It seems to be getting some kind of interference or a short within the wiring or communication, try jogging the motors in the software without anything wired to the board. Then add one motor at a time to see if there is a short within your wiring or a faulty driver/motor.
If the USB breakout board continues to move the x-axis with no motors or driver wired to it, please email customerservice@buildyourcnc.com for a replacement or further troubleshooting.

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I AM USING USB BREAKOUT BOARD WITH PLANET-CNC SOFTWARE. WHEN ENABLE JOGGING KEYBOARD X AXIS STARTS TO MOVE BY ITSELF (WHETHER CONNECTED OF NOT). PRESS STOP - IT STOPS FOR A MOMENT AND THEN AGAIN. WHAT COULD THAT BE? TRIED REINSTALL SOFTWARE DID NOT HELP.

What controller are you using to control the cnc machine (Mach3 usb, parallel breakout board, etc.)?

The spindle VFD has an input for 0-10 volts to control the speed and can be used with the MAch3 USB or the Pokeys57CNC board. There are also other terminals in the VFD to control the forwared/reverse and start and stop. Mach3 has parameters to control these output and you need to specify which pins are used for these.

You can also use the TX/RX RS-485 connection on the VFD to have total control using an FTDI USB to serial connector board to connect the computer directly to the VFD.

How to connect the USB to Serial adapter to the VFD:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/FAQ/13790

FTDI USB to Serial:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/Interfaces-newbiehack-Interfaces-TTL232R-USB-UART-Serial

Pokeys57CNC board:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Mach3 USB board:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

Parallel Breakout board:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay



Additional Information:
I do apologize for leaving out the parts list.
Leadshine MX4660 4-Axis Digital Stepper Motor Driver
Ethernet SmoothStepper
YL600-2S-2K20 VFD
4 Relay control board
Has anyone had any success getting Mach3 to control the spindle speed and direction?

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I have the 2.2KW VFD. I would like to have it controlled through software. What are the Mode parameters that need to be changed that will allow FWD/ REV, START/STOP and RPM control?

Cooling is not as tricky as you might think. There is 3 ways to approach this, only 2 really matter for a low scale 40w setup. First one is the cheapest and easiest. The higher the temp of water the worse your performance will be, from what I understand anything in the 30C range is about the most tolerable it gets. Lower is better. But not frozen...from what I've been told a very experienced cutter, he found 8C was the highest power he achieved.

1. Use a 5 Gallon resovoir system which gives you a fairly large space of water to heat up before you need to tend to it. Add about a cup of anti-freeze to the mix of DISTILLED water. You don't want ANY minerals in the water that might build up in your system. The anti-freeze works to keep algae and other ickies from growing in your water.

2. Use a smaller resovoir system (or even closed loop) and install 1 or more radiators found in CPU cooling systems with 120mm fans attached. This will continously cool your water system to ambient room temperatures, but with a tiny resovoir it will be difficult to add things like ice-packs to drop the temps if the ambient is quite hot.

3. Using an industrial coolant system. Overkill and unless your cutting A LOT, this is a very expensive option to take. You can also explore the idea of Peltier cooling but it is extremely expensive electricity/BTU wise compared to an industrial cooler.

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BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING ABOUT COOLING THE LASER OFF - IS YOUR SETUP LIKE MOST OTHERS NEED BUCKET OF DISTILLED WATER TO PUMP THROUGH MACHINE?

Yes, that is highly recommended for all the reasons you can imagine. Say you were doing engraving, not surfacing the spoilboard will either exhibit some areas that have no engraving at all, or areas that have engraving that is too deep. If you are cutting completely through the material, then one end may be cut all the way through but the other end will not have a complete cut, or produce onion skinning on the bottom of the workpiece.

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DO NEED TO GET THE BIG PLANING BIT OR SURFACING AND GO OVER SPOIL BOARD MAKE SURE THAT IT IS PERFECTLY LEVEL IN RELATION ROUTER?

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

Additional Information:

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IT POSSIBLE TO BUY THE CAD FILES FOR BLACK FOOT MACHINE, MECHANICAL PARTS AND ELECTRONICS BUT NOT WOODEN PARTS, SAVE SHIPPING COSTS? IN THAT CASE I WOULD INSTRUCT SOMEONE MILL ME.

The term cGy (centigray) is a unit of absorbed dose of ionizing radiation such as x rays or gamma rays. Cell phones do not emit ionizing radiation. They emit nonionizing radiation, namely radiofrequency (RF) energy. Absorption of nonionizing radiation in the body is measured in terms of the specific absorption rate (SAR) in units of watts per kilogram. Both ionizing and nonionizing radiation are forms of electromagnetic energy. The difference is that ionizing radiation has sufficient energy per photon to cause ionization of molecules. Nonionizing radiation does not. It is the ionizing effect of ionizing radiation that has been linked to increased risk of cancer. For more information on cell phones and health check out a Medical College of Wisconsin website. For more information on ionizing versus nonionizing radiation check out a University of Michigan website. Gary Zeman, ScD, CHP Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

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MY QUESTION THAT KNOW CANCER CAN BE CAUSED WHEN OUR BODY EXPOSED TO DOSES OF 50 CGY OR HIGHER. WHAT DOES STAND FOR? DO EMIT?

