Hey all,

Just finished building my CNC recently, started 10 years ago smh…but it’s done. Have the following:

PMDX-126
PMDX-107
ESS Ethernet SmoothStepper
Sunfar E550 VFD
4.5kW Spindle 18k 300hz

I got the spindle working in Mach 3 finally, turns off/on, RPM match, turns on/off with program no issues so far. Tried to port over to Mach 4 and cannot for the life of me figure out what the problem is. I can hear the relay turn in and the fan on the vfd start but spindle doesnt spin. I have 1-14 for PWM and 1-16 for FWD. I’ll post my pin/config shots from Mach 3 when I get home for review. Just wanted to get this on the board with some experienced eyes on it as soon as possible bc I’m at wits end.

Thank you!
-Ram

So........if it works in Mach3, I guess that points to the VFD programming being correct. Which in turn points to it must be something in the Mach4/ESS config. You have read through this,

https://warp9td.com/index.php/gettingstarted/setting-up-the-smoothstepper-and-mach4

right? Andy does have an amazing set of documentation over there.

Yup, unless I overlooked something. I’m using the latest Mach 4 build and ESS plugin recommended as well. I’ll post my config in just a bit, have to move the files over from the cnc computer in the garage.

See attached Mach 3 config and Mach 4 config

*One thing to note is Spindle Relay for Mach 4 is set to Active High not low like it is in the picture.

OK, I don't have a PMDX 107, but a PMDX 104. I have a PMDX 126. I couldn't use the 107, my spindle would stutter and slow or stop randomly and Steve never could figure it out, so I bought a 104 and it's been humming merrily along for years. But, that shouldn't matter.

I have a Hitachi VFD, but I think we've eliminated VFD settings seeing as it works with Mach 3.

I have two differences in my setup.

First page, I have PWM frequency at 300 not 25. This per Andy on the phone long ago.

Last page, Output signals I have Spindle FWD checked and setup for that pin, NOT Spindle On. And I CAN run my spindle forward and reverse from gcode or mdi, or the onscreen buttons!!

Those are the only differences I see other than I don't have the laser stuff setup.

And.........probably don't run Mach4 5000 or up, and probably only use ESS 285 with 4809 (likely, per Andy, to be safe)

See what you can figure out from that tidbit!!

Tom

 Just tried, no go. Can hear the click from the VFD but no spin on spindle. Using the latest recommended Mach 4 build and ESS recommended by Andy per the Warp9 page. I’m at a loss

Programmed my VFD as follows:


F0.00-1 > Set to external analog
F0.02-1001 >1-Is for external control, 0-Is for two line control mode 1 from (X1,X2 input pins), 0- Rev prevention, 1-Power on auto start
F0.04-300 > My motor is 300 Hz
F0.05-10 > I set Acceleration to 10 ... just a guess on my part
F0.06-10 > I set Deceleration to 10 ... just a guess on my part
F0.12-300 > My Motor Hz is 300
F0.13-220 > My Motor Voltage is 220V
F1.04-300 > My Motor Hz is 300 Hz

F1.08-11 > Set at 11 so X1 input pin of E500 VFD is set up for foward motor operation.

I'm stumped, hopefully someone else will show up with some ideas. Maybe try the Warp9 forum, Andy is GOOD. He'll get you going!!

But again, if the VFD works in Mach3, don't we think the VFD programming is not the culprit?

Right!? Totally agree, that’s why I’m losing it lol, cause I know it all works. It’s just getting it to work in Mach 4. Btw, setting Hz to 300 in Mach 3 actually makes the Spindle run way better. So there is a plus.