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Breakout Board with Relay

Breakout Board with Relay

Regular price $28.50 USD
Regular price Sale price $28.50 USD
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Title

This breakout board will connect the parallel port of your computer to the drivers that drive the motors. A relay is featured on this board so another device can be controlled on and off, such as the router/spindle. There are 11 output pins that can control various devices such as stepping motor drivers, coolant, spindle, mist, air, etc. 10 of these pins can be dedicated to motor axes for a total of 5 axes. 4 Input pins are provided for limit or home switches. Make sure to connect a USB cable to the board so that the board can be powered. The USB will provide power to the board, the gate/buffer ICs and the relay. If the USB cable is not connected, there will be unexpected results as the parallel port does have power on the pins, but not enough to power the board.

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Instructions

1
Step 1
This is the suggested wiring diagram for the breakout board with relay. The breakout board is composed of many output and input terminals. These terminals are directly related to the parallel port pins but contain circuitry that only allows pins to provide signals in the directions labeled (input or output). Use the output to control the machine, like making a motor turn, or controlling a device on the machine, like coolant, mist, etc. Use the input pins to receive information from the machine, like a limit switch to provide travel limits for each axis.
2
Step 2
This tutorial will show you how to interface your Spindle Controller with Mach 3. This will turn the spindle on or off when Mach 3 gets a M3 or M5 command. In order to complete this setup you will need the following: a spindle, VFD spindle controller, parallel breakout board with relay, computer with parallel port and Mach 3.
3
Step 3
Open the front panel on the VFD. Connect two wires long enough to reach your breakout board to the terminals labeled FOR and DCM.
4
Step 4
On the breakout board connect the wires to the S and P terminals.
5
Step 5
On Mach 3 -> Config -> Ports and Pins -> Spindle Setup -> Relay Control set the Clockwise(M3) Output # to the Output number of your choice. We have it shown here as Output # 1.
6
Step 6
On Mach 3 -> Config -> Ports and Pins -> Output Signals make sure that Output # 1 is enabled, the port # is set to 1 and the Pin Number to the pin 16 which controls the onboard realy.
7
Step 7
We need to program the VFD to receive the run command from and external source. Press PRGM. This will display Pd000. Press the up arrow to change to Pd001. Press SET. The display will read 0. Press the up arrow to change the value to 1. The VFD is now programmed for external control for run commands.
8
Step 8
Now you should be able to turn on and off the spindle by pressing the "Spindle CW F5" button on the bottom right of the Mach 3 control window.
9
Step 9
Relay Operation: The relay on the breakout board is like having an automatic switch that can be triggered by g-code M3/M4 and M5. As shown in the picture, there are three connections for the relay: P, S and O. The P is the general connection. If you want to use the relay, there will always be a wire in the P terminal. The S and O are the other terminals that you may use. The S a normally open connection to P and O is a normally closed connection to P. In other words, the connection between P and S will only connect together if the relay is active and will be unconnected if the relay is not active. Pin #16 will control the relay from the control software such as Mach3 or Linuxcnc. For instance, in Mach3, go to config -> ports and pins -> click on the output signals tab and enter the pin number 16 on the signal that you wish to control. To connect the desired output signal to an actual function, click on the spindle setup tab and specify the output number that you applied the pin #16 (under relay control, or flood mist control). Example: if you want to control a router from the relay from the AC line (white = neutral, black = live and green = ground), understanding that the neutral and live create the completed circuit, either the black or the neutral can pass through the relay. Let's use the neutral wire as an example. The live wire would be cut and one end of the cut would be secured into the P terminal and the other cut end would be secured into the S terminal (use the O terminal if you want a normally closed connection). The live and ground wire would be uncut and travel from the plug to the router. The relay is non latching, which means that the relay is activated while current is applied to the relay. for instance, if you need the connection between P and S to be connected, then the signal to the relay must be live the entire time, which is typical with most relays.
10
Step 10
The typical connection that is made with this breakout board is as follows: Pin 2 terminal is wired to the X-axis driver CP- terminal Pin 3 terminal is wired to the X-axis driver CW- terminal 5V terminal is wired to the X-axis CP+ and CW+ Pin 4 terminal is wired to the Y-axis driver CP- terminal Pin 5 terminal is wired to the Y-axis driver CP- terminal 5V terminal is wired to the Y-axis CP+ and CW+ Pin 6 terminal is wired to the Z-axis driver CP- terminal Pin 7 terminal is wired to the Z-axis driver CP- terminal 5V terminal is wired to the Z-axis CP+ and CW+ The extra output terminals can be used for other axes or to control devices, like routers and spindles. In Mach3 or other control software, the low active should be enabled for the step. This is not necessary for the direction unless the axes is moving in the wrong direction. Enter the numbers associated with the pin numbers above in Mach3 (config -> ports and pins -> motor outputs) or other control software.