These machines are inherently dangerous. Before the machine moves, the machine should be clear of any person by a dimension of at the distance of a persons reach plus a few more feet. This is the policies we institute in our shop and what is recommend to all of our customers. Treat these machines as you would treat any major power tool in the shop.

With that said, you can certainly add some protective parts, but still keep folks away even with those installed. I would use the gantry side to do all of the mounting of the protective parts. Consider using sheet metal that you can bend and make a simple installation right on the gantry side.

Additional Information:

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THE CNC MACHINE IS UNSAFE WITH EXPOSED SPROCKETS THAT CAN DAMAGE FINGERS AND HAVE CLOTHING CAUGHT IN IT.

The blackTooth Laser cutter and Engraver can be built in a weekend. Take a look at the build instructions and try to determine if you feel you have sufficient capability to put together the laser system.

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HOW COMPLEX IS YOUR KIT TO ASSEMBLE, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - HARD IT SETUP CONTROL THE LASER WITH MACH3?

When the z axis is going down, the laser turns on. When the z axis is going up, it turns off. The z axis directions is only a signal that is either 5v or 0v. That determines the direction. In vectric, you will need to set your machining operations with a very very small depth so the time it takes to get to its final depth is a very short time.

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AM NOT SURE HOW TO SET THE Z AXIS TURN ON/OFF LASER WHEN CREATE CODE. KNOW THAT ITS TYPICALLY Z-AXIS MOVEMENT DOES THIS - BUT YOU DONT SHOW ANYTHING HOOKED UP IN PLACE OF AXIS.

Your question caused me to make a quick video to understand how the pokeys57CNC controller works with a THC.

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[596] Would you help with the Hook up and the Configuration and whether it is in the Plugin or mach 4 control configuration that needs to be set. I decided to use the ultra fast encoders connector pin #8, 12 and 13 for Arc ok, UP and Down. Please advise what setting to set to make it all work. Thank you very much for your help!

I have not come across this problem, but there may be USB, or firmware issues that you are experiencing. I would recommend going on the polabs website and using their support center (https://support.poscope.com/)and posing that question to them. Also, have you tried the ethernet port as an alternative to see if that helps?

Here is the response from an LLM:

Check USB Cable and Port: Start with the basics. Sometimes this error is due to a poor USB connection. Ensure you're using a high-quality, shielded USB cable and that it's plugged into a USB port directly on your computer, not through a hub. If possible, try a different USB port or a different cable to rule out any issues there.

Update Firmware and Software: Ensure that both your PoKeys57CNC firmware and the Mach4 software are up to date. Firmware updates for your PoKeys board might include optimizations or fixes that address connectivity issues.

USB Polling Rate: This error can also arise from the USB polling rate setting in the PoKeys configuration software. It might be set too high for your system's ability to handle it. Try lowering the polling rate and see if that resolves the error.

Computer Performance: Check your computer’s performance. If it’s running several heavy applications simultaneously, it might not be able to process signals from the PoKeys board fast enough. Try closing unnecessary applications or consider using a dedicated machine if your current setup is too taxed.

Mach 4 and PoKeys Plugin Configuration: Dive into the Mach 4 plugin configuration for PoKeys. Ensure that all settings are correctly configured as per the manual. Incorrect settings might lead to communication bottlenecks.

Connection Quality and Interference: Consider any potential interference sources near your CNC setup or computer. Electromagnetic interference from large motors, other electronics, or long cable runs can affect communication quality. Try rearranging your setup to minimize interference.

Consult Documentation and Support: If the issue persists, consult the detailed documentation provided by PoKeys or reach out to their customer support. They can offer more specific advice based on the latest product updates or known issues.

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I HAVE FOLLOWED YOUR YOUTUBE VIDEO ON SETTING UP THE POKEYS 57CNC BOARD BUT WHEN OPEN MACH 4 GET A ERROR MESSAGE CONNECTION IS TO SLOW

I don't see anything in the datasheet for the relay that indicates an overheat condition. While the relay is engaged, the power consumption is 400 mW and I don't believe this is enough to raise the temperature faster than the heat dissipation from the metal on the leads through convection or radiation outside of the rated temperature working ranges providing that you maintain an ambient temperature range within -40°C to 85°C (with no icing or condensation).

http://www.omron.com/ecb/products/pdf/en-g2rl.pdf

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IS IT OK TO LEAVE THE VACUUM PRESSURE CONTROLLER PLUGGED IN ALL TIME WHEN PUMP SWITCHED OFF?

It is never too early to begin planning for the coming fall's influenza vaccination program. The most important thing you can do initially is to place your order for vaccine from your usual source. Some manufacturers often stop taking pre-orders in mid-May. Be sure to include vaccine for pediatric patients needing two doses and also for your facility's healthcare workers as part of your overall campaign.

