Topics

1

Mach4 General Discussion / limit switch config

« on: April 22, 2018, 12:37:58 PM »

I'm running Mach4 with the Pokeys57CNC board and I recently wires limit- switches for X, Y, and Z axes. I'm now having trouble configuring the switches in Mach4 and I could use a little assistance. All 3 limit switches are wired NC and I've already checked continuity, so I know the wiring is correct (switches are wired in parallel, by the way). I connect the limit switch wires to the Pokeys57CNC board via a DB9 connector that translates to the 20 pin flat cable IDC socket connector that plugs into the dedicated port on the Pokeys board, and I've checked that wiring from the DB9 connector to the 20 pin connector on the Pokeys board has correct continuity as well. Therefore, I believe I'm solid on the hardwiring aspects and my issues all lie in Mach4 software configs.

When I start Mach4, I immediately get a "Limit switch -- tripped!" warning for X, Y, and Z axes and that prevents the Pokeys pulse engine from starting and functioning properly. Again, this tells me that I have a software config issue that is preventing proper communication. Could someone walk me through what Mach4 settings I should be using both in Configure > Mach...? Do I need to focus only on the Output Signals tab here? Also, what about settings in Configure > Plugins... > PoKeys plugin - PoLabs? I assume all focus here is on the Pulse engine page settings, correct? I currently have all the Limit- switches set to Ext. dedicated as specified in the Pokeys documentation.

When I get through all of these, I hope to have created a tutorial for others to follow as this has been really challenging to work through! Any advice provided is greatly apprecaited.

rndpig

2

PoKeys / Mach4 spindle control - no voltage through pin 17

« on: March 10, 2018, 06:11:20 PM »

I'm banging my head against the wall. I've followed the Pokeys57CNC/Mach4 guide and feel like I've got all the settings correct, but I'm not getting any voltage out of pin 17 to control the speed of the spindle through the VFD. In the Pokeys config > miscellaneous, the 'Enable PWM outputs' box is checked (freq set to 20000 Hz), the pin 17 enable box is checked with default (%) set at 0, and the Spindle output dropdown is set to Pin 17 (set to 0 when OFF is checked). Is there anything else I need to do to have Mach4 tell the Pokeys57CNC to send voltage through pin 17?

Ryan

3

PoKeys / spindle direction on Pokeys57CNC

« on: February 26, 2018, 01:39:43 PM »

I'm trying to configure my Nowandforever E-100 VFD to work with the Pokeys57CNC, but I don't see anywhere in the board specs where I can wire the VFD to receive this information. I'm currently using the GND and pin 17 on the galvanically-isolated I/O bus, but pin 14 (labeled spindle error input) doesn't seem to be what I need. The spindle won't run until I give the VFD a closed circuit in terms of spindle direction (i.e., I have to have this in order to control the spindle from Mach4). Am I missing something here? Do I need to use one of the on-board relays to give me Mach4 control over whether the spindle is engaged? If using a relay is necessary, what output pins are associated with the relay? And can I map that relay between the Pokeys57CNC and Mach4?

Help for a newbie is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Ryan

4

Mach4 General Discussion / controlling JP-3163B in 6040T USB CNC with Mach4

« on: December 27, 2017, 11:44:33 AM »

Hello, I'm completely new to the CNC realm, but I'm excited that there's such a robust community here. I did like many newbies and I purchased a CNC from China (here's the eBay link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/4Axis-6040T-CNC-Router-Engraver-USB-Engraving-Drilling-Milling-Machine-3D-Cutter/192358600143?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649). This is labeled as a 6040T USB CNC. I've been able to perform basic controlling operations using the Planet-CNC USB motion controller software, which means there's a working USB driver installed. What I need help with now is getting Mach4 working to control the board.

I've purchased a Mach4 Hobby license, and my Mach4Mill settings profile is attached. I know the controller (labeled as JP-3163B) is junk, but I want to ensure I can competantly control the CNC with Mach4 before investing in a Gecko 540 controller. Could someone please help me diagnose why Mach4 isn't allowing me to control the motors? Below is an image of the control board, where you can see the jumper settings. When I power on the unit, I can hear it lock and when accessing via the Planet-CNC USB software, I have full control, but nothing is moving/changing when I use Mach4.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated!