Unfortunately, we don't sell the planet-cnc controller anymore. They made a change to their software that prohibits us from creating the open source board.

We do sell three other boards that may work for you.

The Pokeys57CNC board is the mose feature rich and will work with both Mach3 and Mach4:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

The MAch3 USB board is a good inexpensive interface that will work well if you need the interface to be USB only:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

Our in-house parallel breakout board (ytou need a parallel port for this interface to work):
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay
Most motherboards have the parallel port connector on the motherboard, but not as a connector on the back of the computer case.

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Do you sell the 3 axis electronics combo , for heavy gantry , with the new Planet CNC usb controller ?

The 651 oz/in NEMA 34 stepper motor does have a dual shaft. The shaft extends 19 mm at both ends.

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in the 3 Axis Electronics Combo (For Heavy Gantry) the 651oz motor is a dual shaft ?

BYCNC Response:
This is correct. You will need to use a method appropriate for the software you are using. Also remember that NC switches are typically wired in series, while NO switches are normally wired in parallel.

User Response:
I am using the cnc planet software for your USB board. Are the limit configurations in this software?

BYCNC Response:
Yes, Planet CNC software is compatible with the use of limit switches. Configuration information will depend on your specific application. You can view Planet CNC's information here: http://www.planet-cnc.com/files/CNCUSBController.pdf

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LIMIT SWITCHES FOR AXIS. THE PRINT SHOWS THAT YOU CAN WIRE LIMITS EITHER N.O. OR N.C. SO IF THIS IS CORRECT I WOULD NEED TO TELL BOARD IN SOFTWARE HOW LOOK AT THESE LIMITS, I'M GOING GET AN INPUT LOOSE DEPEND ON IT.

Consider the loads on each axis when choosing appropriate stepper motors. If your holding torque is maxed out at roughly 16oz/in (1lb/in), then you could use the NEMA 11 or 14. Also consider the shaft sizes and current ratings when choosing drivers that pair with the motors.

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I am planning to build a scratch CNC machine to do rotary engraving on writing pens. Can you recommend the parts I would need? I'm thinking NEMA 14 (11?) and 3/8" acme rod. Not sure which linear motion to use. I have an old lathe to use for the 4th axis.

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

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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?

Our MAch3 USB interface boards can be located here:

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

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I AM INTERESTED IN THE 3 AXIS COMBO USB OPTION. NOTICE YOU ENDORSE PLANET-CNC FOR USE WITH THIS BUT WILL MACH3 INTERFACE WELL BEAK OUT BOARD?

You can actually select many places for the switches, depending on where you think your zero will be. I will take pictures of where we positioned our switches. We set the positions so the zero is at the bottom left corner of the machine.

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I will take pictures tomorrow.

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Thank you. Just want to finish before the holiday.

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Not a problem at all and my apologies for not having that information. I have been meaning to put up a video on the limit switch connection as it is somewhat difficult to explain the process in words and diagrams.

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Any update?

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I plan on driving to the office later today and take pictures.

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Thank you. I've just done almost everything else. Just waiting for the grade 3 grease in the mail. Also, where do you suggest connecting the cable carriers? I ran everything through the top but the carrier is getting kind of full. Because of that, it is pushing the belt out when the gantry moves.

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I will take pictures of those connections as well.

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Much appreciated.

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It’s my pleasure.

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I’m almost to the office. I’ve been shuttling my kids around today. Sorry for the wait.

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I’m adding the images to the end of the VLXL instructions.

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The limit switch connections use the NO (Normally Open) terminals. That means that the switch, when not engaged, is normally open (no connection between the com and the NO terminal). When the switch is engaged, then the connection is closed and the NO and COM terminal become connected, making a circuit.

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Did you bend the arm on the x switch? Or can you mount it flush with enough give to trigger? Same on both sides?


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It does look like it is bent in the picture. No, you do not need to bend the arm of the rotary switch.

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We only have the rotary switch on one side.

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How do I wire the limit switches on the VLXL? Also, where do I place them? You included 2 rotary and two other limit switches.

