Motor Driver (24-70 volts DC, up to 5.6 amps, microstepping from 1/2 to 1/125)

will mach3 work on a cnc masters mill

Yes, you can use the Mach3 software on a CNC Masters Mill, but you will need to replace the main controller card with one of the following: Our breakout board (works with Mach3 and LinuxCNC and requires a parallel port on your computer): https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay The PoKeys57CNC (works with Mach3 and Mach4): https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board Generic USB breakout board (works with Mach3): https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board This board will need to be connected to the drivers for each stepper motor. From my research, these mills have gecko drivers to drive the individual stepper motors. It has also been noted with the power supply may be under powered as well. If you feel that is the case, you may want to consider replacing that as well.

When I plug in my Pokeys57CNC interface, it does not work.

There is a jumper next to the USB connector on the Pokeys57CNC interface. The jumper has a label "EXT/USB". Move this jumper to the USB position (with the interface unconnected) and then connect the USB. The status LEDs will light up when you do this. Additional Information:

What revision is the PoKeys57CNC offered for sale? v1.1 or 1.2?

The pokeys57cnc controllers are the latest version from the purchase date. Our current inventory as of the date of this solution (9/13/2020) is v1.6. We receive inventor from the manufacturer very frequently to keep the version fresh.

We have purchased a lot of your equipment and are considering the PoKeys57CNC. Will it support a torch height control?

I think the Pokeys57CNC will be able to control the THC (Torch Height Control). Polabs also sells a THC that I may start to hold in inventory and in the description, this device will work with the Pokeys57CNC. https://www.poscope.com/product/plasmasensout/

Using a Pokey57 CNC and Mach 4 can you tell me how to connect my laser. The laser has three wires.. Ground - 12V Power and PMW.

Do you have a TL or a TH for triggering the laser? If you power the digital side of your laser power supply with 12V and tie the gnd with the PWM gnd on the pokeys57CNC controller, you may be able to use the PWM on the pokeys57CNC controller. Before you do this, I would suggest that you contact polabs support (http://support.polabs.com/) and ask them if this is possible.

The X-axis stepper motor on my BlackToe suddenly started acting up. It is wired bipolar series, and was working great but then in the midst of a cutting operation the stepper started sounding rough- as though one of the phases was shorting out. However, all the connections and wires are in tact. Any ideas what would most likely cause this?

If the motor starts acting rough or is excessively trying to move without physically moving the input shaft. Re-check that your pins are in the correct settings and always set the amps required to the closest needed but not exceeded (ex. required 3.00A, but only having 3.14A revert from using 3.14 and go lower to 2.57A). Also a software issue that can affect the motor is Config/MotorTunning/(x,y,z)-axis, if you are trying to push your motor to move at a faster rate by modifying the acceleration and velocity could cause your motor to fail if the settings are to high. Lastly out of those two tests, would re-check wiring for continuity lastly. Additional Information: Also, even if the wiring was checked thoroughly, re-check the wiring for any chafing from wire ties or any other means of causing a short with two or more of the motor wires. You can also try swapping the motors from another axis to determine if the cause is derived from the driver or the motor. Additional Information: I disconnected the stepper motor entirely except left the yellow and blue wires tied together and the motor still made the sound when manually rotating the shaft. When I disconnected the yellow and blue wire the motor rotated smoothly again, so there must be a short inside the motor. Is there a warranty on the motors you sell?

the relay on the 57CNC card turns on and the VFD starts up but it won"t turn off. Relay #1 stays on all the time. Even the Estop won't turn it off. Relay #2 doesn't work all

Turns out it was an electrical noise problem from the VFD. Troubleshooting showed me everything worked perfect even with the drive powered up but when the VFD started it would NOT stop from Mach3. I had run shielded cable and grounded it in the VFD but I had an intermediate break in the shield wire at my Master Control Relay (MCR) that is activated by an Estop on my control panel. This confirms the importance of shielded cable and making sure that the shield is contiguous. My guess is the wire(s) going to the dry contacts on the relay carried enough energy to fire the base of the transistor supplying coil voltage to relay #1. Or there might have just been enough induced voltage to the relay to fire the relay coil. I've fought similar VFD noise issues for 25 years and it still amazes me how pesky it can be. It's impossible to maintain any separation of signal and motor leads in the tiny space in the VFD. Additional Information:

Placed an order for the cable set for the Pokeys57cnc interface on 10/20 but it is not showing up in My Account as being ordered. It was charged to my credit card and I have not had any info that it was received by you.

