Adding audible alarm to Mach 3 thru HobbyCNC board...

[Chet]

In spite of my best troubleshooting techniques, I'm getting a random limit switch activation.
Not frequently, but they happen.
This is a problem because I typically leave my machine running by itself for extended intervals of time.
If Mach 3 generates a limit trigger, I lose all of the time I didn't know the machine was stopped.
I'm cutting foam, and the sound of the vacuum cleaner drowns out everything else.
A member here, TJ, suggested the following:
"Do you have an extra output pin available for use??? IF so If you buy a C37 relay board from CNC4PC ($15.00) It would take about 15 minutes and whatever alarm you want to use and have what you need.
Set up the pin and port for Enable1 . When Mach is active the relay will open turning off the alarm. When ever the systems Estops the relay will close and turn on the alarm.
You would use the Normally CLosed (NC) side of the relay."
So.... anyone here familiar with the step-by-step to make this happen?
If I pick an output pin on Mach 3, can I pick it up on the HobbyCNC Pro board?
Will it be visible as an active output on the Diagnostics's tab?
I'm open to experimentation, but if someone here knows the process already, I'm ready to learn...
Thanks, Chet

[BR549]

First thing is you need to look a teh docs for your board and determend IF you have any spare ouput pins available.  After that it is a simple process of hooking up the relay board and assigning the pin and port to match the output pin/port.

Set this up as one of the enables in config pin/ports.

On your alarm side you would have a power input to common side of the output relay and then from the NC side the other leg would first go to a Manual override switch then on to the alarm itself. From the return side of the alarm you go back to the power supply to complete the circuit.

NOW in operation as long as Mach is NOT in reset the relay would be held open and the alarm would remain off. The moment Mach goes into reset it shuts off all outputs. The relay being held open would then shut and sound the alarm. The manual override is to allow you to turn OFF the function on startup or when needed.

(;-) TP

[Overloaded]

Hi Chet,
 Did your troubleshooting include an increase in the debounce interval ?
May solve you problem ? ? ?
Russ

[Overloaded]

...or, run your vac through a Mach controlled relay. You would definately hear when it went off due to a trip.

[Chet]

Turning off the vac by a Mach controlled relay is a wonderful suggestion!!!!!!
Anybody here using Mach and a HobbyCNC breakout board that can tell me how to do that?
Chet

[Overloaded]

Like TP said, you need an output and the relay board but wire the relay N O to a 110vac outlet for the vac. Use the switch on the vac for the override. When mach is running, the relay will be closed powering the outlet, when in reset, the outlet will be dead.
Assuming you have 110 and are manually starting/stopping the vac now.
Russ

[BR549]

I have looked on the Hobbycnc site and do not see ANY docs for the board.

(;-) TP

[Chet]

You're right... The docs for HobbyCNC circuits are nearly non-existent...
They come with great assembly instructions, but little documentation.
However, I have now cross-posted my problem to the HobbyCNC group...
Thanks, TJ, and all of the rest of you, for your insights!
If a solution does appear, I'll be sure to let this group also know!
Chet

[BR549]

Well if all else fails there is always the USB way to drive the relays(;-)

(;-) TP

[Chet]

OK, here's some info on the HobbyCNC board:
pins 1, 14, 16, 17 are available, but only on a straight through basis...
a 10K pull up resistor will be needed...
So, let's say I pick pin 14 --
I'd want Config/Ports & Pins/Output
Enable 1, ENABLED, port 1, pin 14, BUT Active Low should be Red X or Green check???
Please advise...
Thanks, guys!
(And, yes, I did order the relay driver board from CNC4PC)