Questions & Answers

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  • Do you have a wiring diagram for a 3 axis system using your compotents. It would be nice if it showed the estop, limit switches,relays...

    Depending on the Breakout board that was purchased with your electronics combo, either USB or Parallel: USB: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout#prettyPhoto/2/ Parallel: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay#prettyPhoto/2/ These will have the inputs labeled on the board itself, for example: USB will have the inputs for all the axis from X, Y, Z, A, limit switches. Parallel there will be 4 inputs 10, 11, 12, 13, 16(relay). Which can be used as E-stop, Limits (for all axes if wired in a closed loop), and one relay for a spindle control on/off via mach 3 or mach 4 or a specific relay control that you desire.

  • Do the 5 Axis Breakout Board with Relay requires software to setup

    The breakout board does not require software to run, specifically. The breakout board serves only as a signal conditioner where the input signal from the computer is output at the corresponding terminal, or the terminal receives a signal and is conditioned and sent to the parallel connector to be read by the computer. As long as the software can communicate to the parallel port of the computer, then the breakout board will function.

  • Do limit switches plug into the break out board or the drivers?

    The limit switches will need to be wired to the breakout board

  • do i get the source code and circuits of the electronic

    Our CNC electronics offer wiring diagrams on the breakout board or interface product page. Each motor has a datasheet that depicts a wiring configuration. See the product pages of the device you would like to see the datasheets and wiring diagram. If you are referring to the electronic circuits that we produce in-house, the firmware source code is not available, but we can provide the schematic upon request by email or phone call during business hours.

  • can't get breakout board with relay working. in your video you show a 5v power supply input on the usb one but can't not find on this one?

    What part of your breakout board is not working? Are you having trouble getting a signal from the computer out of the breakout board to the drivers? The breakout board uses the USB as the 5v power source. Additional Information: Wiring the limit switches Additional Information: I am using my breakout board as port 2 from my ess smooth stepper only for limits so it's powered via 12v , now I want to use pin 17 to trigger my plasma will I still need to supply 5v power to is a well? As I'm not using the usb it's connected to smooth stepper via 25pin ribbin Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information:

  • Is the NEMA 11 Stepper Motor (16.7 oz-in .185" dual shaft) 0.67 Amps actually a dual shaft stepper motor? The drawings only show the shaft coming out one side.

    The NEMA 11 16.7 oz-in motor is a dual shaft motor and the rear shaft extend 15mm or .59 inches. I've added an image to the product page: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-nema11-16!7ozin-NEWBIEHACK-motors-stepping_motor-16!7_ozin

  • I want to buy a 59-inch acme screw, how many units is that?

    When ordering our ACME lead screws, you will enter the total length required in the quantity box. Note that it is sold in inches and the highest single length available is 78". We can cut any size to your specifications. If you require separate lengths, please order the total quality and then email us with your specific lengths desired. Email: customerservice@buildyourcnc.com (for length requests with purchased orders)

  • HOW DO YOU CALCULATE THE ENERGY OF PHOTONEUTRONS PRODUCED THROUGH INTERACTION WITH 7.5 MEV BREMSSTRAHLUNG FROM A LINAC? TARGET GENERAL COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS IN TRUCKS.

    http://hps.org/publicinformation/ate/q5906.pdf

  • I'm connecting my PCI-e parallel expansion card to my 5 axis parallel port breakout board. However, the 3.3 volts coming out is not triggering servo step. I can measure hi/lo coming out of the parallel port when using Mach 3. Is the low voltage likely the issue or should I look elsewhere?