Sure, let me check. Additional Information: Your order was shipped out on Tuesday (10/20/2020). I noticed that your email was not stored in the customer record when the order was made. I will send you the tracking number via email now.

output will not work in windows 10

For both of the controllers that I recommend, the pokeys57CNC and the Mach3 USB controllers, will both work fine in windows 10. If you are using the Mach3 USB controller, confirm that the output in the ports and pins configuration is using port 3.

On the pokeys57 board should I use the limit/home plug or just the block next to that plug form setting up home proximity sensors? I have them on the plug now and can not get them to work.

For setting up home proximity sensors on the PoKeys57 board, it's typically recommended to use the designated limit/home terminal or pin. This is because these ports are specifically designed for connecting limit switches or proximity sensors used for homing. If you've already connected your sensors to the limit/home terminal and they're not functioning properly, here are a few troubleshooting steps you might want to consider: Check Wiring and Connections: Ensure that the wiring to the sensors is correct and secure. Sometimes a loose connection can cause issues. Sensor Configuration: Verify that the sensors are properly configured in the software you're using to interface with the PoKeys57 board. This could involve setting the correct sensor type (NPN or PNP), and ensuring the software is looking for the homing signal on the correct pins. Test Sensors Individually: Disconnect other inputs and test each sensor individually to isolate the issue. This can help determine if the problem is with a specific sensor or the board itself. Firmware and Software Updates: Ensure that your PoKeys57 board firmware is up to date, and that you're using the latest version of the control software.

On the pokeys57 board should I use the limit/home plug or just the block next to that plug form setting up home proximity sensors? I have them on the plug now and can not get them to work.

What are the voltage requirements for your proximity switches?

My stepper motors are randomly and frequently stalling while using the Pokeys57CNC controller board, any idea what could be the issue?

I would suspect that the velocity and/or acceleration is too high for the amp setting on the driver. Consider increasing the current amp setting on the driver is the motor can handle the current, or decrease the velocity and/or acceleration. You might also want to check to see if you have any mechanical binding on the machine. To check, remove the mechanical drive mechanism so the axis slides freely and slide it from end to end to feel if you have any tight areas or binding. Additional Information:

My pokeys57cnc board is showing the Probe active all the time. I have removed all connections to the probe inputs on the board including the grounds and it still shows active.

Which input on the board are you using? Additional Information: I'm having the same problem, and the net is offering no answers. It was working fine, then quit. I'm guessing some kind of update broke it Additional Information: I'm having the same problem, and the net is offering no answers. It was working fine, then quit. I'm guessing some kind of update broke it

My plasmacam cnc machine has servo motors with an optical encoder to provide position sensing. Can the pokeys57 cnc controller and drivers run those servos?

Yes, the Pokeys57CNC can control standard CNC or plasma machine servos as servo drives accept step and direction signals just like stepper motors.

My computer doesn't have a parallel port connection. Can I use a usb to parallel port cable to communicate with my breakout board?

A parallel to USB adapter will not work. You will need to use a USB interface like the ones below: Mach3 USB interface: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board Poeys57CNC Interface: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board Additional Information: To answer the question in more detail, the parallel port is actually an extension straight from the CPU and is also called the GPIO (General Purpose I/O) pins. These pins carry signals independently, hence the description as being a parallel port. The stepper motor driver receives a pulse train (series of pulses). A single pin on the parallel port sends a pulse train to one stepper motor driver and stepper motor for a single axis. Another pin on the parallel port sends a pulse train to another stepper motor driver on another axis. This happens simultaneously as with the direction signals for each axis. If a parallel port is adapted through a USB (using an adapter), the parallel port cannot have these signals happen in a simultaneous fashion and will cause the stepper motors of a CNC router or machine to be very clunky, if it works at all. To elaborate, the computer sends an instruction to the USB to send a high signal to pin 1, so it does, then another signal to pin 2, so it does. This is happening one after another. The speed at which this happens is reduced dramatically, and the position of one axis may now be out of sync to another axis. The reason the USB interfaces (linked above) work is that the USB delivers broad instructions to the interface (to a microcontroller) and the interface parses the instructions and outputs simultaneous signals to the stepper motor drivers. Hope this helps.

