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.

Additional Information:
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?

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

Additional Information:
Hi, how is this setup in mach4?

Click the link to add information to this solution:
MACH3 CONTROL SPINDLE

U - Pin1
V - Pin2
W - Pin3
Pin4 Dead

Additional Information:
My home made cnc is a big problem with my NC connection. When in start my spindle it will be gone wrong. It will be limith switch problem anytime. Need help thanks.

Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
SPINDLE

The spindle is quieter and has more consistent torque (It doesn't get "bogged down" when it starts cutting into material). It can be used with collets of varying sizes (not restricted to imperial sizes). It is water cooled and so it does not blow air downward to cool the spindle like the router does. The spindle is also machined with much higher precision than typical routers and will have a much longer life.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
WHY SHOULD I BUY THE SPINDLE?

The greenlean requires 56 feet of 1/4 Inside Diameter and 3/8 Outside Diameter silicon tube for the spindle.

Additional Information:
20

Additional Information:
20

Click the link to add information to this solution:
GREENLEAN SILICON TUBE FOR SPINDLE

The Black foot requires 38 feet of 1/4 Inside Diameter and 3/8 Outside Diameter silicon tube for the spindle.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
BLACKFOOT SILICON TUBE FOR SPINDLE

U - Pin1
V - Pin2
W - Pin3
Pin4 Dead

Additional Information:
My home made cnc is a big problem with my NC connection. When in start my spindle it will be gone wrong. It will be limith switch problem anytime. Need help thanks.

Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
HOW TO CONNECT THE SPINDLE INVERTER?

U - Pin1
V - Pin2
W - Pin3
Pin4 Dead

Additional Information:
My home made cnc is a big problem with my NC connection. When in start my spindle it will be gone wrong. It will be limith switch problem anytime. Need help thanks.

Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
HOW DO YOU HOOK UP THE VFD TO SPINDLE?

Change PD001 Source of Run Commands to '1'
Change PD005 Max operating frequency to 400hz
Change PD004 base frequency to 400hz
Change PD003 Main frequency to 400hz
Change PD006 Intermediate frequency to 2.5
Change PD008 max voltage to 220v
Change PD009 Intermediate voltage to 15v
Change PD010 Min voltage to 8
Change PD011 frequency lower limit to >100hz (120hz to start)
Change PD142 7 Amps
Change PD143 2
Change PD144 3000

Note: PD001 had to be changed back to 0 to allow for keypad control.
Note2: I had to reverse U and V to get the spindle to go forward in FWD. (reverse any two wires, u&v or w&v for example)

Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
HOW DO YOU SETUP THE SPINDLE INVERTER?

Change PD001 Source of Run Commands to '1'
Change PD005 Max operating frequency to 400hz
Change PD004 base frequency to 400hz
Change PD003 Main frequency to 400hz
Change PD006 Intermediate frequency to 2.5
Change PD008 max voltage to 220v
Change PD009 Intermediate voltage to 15v
Change PD010 Min voltage to 8
Change PD011 frequency lower limit to >100hz (120hz to start)
Change PD142 7 Amps
Change PD143 2
Change PD144 3000

Note: PD001 had to be changed back to 0 to allow for keypad control.
Note2: I had to reverse U and V to get the spindle to go forward in FWD. (reverse any two wires, u&v or w&v for example)

Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
HOW DO YOU SETUP THE SPINDLE INVERTER VFD?

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.

Additional Information:
HOW TO CONTROL MY 2.2 KW SPINDLE VIA MACH3 usb

Additional Information:


Additional Information:


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

Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
HOW TO CONTROL MY 2.2 KW SPINDLE VIA MACH3

U - Pin1
V - Pin2
W - Pin3
Pin4 Dead

Additional Information:
My home made cnc is a big problem with my NC connection. When in start my spindle it will be gone wrong. It will be limith switch problem anytime. Need help thanks.

Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
HOW DO YOU HOOK UP THE SPINDLE TO INVERTER?

The total length of the brush strip for a 2.2kW spindle would be 17 1/4" inches.

Additional Information:
20

Click the link to add information to this solution:
LENGTH OF THE BRUSH STRIP FOR SPINDLE 2.2KW

The spindle inverter (VFD) will run on a 220V (or between 170V-250V) power source with either 50Hz or 60Hz.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
DOES THE SPINDLE RUN ON A 50HZ POWER SOURCE?

The collet in the 1.5 kW spindle is an ER-11 and cannot reach the 1/2" size. I would consider the 2.2 kW spindle instead.

Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
WHAT SIZE COLLET IS IN YOUR 1.5 KILOWATT SPINDLE?

To loosen and tighten the collet nut for the 2.2kW spindle, I use a 22mm wrench (spanner) for the shaft and a 30mm wrench for the nut.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
WHAT SIZE WRENCHES DOES THIS SPINDLE TAKE TO TIGHTEN?

U - Pin1
V - Pin2
W - Pin3
Pin4 Dead

Additional Information:
My home made cnc is a big problem with my NC connection. When in start my spindle it will be gone wrong. It will be limith switch problem anytime. Need help thanks.

Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
WHAT ARE THE OUTPUT INVERTER (VFD) CONNECTIONS TO SPINDLE?

The type of wire that should be used between the spindle and the VFD (Variable Frequency Driver also called the inverter) should be of stranded type and we use between 18 and 16 AWG.

The total current is divided among the three coil wires, therefor a wire gauge of 16 should be sufficient.

Currently we use 20AWG 4 conductor.

Additional Information:


Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
WHAT ELECTRICAL CABLE DO I USE TO CONNECT VFD INVERTER SPINDLE?

The greenlean requires 56 feet of 1/4 Inside Diameter and 3/8 Outside Diameter silicon tube for the spindle.

Additional Information:
20

Additional Information:
20

Click the link to add information to this solution:
HOW MUCH SILICONE TUBE DO I NEED FOR A GREEN LEAN TO CONNECT THE SPINDLE

Input to VFD:
240V Active - R
240V Neutral - S
Ground - E

Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
WHAT ARE THE SPINDLE INVERTERS (VFD) INPUT AC CONNECTIONS FROM WALL OUTLET?