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Question #: 6954

Question: Can I add a fourth axis by just adding another controller?

Current Solution

In generally, you would only need a driver to drive the motor on the 4th axis.

A fourth (4th) axis can be added using a head stock that contains a motor where the motor turns a chuck that holds the object. The motor requires a driver that is controlled by an interface card such as the parallel breakout board, or the usb controller board. Our 4th Axis head stock can be driven by our standard 3.0 amp driver.

The software used to control the 4th axis would need to be able to control 4 axes (X, Y, Z and A). Mach3, LinuzCNC and Planet-CNC are good examples of control software that can control more than 3 axes.

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

  • Hello, Can I hook up a Z axis touch plate to the usb controller?

    To use a touch plate on any controller, all you need is a conductive flat material with a known thickness and some wire and alligator clips. Solder a wire to the touch plate and connect the other end of the wire to the free input terminal of the controller. Connect a wire with an alligator clip to the ground of the controller (on the Mach3 USB controller, this ground is the DCM terminal, or the digital gnd on the 24VDC power supply). Connect the alligator clip to the end mill.

    You can either use a script to serve as the probe, or you can use the ref all home button and setup the touch plate as a home switch.

    Additional Information:
    I connect wire to cmd- and to in2. I cant getbit to work, what arecthe corresponding ports and pins to usenin mach3? Please help.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Hello, Can I hook up a Z axis touch plate to the usb controller?

  • Can I add a relay to the Mach3 USB controller?

    Yes, you can add a relay to the Mach3 USB controller. The relay must be a 24V relay on it's input side and be able to be set to active low. I demonstrate this in a video on the following page:
    https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

    The video is titled: Mach3 USB Controller Outputs

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Can I add a relay to the Mach3 USB controller?

  • Can I run two stepper motors off the same axis output on the USB controller?

    Yes, you can use 2 motors in the same axis output, however you will still need a driver for that motor! Also depending on the orientation on which you mount the motor you might have to invert the direction of the motor, and that will be simple by swapping the A+,A-, to the B+,B- locations and vice versa, from the driver to the motor wiring.

    Also you can run a slave motor using another axis on the board, and setting it up in the Planet-CNC settings.

    Planet-CNC/File/Settings/Axes, here you will enter 3 in the Number of Axes location, and then change the Function of the Axis 4 to Slave 1. There you will have the 4th axis or A-axis be a slave for the x-axis.
    Slave 1 - X-Axis
    Slave 2 - Y-Axis
    Slave 3 - A-Axis
    Slave 4 - B-Axis
    Etc...




    Additional Information:
    Do you act as if it's one motor and it goes to one controller on the motherboard?

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Can I run two stepper motors off the same axis output on the USB controller?

  • Hi I have a Proxxon MF70, I want to add 3axis stepper with controller and software by USB. Can you suggest a kit for me? Thanks.

    To implement a electronics combo to run you Proxxon MF70, you will need to find the correct drive components (ACME screw, linear rail, etc) and look into any specific modifications needed to your rig.
    I would recommend the USB 3 Axis Large Motors Electronics w/ USB Interface Board.
    Since the machine is metal, our larger motors would be highly recommended.

    We have not done this conversion, through research is recommended.

    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Hi I have a Proxxon MF70, I want to add 3axis stepper with controller and software by USB. Can you suggest a kit for me? Thanks.

  • 4 axis kit can I use 2 motors for the gantry with one controller card? or I buy the 3 axis kit instead?

    Yes, you can use the 4 axis kit and use two of the motors on the gantry. You will need to wire the gantry axis motors to the same step and direction signals on the controller interface. For example, if the gantry axis is the X axis, then on the controller step and direction terminals (CP and CW) is wired to both of the stepper motor drivers for the X axis.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    4 axis kit can I use 2 motors for the gantry with one controller card? or I buy the 3 axis kit instead?

  • I just made an order for Vacuum Pump Controller Pressure Sensor Switch. When can I expect the delivery?

    Apologies for the delay in response during the holiday season. Please let us know if this item has not been delivered by calling us at the number at the top right of the website.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I just made an order for Vacuum Pump Controller Pressure Sensor Switch. When can I expect the delivery?

  • I there a tutorial on hooking up a Z axis zero touch plate to the usb controller?

    To use a touch plate on any controller, all you need is a conductive flat material with a known thickness and some wire and alligator clips. Solder a wire to the touch plate and connect the other end of the wire to the free input terminal of the controller. Connect a wire with an alligator clip to the ground of the controller (on the Mach3 USB controller, this ground is the DCM terminal, or the digital gnd on the 24VDC power supply). Connect the alligator clip to the end mill.

    You can either use a script to serve as the probe, or you can use the ref all home button and setup the touch plate as a home switch.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I there a tutorial on hooking up a Z axis zero touch plate to the usb controller?

  • [244] Can I get the circuit diagram of the pressure controller?

    Here is a list of videos on my designing the vacuum controller/sensor circuit:






    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [244] Can I get the circuit diagram of the pressure controller?

  • How can I connect the Pokeys57CNC controller to a DRV8825 / A4988 expansion board?

    The DRV8825 driver IC by TI (Texas Instruments) has two main connections called STEP and DIR. These are the two main connections that you need to use to connect to the Pokeys57CNC controller. You also need to connect the positive digital voltage pin (5V) from the Pokeys57CNC controller's motor connector to both the reset and sleep pins. The GND pin from the Pokeys57CNC motor connector is connected to the GND pin of the DRV8825 driver. The enable pin of the DRV88525 can remain unconnected.

    There is a trimmer potentiometer on the DRV8825 that can increase or decrease the amperage setting for the motor. Depending on the DRV8825 board you purchased, there may be two pads to determine the amp setting while turning the trimmer (in the voltage setting on your multimeter).