Is there a guide on setting up Mach4 and PoKeys57CNC software?

Here is the setup guide for setting up the PoKeys57CNC and Mach4: https://www.poscope.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/Pokeys/LibrariesAndPlugins/Mach4%20and%20PoKeys57CNC%20-%20step%20by%20step%20guide.pdf Additional Information: This guide doesn't help

I want to trigger a plasma torch with the Pokeys57CNC that I bought from you. I am connecting a Proma THC following your basic instructions for the Plasma sense But I don't know what I would use to trigger the torch. I watched the video on lazer engraver. Can I use the same for triggering a plasma torch?

Yes, you can use the onboard relays on the pokeys57CNC controller to trigger the plasma torch.

I purchased the 3 Axis Heavy Gantry Electronics /w Pokeys57CNC controller and the motors supplied only have 4 wires coming out of them (R,G,B,Blk). Your wiring video shows wiring 8 cables. do you have a video showing how to wire the 4 wire version?

Red is A+ Blue is A- Black is B+ and Green is B-

I need your assistance... I have two items left to setup on my Pokey57CNC and Mach4, Home switches and Spindle Speed. I have watched the videos, but they are for Mach3 and the screens are different in Mach4. Can someone please explain the setup of these two items in Mach4?

Polabs prepared step by step user guide for PoKeys57CNC and Mach4 to try answering such questions. It is available in our downloads section: https://www.poscope.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/Pokeys/LibrariesAndPlugins/Mach4 and PoKeys57CNC - step by step guide.pdf

I just ordered a Pokey57 board. Do you have the pendant and lcd for this?

We have the LCD but we don't have the pendant just yet. https://www.newbiehack.com/categories/newbiehack-LCD_Displays_and_LEDs-LCD-20x4 The "newbiehack" website is a website owned by us and is under the PHD Robotics, LLC. Company.

I installed a pokeys57cnc and use Mach3 for the mill. When I page up or down the Z axis moves down. Is there a setting I need to change? I checked the Z axis wiring and it matches the X and Y axis which function correctly.

If the Z-Axis is moving down when you press the page up or page down (or by moving the z-axis by another means like with an MPG, Pendant, or the built-in MPG in Mach3), then the direction signal wire is not connected correctly. The direction signal wire works by moving in one direction with a low signal (like gnd) and moving in the other direction with a high signal (like 5v). If the signal stays at one of the two signals, it will only move in the direction of the current signal state. Recommended action is to determine if the DIR- and DIR+ signal wires are connected securely and make good contact at the driver and controller sides.

I installed a pokeys57cnc and use Mach3 for the mill. When I page up or down the Z axis moves down. Is there a setting I need to change? I checked the Z axis wiring and it matches the X and Y axis which function correctly.

To make an axis move in the opposite direction to what it is currently moving, you will need to toggle the ":direction:" active low setting for that axis. for instance, if when you press the page up button and your z-axis move down instead of up, then you need to make this change in the configuration. To do this in Mach3: - Click on the config option in the top menu - Click on ports & pins - Click on the motor outputs tab - on the axis you wish to reverse, click on the "dir active low" to toggle the state of that parameter.

I have registered version of planetcnc software that I purchased with a Chinese controller I want to use 3 better drivers with a separate USB controller can you recommend a controller and how to link my existing software. Regards Lloyd from Australia

You can only use the planet-cnc interfaces with the PlanetCNC software. If you like the software and want to remain with that software, the hardware interfaces will need to be purchased from the planet-cnc folks. I would recommend using the Pokeys57CNC interface which is compatible with Mach3 and Mach4. You can also consider the Mach3 USB interface if the Pokeys57CNc interface is out of your price range. Pokeys57CNC product page: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board Mach3 USB product page: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

I have a ShopBot CNC that was converted to Mach 3. The controller has gone out. I pourchased your Pokeys57 board, but I'm not sure I have everything I need. I think my motor drivers are OK, but am not sure how to wire them to what I purchased from you. Need Help. How can we make this work, or do I need a different board to distribute the movement signals to my drivers?

