Is there a firmware update in the last two years for your USB board? If so how do we get it and install? If not do you expect any updates? If updates are released how do we find out?

Question #: 9037

Question: Is there a firmware update in the last two years for your USB board? If so how do we get it and install? If not do you expect any updates? If updates are released how do we find out?

Current Solution

The firmware update for the USB board is done by PlanetCNC. with your board hooked up to the computer via USB cable, log into PlanetCNC. Then, from the Machine tab on the toolbar choose firmware from the drop down and click on update.

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

I am interested in using the Mach3 USB interface board. I was wondering if there was a way to run a torch height controller with this board for use with a plasma cutter, and if so do you know of any THCs that will work. Thank you.
Yes, you can connect a THC, Torch Height Controller, with the Mach3 USB controller. The THC uses the inputs to determine if the z axis needs to move up or down according to the arc of the plasma torch. The THC connects its outputs to the inputs of the controller so the controller will be informed of the states of the plasma torch.
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I am interested in using the Mach3 USB interface board. I was wondering if there was a way to run a torch height controller with this board for use with a plasma cutter, and if so do you know of any THCs that will work. Thank you.
Whereb can I find directions on how to install the Mach3 USB board with Mach 4 software? I do not have a parallell port.
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.
Using your USB control board, is it possible to install and use a Z axis touch plate? If yes, what board connections would it be installed to?
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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Using your USB control board, is it possible to install and use a Z axis touch plate? If yes, what board connections would it be installed to?
I connected the electronics (for 2 x 4 feet) that I ordered from you. But how do I check if I connected all the wiring properly. There is neither any light on motor drivers nor on breakout board. And the motor shaft also does not move before and after the power supply is given.
Did you connect the USB connector to the breakout board?

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YES I CONNECTED THE USB TO THE BREAKOUT BOARD
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I connected the electronics (for 2 x 4 feet) that I ordered from you. But how do I check if I connected all the wiring properly. There is neither any light on motor drivers nor on breakout board. And the motor shaft also does not move before and after the power supply is given.
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.
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.
I was in the process of aligning mirrors for our vertical XL and suddenly the laser does not fire anymore, there is an arcing sound and a light near the Anode (positive) connector of the tube on the very inside. Do you think the laser tube would go bad so quickly? how could we avoid this?
Can you check if there are cracks in the inner glass tube? Also, check to see if there is water between the inner glass tube and the outer glass tube. That will give you an indication of cracking in the inner glass tube.
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I was in the process of aligning mirrors for our vertical XL and suddenly the laser does not fire anymore, there is an arcing sound and a light near the Anode (positive) connector of the tube on the very inside. Do you think the laser tube would go bad so quickly? how could we avoid this?
Is there a complete wiring diagram for the Medium Combo Kit with the usb board? Your USB tutorial does not cover the modular 2.5a drivers. https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-3axis-100-elcombo
We are currently getting it completed for us to post it under the 2.5A stepper driver page. However here is the correct wiring procedure.

First: Wire the 24V power supply to the 2.5A driver, by wiring +V on the power supply to 12-24V on the driver. Next wire the COM on the power supply to Ground(GND) on the 2.5A driver. GND on the driver will also go to the GND on the USB board, for specific axis. (additional 3-4 wires connected to ground will be needed for the other axes as well).

Second: Wire the USB board to the driver(one driver per axis on the USB board):
CP on the driver will go to CP on the desired axis on the USB board.
CW on the driver will go to CW on the desired axis on the USB board.
5V will go to the VCC pin on the keyboard jog pins on the USB board (check schematic here: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout#prettyPhoto/2/).
GND on the USB board to GND on the driver. (as specified in step 1).
EN is not used.

Personal Note:
I would recommend that you crimp the VCC pin to a wire which could be split for the other axes as well, each driver will need 5V.

Third: Wire the stepper motor to the driver, (using either the Nema 23 100-oz or the Nema 17 62-oz stepper motors, the wiring will be the same. For the Nema 23 the yellow and white is not connected.)
Black to A1
Green to A2
Red to B1
Blue to B2

Fourth: Repeat steps 1-3 for each driver/motor per axis.

Mention: Remember that GND on the driver will also go to the GND on the USB board for specific axis, and VCC pin on the USB board (keyboard jog) will go to 5V on all drivers for each axes as well, each driver will need 5V!
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Is there a complete wiring diagram for the Medium Combo Kit with the usb board? Your USB tutorial does not cover the modular 2.5a drivers. https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-3axis-100-elcombo
Is there a wiring diagram for hooking up your hex inverter between your USB breakout board and the controller?
The use of the hex inverter in the application to invert a direction signal to have a motor run in the reverse directions is relatively simple.

First, go to this link and look at the chip diagram:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-hex-inverter-breakout-newbiehack-integrated_circuits-hex-inverter

Connect 5V from the USB interface tothe VCC pin. The pin on the keyboard jog header can be used. Connect the GND pin from the USB interface to the GND pin on the hex inverter. Connect the CW terminal from the USB interface to the 1A pin on the hex inverter. Connect the 1Y pin from the hex inverter to the driver.

