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Author Topic: controlling JP-3163B in 6040T USB CNC with Mach4  (Read 12471 times)

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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!
Re: controlling JP-3163B in 6040T USB CNC with Mach4
« Reply #1 on: December 27, 2017, 11:56:12 AM »
My guess is your controller doesn't have MACH4 support.  I'd suggest not wasting too much time with it.  I'm also not sure the Gecko 540 has a MACH4 driver either.  I don't see one on their website.  Plus that is a Parallel port board, not USB or Ethernet.  For an all in one, I'd suggest a POKEYS57CNC or the PDMX-424 board.  I just got my pokey board up and running and the support from PoLabs is excellent.
- Robert Beaubien
- Drone Plastics
-
“Dear Algebra, Please stop asking us to find your X.  She's never coming back and don't ask Y.”

Offline ger21

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Re: controlling JP-3163B in 6040T USB CNC with Mach4
« Reply #2 on: December 27, 2017, 12:03:08 PM »
Mach4 requires a motion controller with Mach4 support via a Mach4 plugin.
The G540 is not a motion controller, but a 4 axis stepper drive.

With Mach4, you would connect the G540 to the motion controller.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
Re: controlling JP-3163B in 6040T USB CNC with Mach4
« Reply #3 on: December 27, 2017, 12:21:10 PM »
Wow, you were both fast on the response; thank you. I'm still getting up to speed on the terminology, so hopefully, I didn't misspeak. The second board in the case is a JP-1635A (see attached), so perhaps that's the motion controller and the JP-3163B is the stepper drive?

Through projects at work, I've had experience with Pokeys boards, and it appears to be a cheap solution with good customer support. I hadn't seen the PDMX-424, but it also looks like a good solution. Considering Mach4 is the future, I felt it was pertinent to go with this version over Mach3. Am I hearing that it would be best for me to replace both the motion control and stepper drive boards for better options that are guaranteed to work with Mach4?
« Last Edit: December 27, 2017, 12:26:40 PM by rndpig »
Re: controlling JP-3163B in 6040T USB CNC with Mach4
« Reply #4 on: December 27, 2017, 12:48:51 PM »
The stepper drivers you have should work fine.  Only the motion controller board you have won't work.
- Robert Beaubien
- Drone Plastics
-
“Dear Algebra, Please stop asking us to find your X.  She's never coming back and don't ask Y.”

Offline ger21

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Re: controlling JP-3163B in 6040T USB CNC with Mach4
« Reply #5 on: December 27, 2017, 01:05:54 PM »
Yeah, you can use any stepper drives that you want.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
Re: controlling JP-3163B in 6040T USB CNC with Mach4
« Reply #6 on: December 27, 2017, 01:09:28 PM »
Thanks for that, but other feedback about this hobby CNC suggests the stepper drive will eventually disappoint me as well. Thus, if a higher quality, all-in-one motion controller and stepper drive option is available, that sounds like a good solution here. Just to confirm, would either the PMDX or PoKeys solutions be all that I need? My task would then be to remove the existing boards and re-configure with the new board, correct? Is that something that a newbie like me can handle?
Re: controlling JP-3163B in 6040T USB CNC with Mach4
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2017, 01:13:11 PM »
Replacing the stepper drivers would typically accompany replacing the steppers with a similarly rated capability.  You typically match the current rating of your stepper motors with a driver that can output a minimum of the steppers maximum capability.  I would simply replace the motion controller with something compatible with MACH4, get it running, and then upgrade steppers/drivers if you find it necessary.
- Robert Beaubien
- Drone Plastics
-
“Dear Algebra, Please stop asking us to find your X.  She's never coming back and don't ask Y.”
Re: controlling JP-3163B in 6040T USB CNC with Mach4
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2017, 01:15:35 PM »
BTW, I went a similar method to you.  I purchased a 6040 frame without electronics and purchased my own electronics.  Went through 2 motion controllers till I found the ones that truly support MACH4.
- Robert Beaubien
- Drone Plastics
-
“Dear Algebra, Please stop asking us to find your X.  She's never coming back and don't ask Y.”
Re: controlling JP-3163B in 6040T USB CNC with Mach4
« Reply #9 on: December 27, 2017, 01:22:20 PM »
RBeaubien - so what components did you ultimately go with? For the price I paid, I had no expectations that this 6040 would work outright, and while there were electronics inside, I have no issue with replacing components to build a nice hobby CNC.