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USB and Ethernet CNC Control for Mach3 or Mach4 (Pokeys57CNC)

USB and Ethernet CNC Control for Mach3 or Mach4 (Pokeys57CNC)

Regular price $169.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $169.00 USD
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Title
PoKeys57CNC Mach4 and Mach3 motor controller can control up to 8 STEP/DIR signal driven motors (stepper motors, servo drives, etc.) in various applications. The device contains dedicated connectors for connections with motor drivers, pendants, (HD44780-compatible) LCD module, etc. Also 5 analog inputs with 12-bit resolution are available. The device also features four galvanically-isolated open-collector outputs and isolated 0 to 10 V analog output.

You will need to purchase the cable pack for the Pokeys57CNC PoKeys57CNC CablePack

Other items to use with the Pokey57CNC

PoStep60-256 Stepper Driver up to 6 Amps

PoStep25-32 Stepper Driver up to 2.5 Amps

Download the Pokeys Configuration and PoBlocks. This is required to update the firmware for the Pokeys57CNC and configure some of the controller's settings. Download the Mach3 plugin and manuals Download the Mach4 plugin and manuals This feature rich CNC Machine interface board has the ability to be controlled by Mach3 and Mach4. One of the coolest features is that this CNC motion controller board can control up to 8 motors/axes. You can hook up a pendant to control the CNC machine away from the computer and controller giving you access and safety to the parts of the machine that you are currently using. See how the motion controller is working with the available LCD connection. Use the available 0-10V analog out signal to control the speed of your spindle from the control software: Mach4 or Mach3. USB 1.1/2.0 Compatible and standard with English USB keyboard simulation with triggering support for up and down keys. Also a standard USB joystick simulator (6 axes, 32 buttons with triggering support.) Ethernet connection 10/100 with DHCP client or fixed IP support also a TCP or UDP connection with the device. 28 digital inputs or outputs with pull-up resistors available as virtual USB keyboard keys.. There are additional 4 dedicated digital outputs. 5 analog inputs (12-bit) The multiple encoder pair inputs with three additional dedicated high-speed encoder and one ultra high-speed encoder inputs. , A high performance 8-axis 125 kHz pulse engine with dedicated motor connectors. Peace of mind with fail-safe support in case of communication interruption. Can support for up to 100 sensors, that can be connected to I2C bus, 1-wire bus or on the general purpose analog inputs. With intuitive and user-friendly software and third-party support via communication DLL library and extensive protocol specification document that allows porting to other systems. Notes: Mach4 Spindle VFD Connections. OC (Open Collector Outputs): Forward on/off control - OC1- to DCM (or VGND on some VFDs) - OC1+ to FOR (or FWD on some VFDs) Reverse on/off control - OC2- to DCM - OC2+ to REV Mach3 Spindle VFD Connections Forward on/off control - Relay1 Connection Terminal 1 to DCM (or VGND on some VFDs) - Relay1 Connection Terminal 2 to FOR Reverse on/off control - Relay2 Connection Terminal 1 to DCM (or VGND on some VFDs) - Relay2 Connection Terminal 2 to REV - Pkeys57CNC Config in Mach3: Pokeys Mapping -> Scroll down to Pulse Engine Outputs - -> Set the Relay 1 to Output #1 - -> Set the Relay 2 to Output #2 USB communication speed can be affected by virtual keyboard functionality. Disable the HID interfaces to improve smoothness and speed of the stepper motor operation.
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Instructions

1
Step 1
Introduction to the Pokeys57CNC CNC Machine interface.
2
Step 2
Install Mach3 and the pokeys57CNC plug-in
3
Step 3
Testing a single stepper motor
4
Step 4
Test and tune the stepper motors
5
Step 5
Limit switches for the pokeys57CNC interface
6
Step 6
Adding an E-Stop switch to the pokeys57CNC controller
7
Step 7
Controlling on and off for the spindle using the pokeys57CNC controller
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Step 8
Control the speed of your spindle using the pokeys57CNC controller
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Step 9
Triggering a CO2 laser with the pokeys57CNC controller
10
Step 10
Using Mach4 with the Pokeys57CNC controller: software Installation
11
Step 11
Mach4 control with the pokeys57CNC controller: Connecting a stepper motor

Questions & Answers

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  • Is Pokeys %& compatible with the Masso Closed loop integrated driver nema 23 steppers? https://docs.masso.com.au/wiring-and-setup/setup-and-calibration/axis-servo-stepper-examples/masso-stepper

    The Masso integrated stepper motor and driver have differential step and direction connections that are compatible with most CNC controllers, including the Pokeys57CNC controller. Yes, you can use the Pokeys57CNC with the Masso closed loop integrated stepper motor and driver.

