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Mach4 General Discussion / Connecting a VFD to Mach4 through Modbus (RS485)

« on: April 08, 2019, 04:36:28 PM »

Here is a link to a 26 page tutorial that describes in full detail the steps necessary to connect a Modbus compliant VFD to the Mach4 Modbus (RS485).
It supports M3, M4, M5, and S commands in addition to the Mach4 buttons on the control screen.
I am using a Huanyang GT series 3KW VFD which is compliant with the Modbus protocol and Mach4. Other Huanyang VFDs are not, so be careful.
Other Modbus compliant VFDs are supported with a few simple edits.

http://caldwellfam.net/bill/2019/04/connecting-a-vfd-to-mach4-through-the-modbus-rs485/



Enjoy

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Mach4 General Discussion / Mach4 Huanyang GT series Modbus setup

« on: April 07, 2019, 12:58:10 AM »

If anyone is interested in an RS485 (Modbus) Huanyang GT series (yes, it's really Modbus compliant) spindle controller for Mach4, I will be writing a step by step set of instructions in the next few days.
This will consist of a set of instructions on setting up the VFD, the Modbus in Mach4, and the LUA code necessary to tie it all together.
The VFD responds to the normal M3, M4, M5 commands and the speed input from the S command. It uses an off the shelf USB to RS485 converter.
I have used a RS485 based VFD on my Mach3 machine for about 5 years and love it. But I really like some of the features in Mach4 much better.

This setup is easily modified to work with other (Modbus compliant) FVDs.