To home the z-axis using a plate:
- Connect the end mill using a large clamping device like an alligator clip with a wire connected to GND.

- Connect the plate (solder a wire to the plate) to one of the input pins.

- You can use the autoset to setup that pin in Mach3 simply by touching the two together once connected to the pin and GND.

Alternatively, the end mill can be connected to the pin and the plate connected to GND as long as there becomes a complete circuit when the end mill touches the plate.

To setup homing for the Planet-CNC homing and limits, go to the Planet-CNC Machine setup page which explains the process step by step: http://www.planet-cnc.com/faq/machine_setup/

Customer Response:
How do I get homing on z to work with planet cnc software using build your own usb board. I have gone to planet website and followed the instructions provided but my software will not allow entries in the required fields they are grayed out is it because I am not using planet-cnc's board, I have used this method for years with Mach3 and would like to use it with the usb board and software.

Answer:
Just received information from the developer. The instructions on how to use a plate for z-axis homing (moveable sensor) can be found here:

http://www.planet-cnc.com/faq/moveable_sensor/

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How do I get Homing on Z to work with Plate and Ground using Buildyourcnc usb board all the entries for the sensor in planet-cnc are grayed out. I am using input z- and I purchased the software

Here is the new link to the Planet CNC software download page: http://planet-cnc.com/software/

You can try the software as a demo however you will have limited g-code lines you can run. I believe it was around 500, so you can create small items with the demo.
To fully unlock the Planet-CNC software you will need to purchase the license.

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I purchased the USB BOB and the link for the Planet-cnc software is broke. Will I need to purchase a license for the software as well?

with parallel port controllers, you have the ability to jog using two axes at the same time, but with USB controllers, this is not possible.

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[575] Hi, I recently purchased this board and everything seems to be fine! But I am not being able to jog two axis at same time as I used to do on my older board. Did I do something wrong?

Planet-CNC is the control software. If you decide to use the USB controller, you will need to use the planet-CNC software as the control software. You will be able to use any of the CAM software applications with the planet-CNC control software.

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Would I be able to use the Mach3 CNC Control Software or any of the CNC CAM Software(BOBCAD/CAM,CAMBAM) if I choose to use the Planet-CNC USB Interface Board?

The best place to find information and step by step instructions for Mach4 is to use the manuals provided by MachSupport.com.

Here is a link to the PDF manuals for Mach4: http://www.machsupport.com/help-learning/product-manuals/

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I purchased Mach 4 control software and am in need of a very elementary tutorial on set up. I am extremely new to this and need step by step help. Thanks

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

You will probably need to use the Mach3 USB board with Mach3. We have not tested the Mach3 usb card with Mach4.

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Whereb can I find directions on how to install the Mach3 USB board with Mach 4 software? I do not have a parallell port.

The USB port on the Parallel Interface board is necessary to supply 5V power. Connect with a USB cable to a USB source.

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I purchased a parallel port breakout board. I have checked all the info and found nothing on the usb port. What is it used for?

If your PC is unable to communicate successfully with the Mach3 USB controller that you purchased, the problem can exist outside of the controller. If the problem is with the controller, then my controller will work. If the problem is not with the controller, then the problem will persist.

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[575] I have one of these but pc says device is faulty. If i buy one from you will you be able to fix such problems

What problems are you having?

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I purchased a 4ft X 8ft Blackfoot CNC machine in 2015 and to this date have not been able to use it. How can I get some help. Thank u

If you purchased a 220 volt VFD (Variable Frequency Drive), you will need to use a 220 volt outlet. A VFD that has an input voltage rating of 220 volts will not work with 110 volts being applied to the VFD. We do sell 110 volt VFDs but you will also need a spindle that pairs with the 110 volt VFD.

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Good morning, we purchased the vfd with 220v but here in south america the standard is 110v, will it work? or should I adapt one power outlet to 220v

You can only use the planet-cnc interfaces with the PlanetCNC software. If you like the software and want to remain with that software, the hardware interfaces will need to be purchased from the planet-cnc folks.

I would recommend using the Pokeys57CNC interface which is compatible with Mach3 and Mach4. You can also consider the Mach3 USB interface if the Pokeys57CNc interface is out of your price range.

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

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

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I have registered version of planetcnc software that I purchased with a Chinese controller I want to use 3 better drivers with a separate USB controller can you recommend a controller and how to link my existing software. Regards Lloyd from Australia

Yes, you will need the Mach4 legacy plugin to make the parallel port and Breakout board work.

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Do I use the blue brew BOB that I purchased in conjunction with the Mach 4 PPL Plug-in provided with Mach 4 software when I purchase It?

I will check

Additional Information:
The license was purchased and the developer is sending you the license shortly.

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How long does it take to receive the CamBam license I ordered? I purchased it yesterday 1/30/18

Planet-CNC is the control software. If you decide to use the USB controller, you will need to use the planet-CNC software as the control software. You will be able to use any of the CAM software applications with the planet-CNC control software.

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I want to use Planet-CNC software can I use Mach3 USB Board

The Planet CNC Software will require purchase after the trial version is completed, and will be purchased through their website. Currently that is the only software available for the USB Controller.

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Must I have licence to run planetpc software, is there any other software that will run the usb controller

Yes, here is the URL for the parallel breakout board that we sell:

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

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can I purchase just the parallel controller board? I purchased the usb option 4 axis combo and would like to also try the system with my parallel port computer. Any help with this will be greatly appreciated; my goal is to implement mach4.

You can find the latest version here http://www.planet-cnc.com/index.php?page=download

Additional Information:

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Where can I download the USBCNC software? The https://buildyourcnc.com/files/CNCUSB_20130308.zip link is dead.

CNC kits normally take 5-7 business days but during busy periods this can increase.

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Hello, I purchased a cnc kit 3 days ago and I would like to know how long does it take to prepare a shipment? thanks

When buying any of our ACME screws, if the entire length or lengths is desired please send us an email or a call, to specify the actual length needed! But if no call or email is sent previous of the order then, we will give the customer a call or email to find the exact lengths that they will require.

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I have just purchased 95 in. of 1/2 in screw and I need it cut to different lengths 51" 30" 14". Can do?