    In the mach 3 software there is a setting that can be check to allow either a high or low to trigger you motor. In Mach 3 Config/Ports&Pins/MotorOutputs/StepLowA will enable the motor with a low Voltage. Adjust the motor outputs to there corresponding step pin/direction pin(if setup is following our diagram): Step Dirt x 2 3 y 4 5 z 6 7 Additional Information:

  • IF YOU HAVE CIRCUIT (OR PICTURE) OF HOW THIS RELAY IS CONNECTED TO THE ROUTER

    Check step 9 on this page: http://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay

  • If I buy a break out board where does it get it's power from, I don't see any 5 volt power supplies

    For the parallel Breakout Board, the USB will be its 5v power source, an Parallel will be its communication pathway. Now for the USB Breakout Board, the USB will be both its communicator and power source.

  • I wpold like to know how to hook up my water pump (12vdc 9 amp) to turn it on and off using Mach 3. I have your Blue Brew break-out board Rev. 2.8 dated 8-12. Explain how the three relay connections work for this application? Thanks.

    Since the pump will use a standard 12v power supply, you will have two wires. One of those wires will be connected from the power supply to the pump. The other wire will be connected to the power supply and the pump, but cut that wire and connect one side of it in the P terminal and the other end in the S or the O terminal depending on if you need the connection as NO (Normally Open) or NC (Normally Closed). Step number 9 in the instruction will have the relay connection information: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay

  • I was flattining my spoiler board when all of a sudden the machine shut down. Looking at the contollers the geen lights on all three are not on. Thouth it was the power supply. But a new one didn't solve the solutoin.

    The most likely cause of this is a limit switch was triggered, or the limit switch input had a spike in the signal. That can be caused by not using shielded cables for the limit switches. Make sure to disable the limit switches and E-Stop to see if that fixes the problem.

  • i want to use servo motors(panasonic liqi series) instead of stepper motor,would it work with your breakout board if i buy one from you?

    I would need to see the drivers and what type of input it requires. Additional Information: actually my neighbour is using panasonic liqi series servo motors, and yes i can show you the connections he made on the driver terminals. he had used a loacal made breakout board, which i dont want to use... the breakout board has 5 terminals, step,direction,vcc,ground,and 12v Additional Information: The connections are the same as stepping motor drivers. I would assume that those servo motors have the closed loop control between the motor and driver and the computer is not considered as a part of the closed loop. In that case, the breakout board would work fine. Additional Information: i've seen your videos related to the connections of the breakout board to the motor driver,your breakout board dont have 12v terminal as in that local made breakout board.can i provide that extra 12v from another source to the servo motor driver? i can send you the photos of the driver connections and the breakout board connections? how can i purchase your breakout board,can you send your parallel port breakout board to my country? how much would it cost me including shipping? Additional Information: What terminals will require the 12v power. If the 12v serves as the data signal level power for step and direction, then it is not possible with this board, but if the 12v serves as power for another part of the driver, then you can use a separate supply. Additional Information:

  • I want to add limit switches but I have no connections on the breakout board. Can I use a usb interface board for the limit switches as well as the parallel port for the running?

    You can add a limit switch to either the USB or the parallel board. Please refer to the product pages for these items to view wiring diagrams.

  • I purchased a parallel port breakout board. I have checked all the info and found nothing on the usb port. What is it used for?

    The USB port on the Parallel Interface board is necessary to supply 5V power. Connect with a USB cable to a USB source.

  • I need wiring instructions for the breakout board you sent yesterday. It is not like the one in the videos and I don't know where to connect the 5V. No data sheet or anything.

    The datasheet for the parallel breakout board is here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay#prettyPhoto/2/ The datasheet for the USB interface is here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout#prettyPhoto/2/ Additional Information: 20

  • I just finished building my first CNC with the electronics I purchased from you and I am already thinking about improving it. I would like to build a 2 motor X axis solution. Is it possible to attach 2 parallel motors and drivers to the BlueBrew Breakout Board? If so, how?

    Attaching two motors in parallel is possible, but you will need another motor and driver for the opposite side. Each motor must have its own driver to work accordingly and fluently. The two can be wired together, to the same pins on your breakout board and set the dip switches on the driver to match the ones on your x-axis(ex). But remember to view the orientation of the motor and which way it spins, since it is on the opposite side it will have to be orientated correctly to move in sync with the other motor.