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I got a question??? I am a dummy when it comes to cnc. I got 6040 1500kw water cold engraver 3 axis from china. I can not get anything out of them pertaining help they keep telling me the same thing over and over and over and I'm doing it and send them pictures that I know. Anyway email me a wiring diagram for the PRT 1500 watt spindle motor control box and has the emergency stop on and off switch manual PC and of course yhe screanm fultonsbusiness@gmail.com

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I got a question??? I am a dummy when it comes to cnc. I got 6040 1500kw water cold engraver 3 axis from china. I can not get anything out of them pertaining help they keep telling me the same thing over and over and over and I'm doing it and send them pictures that I know. Anyway email me a wiring diagram for the PRT 1500 watt spindle motor control box and has the emergency stop on and off switch manual PC and of course yhe screanm fultonsbusiness@gmail.com
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Is there a wiring diagram for hooking up your hex inverter between your USB breakout board and the controller?
Provided they will fit and I install a ventilation/cooling fan, is there any reason why I should NOT mount the electronics (breakout board, stepper drivers and power supply) inside the gantry box in my BlackToe 2x4?
First, see Jack's build: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/JackRehak.aspx

The difference between mounting the electronics in the gantry is that the connection from the computer (signal level) is long. The alternative, where the electronics is near the computer, the motor cables are long (to reach from the drivers to the motors).

Mounting the breakout board, drivers and power supply within the gantry will cause you to have a long signal connection from the computer to the breakout board. That is fine as long as the cable is long enough, possibly shielded, and can carry the signal at long cable lengths. Make sure to have the cable well away from the motor cables as these will cause quite a bit of interference.
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Provided they will fit and I install a ventilation/cooling fan, is there any reason why I should NOT mount the electronics (breakout board, stepper drivers and power supply) inside the gantry box in my BlackToe 2x4?
Hi Patrick right now I have a parallel port cnc machine that I built in 2013 using the hardware and components I purchased from your website. I want to update my system by changing my current parallel port interface board to a Mach3 USB interface board from your website. Is the Mach3 USB interface board all I need to do this or is there other components I need to get. please advise.
The Mach3 USB interface board will require a 24V power supply to enable the use of the input, output terminals, and the spindle VFD 0-10V and output for speed control.
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Hi Patrick right now I have a parallel port cnc machine that I built in 2013 using the hardware and components I purchased from your website. I want to update my system by changing my current parallel port interface board to a Mach3 USB interface board from your website. Is the Mach3 USB interface board all I need to do this or is there other components I need to get. please advise.
The instructions for installing the USB board say there should be a blue LED light up when computer is connected. I get a flashing red LED that goes solid when I start
This is correct if it is the Mach3 USB controller. You will also get a rapid flashing led if you jog the machine (assuming the machine is not in reset mode or e-stop mode).

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Is it suppose to be blue or red? Mine is red.

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The instructions for installing the USB board say there should be a blue LED light up when computer is connected. I get a flashing red LED that goes solid when I start
Hi my names is Minh Truong I would like to said thank you very much for your video I got the system mach3 working fine but one thing I can NOT set and config the digitizer on the board IN4 I am not sure how to setup because in the Mach3 pin 14 for digitizer Please shoe me hoe to set it up for the digitizer.
Can you send me a link to the digitizer you are using?
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Hi my names is Minh Truong I would like to said thank you very much for your video I got the system mach3 working fine but one thing I can NOT set and config the digitizer on the board IN4 I am not sure how to setup because in the Mach3 pin 14 for digitizer Please shoe me hoe to set it up for the digitizer.
The plans available for download for the "whiteAnt 3D Plastic Printer" do not have dimensions. Are the dimensions shown in the book? Is there a DWG file available?
The plans for the whiteAnt 3D Printer will have the dimesions, and the dimensions will be on the individual pieces(cut to spec). The machine is relatively small, so maybe you expected the size(dimensions) to be larger.
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The plans available for download for the "whiteAnt 3D Plastic Printer" do not have dimensions. Are the dimensions shown in the book? Is there a DWG file available?
I AM PUTTING TOGETHER THE BLACKFOOT AND USING A PORTER CABLE ROUTER. CONFUSED ON HOW TO RELAY ROUTETR WITH USB BOARD. IS THERE ANOTHER SWITCH THAT GOES BETWEEN BOARD ROUTER SO PLANET CNC CAN TURN PERHAPS VACUUM OFF?
We are currently working on a relay board that will connect to USB breakout board, and the router/spindle for both the on/off function. Unfortunately we still do not have it completed or ready to be placed on our website, but it is in the final stages of testing. Please check back regularly for updated stock!