You should have no problem connecting the Pokeys57CNC controller to the drivers of your machine as long as the drivers have step (Pulse or PUL) and direction (DIR) terminals. You will need the cable pack that is sold separately so you can connect the headers/connectors of the pokeys57cnc controller to the drivers using ribbon cables. I show this process in great detail on this page: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board Is you scroll down on the page, you will see a set of videos that show the process step-by-step.

I have a Glack CNC motor and VFD and confused if a ground from the Pokeys57 needs to be ran to the VFD to turn on and off the motor and to also control the speed. I can provide a picture

No, ground from the pokeys57cnc controller should not be required. Your VFD should have two terminals that will turn on and off the spindle (forward, or stop). These two terminals simply need to be connected to each other to invoke that operation. In the VFD manual, you will see a schematic with a normally open switch symbol between these two terminals. The onboard relay on the pokeys57CNC would be a great feature of the board to connect to the two terminals of the VFD.

I can turn the flood coolant on using the toogle in Mach3 so Mach3 is talking to the PokeysCNC board (using output3). In spindle setup, Output3 is assigned to flood and the disable box is not checked. Output 3 is enabled and assigned to the correct relay. However, coolant does not come on when the spindle is turned on. Any suggestions about what I am doing wrong would be appreciated.

You may need to add the m7 or m8 code to turn on the coolant or mist and m9 to turn it off. I will look further into this to see if mach3 can turn on the coolant when the spindle is turned off. I believe the coolant is a separate function from the spindle control since you may not need coolant for every material that you will be milling. Additional Information: Additional Information: I have tried typing M7 and M8 into the MDI with no success. I can toggle the coolant on and off using the flood control button. Water flows and the LED lights on the diagnostic page. I followed the setup instructions in the video on the Pokeys57CNC page, which includes the spindle setup page. Those videos are very helpful. Additional Information: To close this question - The M7 M8 commands did start working. I never figured out why they would not work before. I still cannot get the coolant to turn on with the spindle from the Mach3 set up. I have given up and just make sure the M command is in the g code. Additional Information:

I am trying to decide which board I should use. I have a wireless MPG and every time I jog Z my X axis steps. If this is not a board issue I would like to go with a wired MPG. So I would like a board that I can have a wired MPG, use a tool touch off probe, control either spindle (VFD) on/off or on/off with speed control, and have homing switches.

A wireless MPG is generally independent of the controller since it communicates to Mach3 directly and does not pass through the controller. I am using a wireless MPG and I have no problems with either of the controllers that I sell (Mach3 USB controller or the Pokeys57CNC controller). The issue you are having may be in the configuration of the wireless MPG that you are using.

I am trying to connect my pockeys57cnc usb controller to my mach 3 software. I am totally lost on how to configure it all. Any help?

Did you watch the videos on the product page? https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

I am running 2 pokeys 57 devices on mach3, and apparently the e-sops are conflicting. Is ther a way to disable one or get them to work together?

I am posing this question to the PoLabs folks. I will provide a respons when they get back to me. Thanks for the patience. Additional Information: Polabs response: The E-stop MUST be connected to the device that is used as the motion device. Additional Information: Here is more elaboration from PoLabs and a question regarding the need for multiple devices: Although the PoKeys plugin for Mach3 supports multiple PoKeys devices, only one device can be a motion controller. Since, PoKeys57CNC is always configured as motion controller by the plugin, there shouldn't be more than 1 PoKeys57CNC used by the plugin at a time. May I ask you about the application and why there is a need for multiple PoKeys57CNC devices?

I am looking for pin number for the digital input 57cnc, in combination with keymapping. Thanks

On the following webpage: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board there is a diagram with all of the connectors shown. Each connector has the pin number displayed next to the pin. In Mach3 or Mach4, cgo to the plug-ins configuration for the Pokeys57CNC controller and go to the key mappings and select the pin number you would like to use and modify its function by click on the down carat to see all of the available functions.

I am looking for a controller for a 3 axis dual Y stepper cnc machine. If at all possible I would like a list of the parts that will be needed. I prefer to go with an ethernet setup vs a parallel port.