  • I have propably blown my C10 breakout board. This is no longer available in your parts list. Is the 5 Axis Breakout Board with Relay a suitable replacement?

    Yes, the 5 axis breakout board is a very suitable replacement and also contains a relay for spindle/router control which is not on the C10 board.

  • I have an issue about the breakout board , i can't understand why i get ( -5V) instead of ( +5V) when i measure the voltage between the "Dir" pin and " com" pin

    It sounds like the meter red and black wires are being switched around. The breakout board should not be giving you a -5 volts. The voltages should be in the range of 0 and 5 volts. The voltages will change when you move the axis in one direction or the other.

  • I have a breakout board and it appears that the pin 12 connection has failed: when i move my limit switches to pin 11 they work; they don't work on pin 12. Do i need a new breakout board?

    For safety's sake I would recommend a new board because they are inexpensive compared to the electronics that they support. Alternatively, it's possible that the one dead pin is a simple fix, such as a bad connection or solder joint; if you feel comfortable making those repairs then it could be worthwhile to check. Finally, if you are not using all the input pins, you could continue to operate the limit switch on pin 11 and hope for the best.

  • I connected the electronics (for 2 x 4 feet) that I ordered from you. But how do I check if I connected all the wiring properly. There is neither any light on motor drivers nor on breakout board. And the motor shaft also does not move before and after the power supply is given.

    Did you connect the USB connector to the breakout board? Additional Information: YES I CONNECTED THE USB TO THE BREAKOUT BOARD

  • I can't seem to find information on spindle control via the breakout board. Can someone point me in the right direction?

    We currently can only control the On/Off of the spindle via Mach 3 and through our Parallel Interface Board. We have the listed instructions on our Parallel Interface Board webpage, will be a easy job that will included 2 wires (18-24g wire will be fine) from your inverter(VFD) to the location of your Parallel Interface Board. Parallel Interface Board webpage: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay In regards to our USB Interface Board, we are currently working on a prototype board that will allow the same On/Off capability with Planet-CNC. Prototype Board currently not available as of yet.

  • I can't find the diagram to hook up the parallel breakout board

    You can go here to find the diagrams and instruction on connecting the parallel breakout board: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay Also, please make sure to watch all of the electronics tutorial videos here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCElectronicsandWiring.aspx

  • I am using 5 limit switches on my 3 axis machine. I am using the usb controller for planet cnc. I would like to know where all the wires related to the limit switches get connected? A diagram would be helpful.

    The diagram for wiring the USB interface board is located here: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout#prettyPhoto/2/ Under the board illustration, there are three smaller diagrams of limit switch wiring. On each, there are two connections, the GND and the pin which are labeled at the ends of the circuit on the diagrams. The pin side would go to the axis label ++ or -- terminal (i.e. X++, or X--). The other end, labeled GND would connect to any ground terminal on the board.

  • How to unsubscribe the log account

    If you referring to deleting your current account, we can provide you with assistance if you email us at customerservice@buildyourcnc.com.

  • How to connect the 5 axis breakout board(old one) to the 1 Watt laser driver TTL input?

    Depending on the model BoB, we recommend wiring it to pin 6 or CP- for your z axis since our blackTooth laser and laser/spindle hybrid, will use the Z-axis as a trigger to enable the laser just as a CNC will use pin 6 or CP- for the z-axis to enable going downwards into the material. Additional Information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D2uYMVrglw This is the BoB that i have. I am an absolute beginner at this laser stuff. So if i wire it to pin 6 which is the z axis step pin on my board. what else needs to be done if i am using the mach3 engraving plugin. Can i use the step pin of the 4th and 5th axis instead? Additional Information: How to connect NVMPG cnc with 5Axis Breakout Board Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information: ??? ????? ?????? ? ?? ?????? ???????

  • How long is the typical build time for one of our machines.

    This will depend on expertise. Some of our clients can finish it within a night, others a weekend.

  • HOW IS THE ROUTER CONNECTED TO ELECTRONICS?

    The parallel breakout board has a relay that can turn the router on and off according to the control software in the computer. The router will turn on automatically prior to the machine moving (a time frame can be set so the router is up to speed). When the machine is finished and is not moving, the router automatically turns off. This is with the m3, m4, and m5 codes in the g-code. If you are interested in the USB breakout board, you will need to get an independent relay board.