Here is a link to a tutorial for a DIY relay circuit:

There is no vacuum control on the Planet-CNC program, however you could use the same concept of the router/spindle on/off using the relay circuit. Although you will have to use either the flood or mist function for the vacuum.
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I AM PUTTING TOGETHER THE BLACKFOOT AND USING A PORTER CABLE ROUTER. CONFUSED ON HOW TO RELAY ROUTETR WITH USB BOARD. IS THERE ANOTHER SWITCH THAT GOES BETWEEN BOARD ROUTER SO PLANET CNC CAN TURN PERHAPS VACUUM OFF?
On the USB controller I am unable to get voltage from the Mist relay block on the board. The Flood and Spindle produce a voltage change correctly. Is there a setting I am missing?
Planet CNC has the option to turn off these outputs on your USB board. Under the File/settings/Pins. You will have Spindle (M3,M4,M5) Coolant (M7,M8,M9) as available output pins. On the drop down tabs for these output pins you will have this option ( --- ), if selected it will turn of that output pin in your board and you will get not voltage change in the pin.
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On the USB controller I am unable to get voltage from the Mist relay block on the board. The Flood and Spindle produce a voltage change correctly. Is there a setting I am missing?
How can we check our 1.5kw spindle. we get a dL error after we start to cut. it spins up fine. We checked IGBTs in the VFD and they're not shorted. We suspect intermittent short INSIDE the spindle. What do you think?
dL usually stand for a short that is occurring within the spindle or spindle wiring. I would recheck the wiring going from the VFD to the spindle, as well as the terminal on the spindle where there should've been some soldering required. We usually tend to either heat shrink or use electrical tape to cover the terminals so no contact or arching can be present.

Also depending on the VFD you have please adjust the setting pd008, to the voltage that is required (110V/220V).

If the issue proceeds please contact use at customerservice@buildyourcnc.com, for further assistance or replacement.
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How can we check our 1.5kw spindle. we get a dL error after we start to cut. it spins up fine. We checked IGBTs in the VFD and they're not shorted. We suspect intermittent short INSIDE the spindle. What do you think?
I have wired up my 110v VFD and my 2.2Kw spindle and I get an E.Lu.5 code. My wiring is correct and the parameters are set to those for the VFD according to your website I found in a previously answered question from someone here. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!
The E.Lu.5 Error code on your VFD is related to Low Voltage.

The recommended action is:
- 1. Check whether the input voltage is normal. (the voltage from the wall/breaker to the VFD)
- 2. Check whether there is a sudden change in load.
- 3. Check whether there is any phase missing.

Unfortunately, these three recommended actions will probable require an electrician to test the line going into the VFD.

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I have wired up my 110v VFD and my 2.2Kw spindle and I get an E.Lu.5 code. My wiring is correct and the parameters are set to those for the VFD according to your website I found in a previously answered question from someone here. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!
The motherboard on the computer I bought from you went out. What would you suggest. I have a laptop, could I use it and use a Mach3 USB interface board?
Yes, you can use a laptop if you have a controller that uses a USB, like the Mach3 USB card. If you don't have that, you can purchase that part here:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

If you have a controller board that connects to a 25 pin connector, modern laptops will not be able to connect to that port.

How old is your CNC computer system?

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The CNC computer system is 2013 (5 years). The built in video card went out. I will order the Mach3 USB card. Thank you.

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You're welcome
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The motherboard on the computer I bought from you went out. What would you suggest. I have a laptop, could I use it and use a Mach3 USB interface board?
THEY ARE ASKING FOR THE ACTIVATION CODE AND SERIAL NUMBER USB BOARD. HOW CAN GET THAT INFORMATION?
To get the activation code, all you need to do is plug the USB board into the computer using a USB cable, go to machine -> firmware -> update. After the firmware is updated the program will present to you a dialog box containing the activation code.

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MUAR-QVXU-CAYW-CBWQ

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MUIS-RQPB-PTHB-QTTB

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MUIH-EERP-IADB-TRIP

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9zYWBVf5TxKSK7hEr8gFX3EBw5wa0AMMllQqgftIAnKvZ8DXItLxaPbOB3jWvnpczl/sM/De0scRPHfSxWGmcA==

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Key: LUQR-BQYI-SCEW-QVBT

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after i copy the code in the lower case i recived the same message (more than 8 times) ,, this is a evaluation...,, what i need to do to register properly?

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MUJR-BISM-KRDN-KKER
056971

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0561234

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MURL-QPQU-EGBJ-FNMB

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MUCE-LFMQ-WBCW-MLHO

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LUTA-ADVJ-FXTW-FBCE

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LUTA-ADVJ-FXTW-FBCE

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looking for registration key for MUUK-IBTW-ECTL-CJWD

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MUXO-PIYY-KNHD-RKLY

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MUUE-YYCR-FCIC-VATK

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MUUE-YYCR-FCIC-VATK

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MUEY-YLJU-OBRR-LJBV

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MUSP-JFDV-EKGQ-OVLW

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MUSP-JFDV-EKGQ-OVLW

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MULY-XRYF-BBDN-FBWP

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how to generate activation code richauto a11

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MUJC-LNIL-EOHS-YKNQ

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sdfd

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m l

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MUXC-RWKB-PKAL-HGNN
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THEY ARE ASKING FOR THE ACTIVATION CODE AND SERIAL NUMBER USB BOARD. HOW CAN GET THAT INFORMATION?