All of our controller will allow two steppers on any of the axes. Multiple stepper motors and drivers on a single axis is more a function of the way the stepper motor drives are connected to the output pins of the controller. To connect two stepper drivers to a single axis, you need to connect the output pins (dir and step) to each of the two stepper motor drivers. Consider the controller on cost, features and how they are connected to the computer. Out lowest cost controllers are: Mach3 USB board - Has good features and uses the USB from the computer as the main connection https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board Parallel Breakout - The computer generates the main signals and this board conditions the signals for the drivers. Although it requires the parallel port from older computer, the board has the most broad compatibility with control software out there including Mach3 and LinuxCNC. https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay Highest cost but most feature rich: Pokey57CNC - works with both Mach3 and Mach4 https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

How to wire drivers to pokey57

Here is the list of videos that I created to show how to connect pokeys57CNC interface. I go over connecting the Pokeys57CNC to stepper motor drivers, connecting limit switches, connecting to the VFD (variable frequency drive) for the spindle control and even conect a laser triggering. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6PplMTH29SETy_UYRcKQDspJOin_lzDB

How do you wire the connection between the vfd and the pokoys57cnc breakout board?

The Pokeys57cnc board: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board This board contains a 0-10V output at pin #17 that can be connected to the spindle's VFD 0-10V input. On the VFD, this terminal is typically called AI0 or above. Pin #14 on the Pokeys57cnc board can also be used as a spindle error input. The Galvanically isolated I/O section of terminals on the Pokeys57cnc board (which also contain the pins 14 and 18, can be used to serve as the on/off for the spindle/VFD using the VFDs digital input. Additional Information:

How do you slave an axis with pokeys57cnc?

Do you wish to slave the axis in Mach3 or Mach4?

How do you slave an axis with mach3 and pokeys57cnc? My slave axis is only going one direction as a slave and goes correctly in both directions when I direct it with an xbox controller.

Do both motors, the main and slave work correctly when using the arrow keys?

How do you configure usb cnc and the mk1 board to toggle the laser? I use jscut.org to create gcode files and am wondering if I create a setting to disable the laser when it goes a certain distance above 0 on Z+.

I recommend using a an output terminal to turn on and off the laser for safety. All you need to use is the M7 (or 8) to turn the laser on and M9 to turn it off. These M codes are use in conjunction with the output terminals to control external devices. The last Pokeys57CNC tutorial part explains this concept. You can use this idea with your controller. https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

how do you automatically turn on the router with pokeys57cnc and mach3. Mach3 is different from the mach4 example "step by step guide".

There is a video on this page: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board that demonstrates the start and stop for a spindle with the Pokeys57CNC controller and Mach3. The video is titled, Spindle Start/Stop Control. If you are trying to start/stop a router rather than a spindle, all you need to do is apply the same concept of using the relay by passing the black (live) wire of the power cable through the relay. The Mach3 configuration is the same.

how do I know which axis goes to which plug on pokeys57 board?

The pokeys57cnc controller's motor connectors are as follows: Motor 1 = X axis Motor 2 = Y axis Motor 3 = Z axis Motor 4 = A axis Motor 5 = B axis Motor 6 = C axis Motor 7 and 8 are two extra axes, D and E I would guess as I have never used them.

How do I interface to a laser with the Pokey57

We have a video that shows the connection and implementation of a CO2 laser on the youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M2SCYTNDi0&t=17s That video should show how I'm connecing the Pokeys57CNC to the laser tube power supply TL/TH terminal. I also show how to configure Mach3 to trigger the laser on and off using the M7 and M9 codes. Let me know if this helps.

how do I hook up encoder alarm on Pokeys57 board

Are you referring to an alarm output from a closed-loop driver? If so, you can use any of the pokeys57cnc inputs (i.e. axis limit input) that will serve as a way to stop the machine when the driver has exhausted all attempts to achieve the commanded position. Additional Information: Ok thank you, what about pin 7 on the motor connector? it says errorin do you know if that can be used for this?

Hi, is it possible to operate red USB controller with Mach4? What plugins do I need? Thank you.

No, the red mach3 USB controller will only work with mach3, you will need the pokeys57cnc. This controller will work with mach3 or mach4. Here is a link: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Hi there. I have an ex school Boxford HSRmi2 sat in my workshop, good condition and I'm assured it's all ok, but I want to rip everything out and go down the Mach 3/4 rabbit hole with servos. I need help at this point as I haven't done anything like this before and have no knowledge of controllers/motors etc. Could someone please point me in the right direction? Thanks.

