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Advice request - Break out boards etc
« on: October 08, 2009, 05:30:48 PM »
Hi Guys,

I have a 3 axis CNC board I purchased a few years ago in the UK, and to cut a long story short, I never got round to finishing off the machine and trying it until a few months ago.  Well I got it working for a few minutes before something failed on the board.  It would appear that the company I got it from have ceased trading.  I'm now left with the decision of what to do now.  I spoke to a friend who uses Mach3 and likes it.  I downloaded the software and had a look at some of the videos and it seems to be much more professional than the other system I had. 

I've made a small 3 axis milling machine with steppers on the 3 axes. 

I was planning on getting some Bipolar stepper drivers from ARC Euro as below:-

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Stepper-Motors/Stepper-Drivers

My questions are:-

1) Which break out board would you recommend - I may want to add a 4th axis as well?
2) What else am I likely to need to make a workable system?

Any help would be appreciated.

Lindsay
Re: Advice request - Break out boards etc
« Reply #1 on: October 09, 2009, 06:42:06 AM »
Lindsay,

For most basic machines, we recommend our C11G – Multifunction CNC Board: http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=46

It will give the following features:

-   It will buffer all the signals and provide solid +5vdc@24mA TTL signals.
-   LEDs that show the status of all I/Os at all times.
-   Built in Safety Charge Pump (a must if planning on wiring relays to start/stop stuff).
-   Built in optoisolated analog output for spindle speed control.
-   Has to built in relays, which could be used for spindle on/off, cw/ccw, or coolant pump or dust collector.
-   Terminal to enable/disable your system at hardware level.  We recommend wiring e-stop in parallel with this terminal, so when you press stop all functions will stop, and not having to wait for the control software to take the action and disable the system.

For more options, please check our website: http://www.cnc4pc.com 

Arturo Duncan
http://cnc4pc.com
Re: Advice request - Break out boards etc
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2009, 11:17:21 AM »
I use a C11G with Gecko drives. The first board I had was just a streight thru board with no buffers or anything else. The C11G made it easy to hook up the drives, and has the built in Charge Pump, relays, and speed control. While I'm not using all of it yet, it's all there for future expansion. Arturo provides very good product support also.
Re: Advice request - Break out boards etc
« Reply #3 on: October 11, 2009, 03:39:29 PM »
Arturo,

Looking at the wiring diagram, it looks like this board will control 4 stepper drivers - am I reading this correctly?

Thanks and regards

Lindsay


Re: Advice request - Break out boards etc
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2009, 07:35:54 PM »
Linday,

Yes, the C11G is a 4-axis board.

Arturo Duncan
http://cnc4pc.com
 
Re: Advice request - Break out boards etc
« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2013, 05:25:18 AM »
I just bought a MB02 breakout board from Homman Designs in Australia and it works great.
Must recommend the leds on the outputs like the C11G, they make diagnosing setups a breeze.
My board doesn't have relays on the board and no optically isolated outputs. All inputs/outputs are
buffered however. This means if I use a separate 5V supply it must 'float' or risk damaging computer and or board.
It does  have jumpers to configure pullups/pulldowns and Vcom, handy. It has charge pump, hi and
lo enable signals all jumperable. Can configure (jumpers again) pins 2-9 as inputs if using as second LPT port.
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: Advice request - Break out boards etc
« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2013, 11:34:02 PM »
Another thumbs up for the MB02 breakout board from Homman Designs in Australia.

It was an easy decision as I'm in the same country.

I had a couple of knuckle head enquiries for Peter about the board.

His response to email enquiries was same day or next morning.


CalJet