Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Memran on March 03, 2012, 10:28:05 AM

Title: UIRobot UIM290405A Mach3 Breakout Board + Spindle Control
Post by: Memran on March 03, 2012, 10:28:05 AM

Hi everyone :)

I got my UIRobot UIM290405A Mach3 Breakout Board from Zapp Automation Ltd - Stepper motors & Stepper Motor Drivers - Servo motors and Servo Motor Drivers - Ballscrews & linear motion products. : (http://www.zappautomation.co.uk) and am currently bench testing, before I build it into an enclosure.

The manual (http://www.zappautomation.co.uk/pdf/UIM2901%20Mach3%20BOB%20120104.pdf (http://www.zappautomation.co.uk/pdf/UIM2901%20Mach3%20BOB%20120104.pdf)) is translated Chinese, I guess but is really not very clear. For example the parallel pinout diagram shows X step/dir to be pins 3/2, but later in the Mach configuration, it shows an image with it as 2/6 !!

Anyway, right now I am trying to test the PWM spindle control, which I am hoping to use to connect directly to my Seig X1 controller, replacing the pot.

I have connected it to the parallel port, and with 5v power from USB, and 12v from a lead acid battery. I also connected the 12v bettery to the spindle control Vin and 0v, then connected my multimeter to 0v and Out.

First problem:
The output voltage range was reversed. So M5 was outputting 12v! I resolved this by setting Step Low Active on my spindle in Motor Outputs in Mach3.

Second problem (no solution yet):
With M5, or even Charge pump off (E-stop) the output voltage is still 5.2v! as shown in picture. M3S2000 makes it 12v as I would expect. (2000 is max rpm).

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/60412649/motoroutputs.JPG)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/60412649/spindlesetup.JPG)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/60412649/2012-03-03%2014.44.02%20%28Small%29.jpg)

The voltage does get controlled by Mach3, but in the range of 5-12v. :(

I can't use this if the lowest is 5v. My spindle will never stop. Why is it not 0-12v?

Please help :) Thanks :)

Title: Re: UIRobot UIM290405A Mach3 Breakout Board + Spindle Control
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 11, 2012, 05:53:53 AM

Hi Memran,

As you don't seem to be getting any response on this one try contacting Zapp directly.
I had a question (regarding the holding pulse frequency for one of their stepper drivers) last week, contacted them via their website query and received an email answer same day.

Tweakie.

Title: Re: UIRobot UIM290405A Mach3 Breakout Board + Spindle Control
Post by: Memran on March 11, 2012, 03:42:47 PM

Thanks, good idea :)