  • How do you connect the spindle VFD to the parallel breakout board

    The parallel board contains a relay that is connected to pin #16. You can use this relay as the start/stop by connecting the relay to the FOR and it's related digital GND pin on the VFD. Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information:

  • How do I wire the breakout board to the driver?

    CP+ to COM CP- to STEP CP+ to CW+ (small jumper wire) CW- to DIR Additional Information: If the driver does not have CP or CW labels, the CP is Step and the CW is Direction or DIR. If you connect the 5v to CP+ (or Step+) and CW+ (or DIR+) and the pin to CP- (or Step-) and another pin to CW- (or DIR-), then in software, the configuration for the step on that axis must be active low. Otherwise, if you connect the GND to CP- (or Step-) and CW- (or DIR-) and the pin to CP+ (or Step+) and another pin to CW+ (or DIR+), then in software, the configuration for the step on that axis must be active high. Additional Information: If you have a driver that is labeled pul, dir and ena: Pul+ is the Step+ and Pul- is the Step-. Pul is short for pulse. A pulse will create a step. Don't worry about the enable terminals. On the x-axis, pin #2 can go to pul- and pin #3 can go to dir-. The 5v will go to pul+ and dir+. The configuration for each axis for step will be active low and toggle active low for the dir on each axis to make it go in the direction desired. Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information:

  • How do I wire / connect my limit switches to break out board?

    Connect to "Input" Pins on Breakout Board. Limit switches are connected using the NC (normally closed) Example: (Pin #) to... (NC 1st switch), (Com 1st switch) to... (NC 2nd switch), (Com 2nd switch) to... ...etc... back to "5V" ("Com") on breakout board Wiring diagram can be found here: See video on website under "Tutorials" > "Homing and Switches": http://buildyourcnc.com/PrimeronHomingandLimitSwitches.aspx

  • HOW DO I CONNECT A TOUCH PLATE TO THE BREAKOUT BOARD?

    The instructions on how to do this are found here, in these two videos, http://buildyourcnc.com/PrimeronHomingandLimitSwitches.aspx Additional Information:

  • Hi, Replaced broken computer power supply but some how wiped XYZ port perimeter configuration. Need steps to re-enter value for 4x8 vertical table. Thx.

    Are you referring to the parallel port? Additional Information: Yes.

  • Hi, I need assistance, the parallel breakout board I received looks different from the one on the video, does this one need a 5V supply? If so, where do I connect the positive and where do I connect the ground? Thanks for your help.

    Hi, this BBB comes with a USB port and its cable to power it up. Once connected to the computer a led in the BBB will light up to show it has power. Additional Information: Breakout board I have does not have USB port for the 5v power. Does the parallel port supply the 5V power?

  • hi, I atacched a laser system to my modified book machine. it worked fine for a few trials but for some reason has lost power and is not cutting through any more, it does engrave thou. what can I check for? I�ve tried everything I can think of.

    Make sure to check your supply lines. Air flow is especially important.

  • hi i think i have a faulty mk1 breakout board im having a problem with my limit ports before even adding any wires to the board am getting continuity between the x-- and the x++ pins is this normal or is my board faulty thanks.

    Getting continuity from the x--/x++ might not mean it is a faulty board, unless they are bridged, so both get a pulse rather than one. But to check if you might have a opposite connection for those input: Planet-cnc/file/settings/input/invert inputs/input 1/input 2. Additional Information: In input port section in config. Scroll down and you will see THC On, Up and Down. Enter your input pin numbers there.

  • Hi - I have wired in a breakout board (with relay) as per suggested wiring instructions (black toe 2X4). I want to wire in an estop but need some guidance on wiring. Also Mach3 is requesting I reset the estop, which suggests its expecting one? Can anyone help? Thanks. Miles

    The e-stop should be wired like a limit switch and can also be within the same limit switch circuit. Use one of the input pins to create the e-stop circuit. 1. Run a wire from the input pin terminal to the e-stop switch red side (one of the two terminals on the red side). The red side is NC (Normally Closed). 2. Run a wire from the other side of the red side of the e-stop switch back to the gnd terminal (or to the next switch - limit switch, NC terminal, then back to gnd, or to the next NC terminal of the next switch, do you see a recursive pattern here?). The wire that you use for the connections should be shielded and the shielding and any other loose wire within the cable should be tied to gnd.