The motor that is attached to the 4th axis is wired as follows:

The motor should have red, green yellow and blue wires coming form the motor. The red and green are paired as one coil and the yellow and blue is paired as the other coil. You can wire the motor to a 3.0 amp driver with red to A+, green to A-, Yellow to B+ and Blue to B-

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HOW DO I WIRE THE 4TH AXIS THAT YOU SELL. I HAVE MACH3 SOFTWARE. NO INSTRUCTIONS ON YOUR SITE

Are you trying to determine how to wire the switches or where to place them on the Vertical Laser XL? Let me know and I will provide some pictures or video on how to do this.

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Kind of both. Have somewhat of an idea as to how to wire them but you included rotary and other limit switches. Not sure which ones to put where. Never worked with these before.

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Do you have a more detailed diagram of the rotary and 15A limit switches on the vlxl?

To change the direction of an axis in Mach3:
- open Mach3
- Click on the config selection on the top menu
- Click on ports and pins under the config menu
- Click on the motor outputs tab in the ports and pins dialog box
- In the axis row that you wish to chang ethe direction, click on the active low toggle for direction.

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In mach3, how do you flip the direction of an axis?

In our 3-Axis electronics kit, the power supply's provided are capable of both 110V-220V. You have the capability to switch between both in case you might decide to run 220v in the near future or will relocate where 110v is being used.

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Connect spindle to the board



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Does the power supply in the "3 Axis Electronics Combo (Small Motors)" have a 220V input option?

This version of the blueChick comes with the Parallel Breakout Board.

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Which electronics unit comes with item #230, the 3 axis USB or parallel? If parallel, do you have a package price that includes the USB electronics?

Other items you will need if you are purchasing the electronic combo (motors, drivers, power supply and computer interface) and the hardware and plans kit:

You will need the wood to create the structure of the machine. You will need a router to serve as the cutting instrument. You will need a computer to control the machine and the software that will serve as the control program. You will also need lead screws and rails (aluminum angles). If you intend to have faster travel than 20 ipm, we recommend purchasing the 5 start lead screws so you can achieve up to 300 ipm. https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/mechanical-leadscrews-leadnuts-!5-5-starts-10-tpi

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if i purchase the 4 Axis Electronic Combos and the Combo #1 with hardware, plans and DVD what else do i need to have a complete cnc machine

You can determine if the area is serviceable by:
- selecting the items you want to purchase on the website
- go to the cart (shopping cart top left of any webpage)
- log in, or register
- Enter the address and click on calculate shipping.

The webpage will return the direct rates and whether your area is serviced or not. Feel free to enter any address as long as you are able to receive the package from that address.

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WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD TELL ME WHETHER OR NOT SHIP ANY OF YOUR KIT PRODUCTS TO THE UK?

Our MAch3 USB interface boards can be located here:

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

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I am interested in the 3 axis combo USB option. I notice you endorse the Planet-CNC for use with this but will Mach3 interface well with the USB beak out Board?

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.

Depending on the Breakout board that was purchased with your electronics combo, either USB or Parallel:
USB: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout#prettyPhoto/2/
Parallel: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay#prettyPhoto/2/

These will have the inputs labeled on the board itself, for example:
USB will have the inputs for all the axis from X, Y, Z, A, limit switches.
Parallel there will be 4 inputs 10, 11, 12, 13, 16(relay). Which can be used as E-stop, Limits (for all axes if wired in a closed loop), and one relay for a spindle control on/off via mach 3 or mach 4 or a specific relay control that you desire.

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Do you have a wiring diagram for a 3 axis system using your compotents. It would be nice if it showed the estop, limit switches,relays...

It is usually best to mount the motor in a way so it is spinning clockwise to avoid confusion.

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ok, but lets say the motors turn clockwise. if you mount it to ether side of the y axis it will pull to that side so what are the correct positions of the stepper motors. is it the left side or the right side of the y axis and also is it the front or back of the x axis?

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cw250 with mach3 controller

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What side of the x and y axis do you mount the stepper motor to? If it does not matter what side, do I have to change something in mach3?

Yes, the CNC machine hardware and plans combo is the same machine as in the book. The machine that we provide the plans for, can be found on the website, here http://buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-scratchbuild

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IS THE CNC MACHINE HARDWARE & PLANS COMBO SHOWN AT LINK YOU LISTED SAME DESCRIBED IN BOOK?