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WE ARE ALWAYS CONCERNED THAT THERE WON'T BE ENOUGH VACCINE TO VACCINATE OUR PATIENTS IN THE FALL. WHAT CAN DO ASSURED WE'VE DONE ALL POSSIBLY AVOID THIS TYPE OF SITUATION?

Try slowing your feedrate down and increasing spindle RPMs. End-mills will leave a poor finish if you go too fast. Make sure your cutting depth isn't too much. Maybe the endmill or cutter is blunt? Could it be the feed direction of the cutter? Some materials need to be fed in a certain direction.

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MOTOR GOING TWO DIRECTION WHEN JUST PUSH UP. IT WILL GO DOWN AND THEN GOES AGAIN UP WITH THE SAME BUTTON.

Yes, you can use lubrication, like 3-in-1 oil to make it a bit easier. You will need to run it up and down to break it in.

Additional Information:

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THE LEAD SCREW IS VERY HARD TO TURN. BACKLASH BUSHING SEEMS BE TOO TIGHT AND BINDING ON SCREW. DO IT NEED LUBRICATION OR DID DAMAGE NUT WHEN INSERTING SCREW?

BYCNC response:

Milling aluminum is no problem with our machines.

Here is a video we recently did with our 4'x8' machine. The aluminum piece is about 1/4" thick: https://buildyourcnc.com/tutorials/tutorial-greenbull-aluminum-cutting

The accuracy you will see from our our 2.2kW spindle is entirely dependent on the precision of your build, so it's not possible to say what level of accuracy you can achieve without an examination of the complete system. However, our spindles have a runout of less than .0001 in, which includes the collets that we sell. If you use a collet from another manufacturer, we cannot guarantee this TIR (Total Indicated Runout) dimension.

For the dimension drawing of the anti-backlash nut, please contact us directly by phone or email to techsupport@buildyourcnc.com

User response:
I have emailed waiting for your reply.

User response:
Hi, I am still waiting for your email reply.

BYCNC response:
Your email has been sent.

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HI, I HAVE INTENTION OF PURCHASING YOUR 1/2 INCH PRECISION LEAD SCREW SET TO BUILD MY CNC MACHINE, COULD THE SCHEMATIC DIMENSION ANTI-BACKLASH NUT, BEARING FOR AND SHIM? ALSO IS 2.2KW SPINDLE ABLE MILL ALUMINUM WHAT ACCURACY?

BYCNC response:

Milling aluminum is no problem with our machines.

Here is a video we recently did with our 4'x8' machine. The aluminum piece is about 1/4" thick: https://buildyourcnc.com/tutorials/tutorial-greenbull-aluminum-cutting

The accuracy you will see from our our 2.2kW spindle is entirely dependent on the precision of your build, so it's not possible to say what level of accuracy you can achieve without an examination of the complete system. However, our spindles have a runout of less than .0001 in, which includes the collets that we sell. If you use a collet from another manufacturer, we cannot guarantee this TIR (Total Indicated Runout) dimension.

For the dimension drawing of the anti-backlash nut, please contact us directly by phone or email to techsupport@buildyourcnc.com

User response:
I have emailed waiting for your reply.

User response:
Hi, I am still waiting for your email reply.

BYCNC response:
Your email has been sent.

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HI, I HAVE INTENTION OF PURCHASING YOUR 1/2 INCH PRECISION LEAD SCREW SET TO BUILD MY CNC MACHINE, COULD THE SCHEMATIC DIMENSION ANTI-BACKLASH NUT, BEARING FOR AND SHIM? ALSO IS 2.2KW SPINDLE ABLE MILL ALUMINUM WHAT ACCURACY?

BYCNC Response:
The book build was intended to be 20 inches x 40 inches. Larger machines were designed after the book build was introduced so customers would have the option to go bigger than what the book offered. Check out our larger machines on the website as the machines sizes range from 1 foot x 3 feet all the way up to 6 feet x 12+ feet.

User Response:
I'm not wanting to spend $3,000+ on a machine, I want to build one that will do a 4x8 sheet of wood. Will the plans in the book scale up?

BYCNC Response:
It is possible to scale the book build up, but the rigidity of the gantry would be questionable at that span, even if the height of the gantry structure were to be increased. The gantry design would need to be modified to become a box shape rather than a flat configuration. The kits on the site were design for those wanting a larger machine.

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I BOUGHT YOUR BOOK AND WAS HOPEING IT HAD PLANS OR DIMENTIONS ON HOW TO BUILD A CNC HOLD 4X8 SHEET OF PLY. WILL THE IN SCALE UP?

Portable cell phones emit about 0.6 watts of radiofrequency energy, limited primarily by the power of the battery. As with any radiofrequency transmitter, there will be some amount of absorption in the human body; the amount depends on how close you are to the antenna. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) limits the amount of radiofrequency energy which cell phones can deposit in the body to levels at which no health effects are to be expected. See an article on Cell Phone Safety on this website for more information.

Gary H. Zeman, ScD, CHP

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HOW MUCH RADIATION GIVEN OFF BY A CELL PHONE AND THERE ANY WAY TO STOP THE FROM BEING ABSORBED INTO YOURSELF?