 (Make sure the P0-12 parameter has the correct max frequency if used)
- [1]: AI1
- 2: AI2
- 3: AI3
- 4: Pulse Setting
- 5: Communication Given

P0-27: Command Source Bundle with Frequency Sources
Single Digit: Options of Operation Panel Command Bundle with Frequency Sources
- 0: No Bundling
- 1: Digital Setting Frequency
- [2]: AI1
- 3: AI2
- 4: AI3
- 5: Pulse Setting (DI5)
- 6: Multi Speed Instruction
- 7: Simple PLC
- 8: PID
- 9: Communication Given
Double Digit: Options of Terminal Command Bundle with Frequency Sources
Hundred Place: Options of Communication Command Bundle with Frequency Sources
Kilobit: Options of Automatic Operation Bundle with Frequency Sources

P2-09: Upper Limit Source of Lower Torque Under Speed Control Mode
- 0: Function Code P2-10 Setting
- [1]: AI1
- 2: AI2
- 3: AI3
- 4: Pulse Setting
- 5: Communication Given
- 6: MIN (Al1, Al2)
- 7: MAX (Al1, Al2)
- Maximum range for options 1-7, accords with P2-10

If you elect to use a different AI#, then configure the parameters (P0-03, P0-11, P0-27 and P2-09) accordingly.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I'VE BUFFERED A PWM SIGNAL TO 0-10V ANALOG AND I WOULD LIKE USE THAT RUN YOUR 110V 2.2KW SPINDLE VFD. COULD YOU PLEASE DETAIL THE CORRECT WIRING VFD SETTINGS GET WORKING?

Currently our USB breakout board is only compatible with Planet-CNC software as it has to be registered with Planet-CNC.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
Hi, I have watched your vids on YouTube and I am interested in purchasing one of your USB Break-Out Boards. I currently own and use FlashCut CNC software, which is USB based, on all of my machines. I'm wondering if you could tell if the Flashcut software will talk with the USB Break-Out Board? Thank You

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

Click the link to add information to this solution:
LIMIT SWITCHES FOR AXIS. THE PRINT SHOWS THAT YOU CAN WIRE LIMITS EITHER N.O. OR N.C. SO IF THIS IS CORRECT I WOULD NEED TO TELL BOARD IN SOFTWARE HOW LOOK AT THESE LIMITS, I'M GOING GET AN INPUT LOOSE DEPEND ON IT.

We have the image at that size to encourage the purchase of the kit from us. This helps to keep buildyourcnc alive and allows us to fund development of other awesome low cost machines.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
could you make available a larger size picture of the exploded view of the BlackTooth laser cutter? I would like to use for reference when building my laser cutter, but it is too small to be really useful.