  • cannot get pokeys57 cnc software to install on win 10

    The pokeys57CNC controller software will install fine on Windows 10 computers. Can you tell me at what step the software install is failing?

  • Does this support THC functions

    Yes, this board supports THC functions. I have tested the Proma THC and the PlasmaSens which use fiber optics for communication to reduce EMI.

  • Will I be able to fire a plasma torch directly off of this board or will I need a torch relay. If so, can you recommend any?

    Yes, you can use one of the onboard relays on the pokeys57CNC controller to trigger your plasma torch as long as your plasma has dedicated wires to triggering the plasma torch.

  • I am new to CNCs, curious to know what I need to look for in a pendant that would be compatible with this board and Mach4?

    I recommend using a wireless pendant rather than one that is wired to the controller. Here is a link to one on Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/3r3AfTm This is an affiliate link.

  • I have my motors and limit switches working correctly but I am unable to get any movement from the 'jog step' so that I can set 0,0,0. What should I check

    Are you trying to use the MPG (tab), or the keyboard for jogging the motors? You mention 0,0,0, are you trying to home the machine with the "ref all home"? If you cannot move the motors with the keyboard, check if the jog is enabled.

  • Hi there! Thank you for your great works. I was wondering if there is a way to communicate with this board using custom-developed software instead of Mach3 or Mach4.

    Yes, you can absolutely communicate with the Pokeys57CNC controller. The developer's website has various ways of control, including their poblock software, or directly programming using C#, or C++. I have tested the C# method for a job I did for Lockheed Martin and worked really well.

  • Would you help with the Hook up and the Configuration and whether it is in the Plugin or mach 4 control configuration that needs to be set. I decided to use the ultra fast encoders connector pin #8, 12 and 13 for Arc ok, UP and Down. Please advise what setting to set to make it all work. Thank you very much for your help!

    Your question caused me to make a quick video to understand how the pokeys57CNC controller works with a THC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c0TTORwN4c I hope this helps. Additional Information: I am having the same problem. The up,down,ark light up. When I run a program the thc controller come on center light stays on and the up and down lights work. Mach 3 program stands still like the program is stalled. The torch stays on but no movement

  • I am trying to install the Pokeys configuration and Poblocks on a windows 10 computer. An error message says Ineed net frameworks 2.5 qnd 3.0.Both appear to be unavalable.Solution?

    I am getting the solution from the developer. I will put the solution on this page when they provide the solution. Thanks, Patrick Additional Information: Here is the information I received from the developer: These are available on Windows 10. PoBlocks does not require .NET, but the communication library that the PoKeys app uses does need it. Go to the control panel -> Search for "Turn Windows features on or off" -> Make sure the checkbox on the line ".NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)" is checked (or filled in).

  • Windows cannot access the specified devise, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permission to access the item

    Where do you see this message? Additional Information: I am assuming that you are getting this message while installing the pokeys57CNC control software. The folder that you are trying to install to is probably write-protected. You will need to look at the file and folder permissions for the folder that you are installing the software.

  • With servomotor encoders connected to Pokey57, will Mach4 DRO update when motors are turned manually?

    The closed-loop function of motors and drivers (either servo or stepper) is confined between the motor and the driver. If the motor did not achieve the number of encoder pulses, the driver will attempt to spin the motor until the commanded pulses are achieved. Drivers for servos and steppers for CNC machines have an alarm terminal to inform the pokeys57cnc in case of a condition that the driver is not able to achieve the commanded pulses over a specified time. If you wish to turn a motor by hand for each axis, you can use an MPG (manual pulse generator) for each axis which will update the position of the axis. You can implement this on a pokeys57CNC controller.