  • Hey Guys, I have a brand new redleaf and 5x. In the final stages of wiring and wondering a few things. Can I connect the Mach3 USB board V+ V- to my frequency inverter (type YL600-2s-2k20)? If so where? Will your upcoming (part 2)video deal with this as well as final connections for limit switches and stop button? Merry Christmas!

    Yes, the Mach3 USB board has two terminals that require 24V connection. Most VFDs have a 24V output that can be used to power this part of the Mach3 USB board. The V+ and V- on the Mach3 USB is not absolutely necessary to operate the CNC machine/router. The V+ and V- of the Mach3 USB board powers the outputs, inputs, and spindle's speed and control. Here is the Mach3 USB link for more information: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board The new YL600 VFD we have in stock may not have this 24V output. There is a 12V terminal, but I have not tested that terminal if it outputs 12V, or if it is a 12V input. If you are only conecting limit switches to the Mach3 USB and need to power that portion, 12V will be sufficient. I will delve into these aspects in far more detail on video. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you as well!

  • have a parallel BOB, limit switches get triggered constantly when power is plugged in.

    How do you have the limit switches wired?

  • Does your breakout board work with low voltage 3.3volt parallel ports?

    The breakout board will work with 3.3 volt parallel port. The integrated circuits on the board bring the level up to 5 volts for each pin when engaged. The breakout board is powered from the USB port and this is where the 5 volts is acquired.

  • Does the break out board come with the short ribbon connectors? Mine was soldered together and the new one comes with a plug. If it does not come with one where do I get one, I need the short ribbon connector to go with it.

    The Breakout Board is a single product assembly, it will not include a short ribbon cable nor connectors. You can find the parts required to build or make your specific ribbon cable in our motion electronics page or follow the links below: 25 Conductor Flat Ribbon Cable: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsandmotors-connector-DB25-conductor-ribbon-cable 25 pin D-Sub Male connector: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsandmotors-connector-male-dsub-DB25-ribbon 25 pin D-Sub Female connector: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsandmotors-connector-female-dsub-DB25-ribbon You can also buy a complete DB-25 cable: Male to Female Parallel Cable: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-cable-wire-db25-male-female Male to Male Parallel Cable: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-cable-wire-db25-male-male

  • does breakout board with relay have built in pull up resistors for inputs?

    Both the inputs and the outputs on our parallel breakout board are built with pull up resistors. They are connected through resistor networks, going from VCC(5V) to the input/output pin.

  • Connect to cw230

    The parallel breakout board has output terminals numbered from 1 to 9. These are the terminals you will use to connect to the drivers. Each driver will require two of these terminals, say #2 and #3 for the step pulse and the direction signals. You will also need to connect the driver to the 5v terminal. An example connection: #2 output terminal from the breakout board to PUL- or CP- #3 output terminal from the breakout board to the DIR- or CW- 5v terminal from the breakout board to the PUL+ (or CP+) and DIR+ (or CW+) In Mach3 or MAch4, the output signals dialog box, the axis that will be used with this driver will have 2 as the output pin for step and 3 as the output pin for direction.

  • is it ok to use one pin for all of the limit switches wired NC and another pin for a z probe that is NO, or do all input pins need to be the same (NC or NO)? I would like to use LinuxCNC but will use Mach3 if necessary. a thanks!

    It's generally acceptable to use one pin for all of your limit switches wired Normally Closed (NC), and another separate pin for a Z probe that is Normally Open (NO). LinuxCNC is quite flexible and allows for mixed configurations of NC and NO switches. Just ensure you configure LinuxCNC correctly to recognize each pin's logic (Active low or active high). And perhaps run a few tests before running the machine. Additional Information: It's generally acceptable to use one pin for all of your limit switches wired Normally Closed (NC), and another separate pin for a Z probe that is Normally Open (NO). LinuxCNC is quite flexible and allows for mixed configurations of NC and NO switches. Just ensure you configure LinuxCNC correctly to recognize each pin's logic (Active low or active high). And perhaps run a few tests before running the machine.