    The A1 and A2 is connected to one of the motor's coils and B1 and B2 is connected to the other motor's coil. There is a pin on the DRV8825 called VMOT that you will connect to the power supply (max 45VDC) and the GND pin next to the VMOT is the V- for the same power supply.

    I hope this helps. If not, please add additional information on this thread.

    Additional Information:
    I followed (to the best of my ability) the instructions provided to my original question, but I did not receive successful results. When I followed the instructions and connected the ground pin from the Pokeys57CNC motor connector to the DRV8825 / A4988 expansion board, it stops the communication between the Pokeys57CNC board & the motors 1-3 that I had working previously. The DRV8825 / A4988 expansion board will be the fourth driver I am connecting to the Pokeys57CNC. The previous three drivers are PoStep-60's if that helps understand the issue.

    Prior to hooking up the ground pin (I used pin 10 from the Pokeys57CNC motor connector) to the DRV8825 / A4988 expansion boards ground pin, I was able to see the power being applied via the red LED being illuminated on the DRV8825 board; after this new configuration the light is not turning on.

    With the new recommended setup, I used a heat shrink solder piece to add the shunt for the connection to the sleep pin. The connection to the sleep pin is where I believe my issues are stemming from. I must be connecting it to the incorrect pin (within the 9 pin layout on the DRV8825 / A4988 expansion board). Do you have any reference to the 9 pin pinout on the A4988 expansion board? I double checked the pinout provided on the Texas Instruments page, but it only gives clarity to the pinouts on the DRV8825 board itself. After reviewing their documentation, I tried connecting the 5v (pin 9 from the Pokeys57CNC motor connection that's split to connect with the reset pin on the DRV8825 / A4988) wire directly to the terminal on the DRV8825 board and that didn't work either.

    Any help or clarification you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    How can I connect the Pokeys57CNC controller to a DRV8825 / A4988 expansion board?

  • Can I use Mach3 or 4 with your USB controller PCA?

    The USB controller board is currently only compatible with Planet-CNC software.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Can I use Mach3 or 4 with your USB controller PCA?

  • where can I find wiring instructions for the Mach3 USB controller?

    You can find all of the wiring instructions for the Mach3 USB controller here:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

    Scroll down until you see the videos. The wiring instructions cover wiring all of the axes, setting up the inputs to sense limit switches, setting up the outputs and how to diagnose the outputs, setting up an external relay to control external devices, and setting up spindle speed.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    where can I find wiring instructions for the Mach3 USB controller?

  • hey, where can i see the steps how can i control 3 or 4 step motor? can i use the Axis Electronics Combo? or i need to connect controller?

    Controlling a 3-axis or 4-axis motor configuration, you will need the following items drivers/motors/controller. Our electronics combo comes with the items mentioned and with power supply/miscellaneous items.
    The only other item needed will be a computer (with controller software) to communicate and view controls of your motors.
    Using the Parallel breakout board will use Mach 3 software, and USB will use Planet-CNC software.

    Additional Information:
    You can use this link to see the videos on how to connect the electronics together and make them work: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/tutorials/tutorial-Electronics-USB-Interface-Wiring

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    hey, where can i see the steps how can i control 3 or 4 step motor? can i use the Axis Electronics Combo? or i need to connect controller?

  • I AM USING A XYLOTEX 3 AXIS BOARD AND WANT TO ADD ANOTHER MOTOR SLAVED THE X-AXIS. WILL DRIVE CW230 WORK?

    If the pins from the terminal block on the side of the board are outputs, or at least 2 of them are outputs, then you can connect our modular driver to the board (example: cw230). If they are all inputs, then you would not be able to connect an external driver.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I AM USING A XYLOTEX 3 AXIS BOARD AND WANT TO ADD ANOTHER MOTOR SLAVED THE X-AXIS. WILL DRIVE CW230 WORK?

  • How can I connect an inductive proximity sensor to the Mach3 USB controller?

    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:
    How can I connect an inductive proximity sensor to the Mach3 USB controller?

  • Can your controller run a AMC analog DC servo driver model 12A8E ???????

    To my knowledge, the 12A8E cannot be controlled by our interface boards. We use a pulse train that work with stepper motors (step pulse for rotation and high/low signal for direction).

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Can your controller run a AMC analog DC servo driver model 12A8E ???????

  • Is it possible to add proximity sensors with your USB Controller Board

    Yes, proximity sensors work similarly to limit switches. There are three connections that connect to the signal (input terminal) and two power connections that is connected to the 24V power supply that supplies the Mach3 USB controller. I have only tested NPN proximity switches with that controller in NO (normally open mode).

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Is it possible to add proximity sensors with your USB Controller Board

  • 5 AXIS CONTROLLER ISSUES.

    Please visit this link https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay#prettyPhoto
    and follow the steps described on the bottom of the page.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    5 AXIS CONTROLLER ISSUES.

  • Is there a kit or actual product that can be wired into the Mach3 controller to give me virtual zero

    The mach3 control software will work with all major CAM software (CAMBAM, Aspire and Vectric, BobCAD/CAM, ArtCAM, Dolphin CAM, CAM software that integrate with SolidWorks and AutoDesk Inventor, and many more).

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Is there a kit or actual product that can be wired into the Mach3 controller to give me virtual zero

  • [244] I accidentally put 12vdc to the controller and now the display does not work. Can this be repaired?

    The 12VDC applied to the input voltage terminals most likely damaged the microcontroller, the LCD, and the vacuum sensor. It can be repaired, but the repair will cost more than a new vacuum pressure controller.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [244] I accidentally put 12vdc to the controller and now the display does not work. Can this be repaired?

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