I removed the router head from my 2017 AVID (CNC Router Parts) 4896 Pro ESS NEMA 23 3/8" shaft router, which I use to cut foam (www.houstoncustomfoam.com ). I installed the Ecocam EOT-4 cutter head, the 4th controller for the A axis, wired it all up and can't figure out how to get the last part of the configuration correct. I use Cut 2D to generate a circular test file, cutting on the line. When I open the file and start the run, the X, Y and Z axes do just what they're supposed to and the image on Mach 4 shows the cutter following the circle path, with the angle of the knife doing what it is supposed to, turning slowly to stay tangential to the cutting path.

The problem is that the actual knife rotation does not behave as it should. In one configuration, I can get the A axis to jog using the screen button, and the knife does not rotate at all. In the present configuration, the A axis jog buttons do not work, and the knife just rotates continuously, like a drill. I have not been able to get the knife itself to behave properly, as it is shown on the M4 screen.

I'm asking for suggestions to get this going. Thanks in advance.

I use the Ecocam modules also.
Check the wires in the plugs.
They can be a little touchy about how far in they are.

Thanks for the reply. If you are talking about the 6-pin connector that goes to the cutting head, I checked continuity on all of the conductors prior to installation. I'm almost positive that I'm just missing a pin setting or something in Mach 4.

Did you check the other plug?
It has the limit switch and, I believe of the top of my head, the power for the unit.
What motion controller and breakout board are you using?

Correct, the other plug has the position sensor, which is plugged in and powered on. My system uses Ethernet Smooth Stepper (ESS) and Avid CNC's proprietary footprint 556 type controller called a CRP5056.

I would double check the step/direction lines.
It sounds like when I have seen people swap the lines.
Also, verify the + and - on them.
Verify in the Warp9 plugin the correct pins are selected for the motor output.

Thanks, I will do that. I had to put the router head back on for 3 days of paying work, so will reply after that.