Yes and properly soldered.

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DO YOU SUPPLY THE MALE PORTION OF MOTOR CONTROL CABLES WITH REDLEAF?

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.

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WILL THE USB BREAKOUT BOARD WORK WITH MACH3?

Yes, we have the optional table for the blackToe, but we need to fabricate it, which only takes one day. We generally reserve one week for the total fabrication and packing of all parts.

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DO YOU HAVE BLACKTOE MACHINES WITH TABLES READY TO GO OR HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE MAKE ONE?

There are several CAD/CAM programs out there for MacOS. Here is a list of a few: http://www.macuser.de/forum/f53/3d-2d-cad-395058/#post4499316
I've also read good things about punchCAD: http://www.punchcad.com/
Of course, there is always SketchUp if you are in a pinch. There are a few CAM plugins for SketchUp as well, but I've never used them, so I can't vouch for them.

CAD/CAM will get you as far as designing your parts and producing the g-code, but if you also want to run the CNC machine with your Mac, you will need a piece of software similar to Mach3 or EMC to run the g-code. I haven't been able to find anything like these programs that runs on Mac, so you may have to run Mach3 or EMC in Windows using Boot Camp or a virtual machine such as VMware or Parallels.

Personally, I would use the Mac to do all the CAD/CAM, then use a cheap PC to run the CNC machine.

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EasyDNC for OSX
www.dnc-x.com

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Hi guys I’m new to the cnc and I’m beginning to learn how to operate and cad-cam software also my cnc runs on Mach3 my questions is if I should use MacBook to do all designs if I can have all this software to run on Mac or I have to use windows software to operate it? I have separate small computer connected to the cnc table who have Mach3 on it please help. Also if you know any other software much easy for beginners please let me know thank you guys!
My email if needed is r1jastrzebski@gmail.com

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Hi , thank you for your advise!

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Hi , thank you for your advise!

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Hi , thank you for your advise!

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DOES ANY OF THE SOFTWARE THAT COMES WITH IT COMPATIBLE MAC 10.6?

No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work.

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DO I HAVE TO REGISTER WITH YOUR OFFICE BE PROTECTED?

You get the plans for this machine:
http://www.buildyourcnc.com/cnckitintro.aspx

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IF ORDER 'COMBO #1 (PLANS WITH DVD)', WHAT PLANS DO GET?

Yes, we accept standard credit cards on our shopping cart. All you need to do is enter the credit card information in the payment area.

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DO NOT HAVE PAYPAL ACCOUNT, WITH NO DESIRE TO OBTAIN ONE.

PC with parallel port and USB port
20awg stranded wires for the motors - http://www.buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx
18awg stranded wires for power supply to drivers
24awg stranded wires for breakout board to drivers
(location and spacing of components varies from one person to another, so we do not provide cables/wires)
- General purpose extension cord (cut the female end off) to provide power to power supply
- USB cable to power breakout board
- Parallel cable to communicate to breakout board
- Router
- (optional - instead of router) Spindle with power inverter http://www.buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx
- (if purchasing spindle with inverter) General purpose extension cord (240v) (cut the female end off) to provide power to power inverter
- End Mill(s) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/ProductsEndMills.aspx
- CAD, and/or CAD-CAM software (to produce geometry, machine operations, and g-code) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- CNC control software (to read g-code and control machine) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- If the machine does not have the table included, then a table will need to be built. The rails, chain and chain mounts are included that are used on this table.

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WHAT ELSE DO I NEED WITH THE MACHINE?

Yes, we accept standard credit cards on our shopping cart. All you need to do is enter the credit card information in the payment area.

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DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS MASTERCARD OR VISA

U - Pin1
V - Pin2
W - Pin3
Pin4 Dead

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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.

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HOW DO YOU HOOK UP THE SPINDLE TO INVERTER?

Thanks for the kind words. The kit is available for those that want the parts to assemble the case which comes with the computer parts. If you don't need the computer parts, let me know and I will offer the bare bones without the computer system.

Previous Solution:
I already have a DIY CNC machine with all my electronics but I have two cases the size of a mid tower PC and was looking to shrink the weight and footprint of all of them. I understand if you don't have plans available, I just really loved the design and compactness of your case.

Previous Solution:
The redLeaf and redSprout boxes are meant to provide enclosure to the systems that we assemble in-house for customers that prefer a complete plug and play system. We provide the kit of parts for the enclosure from overwhelming customer request. There are no plans available for the enclosure and the complexity of the parts needed to be fabricated is quite high where the task of cutting out all of the intricate parts by hand would be a larger investment in time and materials than the cost to purchase the kit.

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Just curious at what you would sell the box itself empty or the dimension files for the box for?

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DO YOU GIVE AWAY THE PLANS FOR REDLEAF/REDSPROUT BOX?

Thanks for the kind words. The kit is available for those that want the parts to assemble the case which comes with the computer parts. If you don't need the computer parts, let me know and I will offer the bare bones without the computer system.

Previous Solution:
I already have a DIY CNC machine with all my electronics but I have two cases the size of a mid tower PC and was looking to shrink the weight and footprint of all of them. I understand if you don't have plans available, I just really loved the design and compactness of your case.

Previous Solution:
The redLeaf and redSprout boxes are meant to provide enclosure to the systems that we assemble in-house for customers that prefer a complete plug and play system. We provide the kit of parts for the enclosure from overwhelming customer request. There are no plans available for the enclosure and the complexity of the parts needed to be fabricated is quite high where the task of cutting out all of the intricate parts by hand would be a larger investment in time and materials than the cost to purchase the kit.

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Just curious at what you would sell the box itself empty or the dimension files for the box for?

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DO YOU GIVE AWAY THE PLANS FOR REDLEAF/REDSPROUT BOX?

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)

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HOW DO YOU SETUP THE SPINDLE INVERTER VFD?

A CNC machine takes codes from a computer and converts the code using software into electrical signals. The signals from the computer are then used to control motors. Since the motors can turn very small amounts the machine is able to move in highly precise movements over and over again.

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HOW DO CNC MACHINES WORK?

U - Pin1
V - Pin2
W - Pin3
Pin4 Dead

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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.

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HOW DO YOU HOOK UP THE VFD TO SPINDLE?

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

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HOW DO YOU CONNECT THE INVERTER TO AC?

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)

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HOW DO YOU SETUP THE SPINDLE INVERTER?

Hands-free cell phone car microphones have been tested by the manufacturers and meet the current ANSI/IEEE (American National Standards Institute/Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standards for radiofrequency (RF) safety. These are the same standards that the Federal Communications Commission enforces under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and they place limits on the specific absorption rate (SAR) of RF energy in the body. Recent inflammatory articles in the British press were not substantiated by testing at ISO-accredited testing facilities at Motorola. Manufacturers of cell phones are required under FCC regulations to assure that their products meet the SAR limits on both hand-held and hands-free units. Further information can be obtained on the Internet at The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (FDA information) or Office of Engineering and Technology (FCC information).

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COULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN, IF IT'S TRUE, THAT HANDS-FREE CELL PHONE CAR MICROPHONES RADIATE MORE THAN ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT USED WITH THESE PHONES?

I haven't delved into using encoders with stepping motors too much. From my research, you need to have a controller that can provide the closed loop control, rather than software handling that process. I have also found from my research that using encoders on stepping motors is generally used to stop the machine in the case that the motor failed to achieve the commanded position for some reason and gives the user the chance to correct and continue with the job.

If you want proper closed loop control, it may be best to go with servos and servo controller that provide the closed loop control within the real of those two components.

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I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY REFERENCES TO ENCODER FEED-BACK CAPABILITY IN OF THE HARDWARE YOU SELL. THIS A SUPPORTED FEATURE WITH HARDWARE/SOFTWARE SELL?