If you are wanting to use servos, I would highly recommend using closed loop steppers and drivers. You will get the best features of both the servo closed loop and the exact digital positioning of stepper motors. For controllers: the pokeys57cnc will work with either Mach3 or Mach4 https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board Otherwise, you can use the Mach3 USB controller if you only an on using Mach3: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

Hi Do you know if your Mach3 interface board works with any of other of the current CAM programs such as MACH4?

The Mach3 USB controller only works with Mach3. We have a controller that works with Mach3 and Mach4 called pokeys57CNC controller. Here is a link to that controller: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Hello, I am trying to configure Home and Limit switches using the Pokeyes57cnc and NC switches. I am confused on the procedure of setting this up. wiring to the board and setting up in Mach4. Can you direct me to a tutorial or offer some suggestions? Thanks Dale

NC mechanical switch configuration is supported. You can download the manual from this page (Mach4 plugin and manuals): https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board The pokeys57CNC controller has input terminals and pins for limit switches on each of the 8 axes. There are three separate inputs per axis, two for the actual limits of that axis, and one for the home position. Connect each switch between the GND terminal and its respective axis limit terminal/pin. For instance, the limit switch will typically have three leads, COM, NC, and NO. In an NC configuration, the NC connects to the terminal/pin, say, Axis 1 lim +, and the COM connects to the GND terminal. In Mach4, in the new device wizard, make sure to specify the correct option on the home and limit switches that matches the machine configuration. Additional Information: can you use one switch per axis for home only?

Greetings...I have a P57 board and just curious if you have connected Lexium Hybrids before. I use a Step on P3....Dir on Pin 4 and a reference(Gnd). Thanks and very nice looking board.

If you have the closed loop drivers and motors, then I'm not sure if it will work, but if you have step and direction pins on your driver, I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Downloaded Mach4 and pokeys57cnc software, hooked everything up according to videos and motor isn't turning, do you have to designate a pin number in Mach 4, for the step and dir. using motor 1 block as video described (3,5, and 9). Thanks for your help.

You don't need to designate a PIN. In the pulse engine, you may want to try inverting the step low active. You also want to make sure that the pokeys57CNC ID is correct. If you had a previous pokeys57CNC, Mach 4 may be using a previous ID. You can try removing the plugin and start again so Mach 4 can recognize it and reinstall it.

Does the Redfly that I bought with the GreenBull in 2016 work with Mach4? Also I want to add a 4th axis and a spindle with automatic tool changer. Will this work too or do I need a new control board? I bought my CNC with a longer Z travel, so I have plenty of room for these. Thanks!

That will depend on the controller that was installed in the redFly. If the controller is a pokeys57CNC controller, you can use Mach 4 with that system. You can add a 4th axis and an ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) with the redFly system.

does the pokeys57cnc controller support slaving an axis?

All controllers actually support slaving as long as there are enough step and direction connections on the controller to allow for either the A, B, or C axis to be used. The feature is set up in Mach3 or Mach4. Under the config menu, you can select the Slave Axis selection and specify the A, B, or C axis as the slave. The A axis is motor connection 4, B is 5 and C is 6. Make sure to set the steps per unit the same as the main axis since Mach will not do this automatically.

Does the Pokeys57CNC controller support Auto-Squaring in Mach 4?

Yes, PoKeys57CNC does support auto gantry squaring if both master and slave axes are equipped with home switches independently.

Does the PoKeys57CNC board with MACH4 support simultaneous coordinated motion, as in controlling a 6 axis robot arm with large servo motors? I have 4 huge KUKA robots with complete control cabinets with all the servo drivers intact but the control language is so old and obsolete that it makes them pretty useless.

To use the PoKeys57CNC with KUKA, you will need to make sure that the servo drives will be able to receive pulses that are generated from their 8 step/dir signals. The PoKeys57CNC Manual states: PoKeys57CNC is a blend between general purpose PoKeys device and motor controller. The device is targeted primarily for controlling up to 8 STEP/DIR signal driven motors (stepper motors, servo drives, etc.) Here is a link to the Pokeys57CNC Manual: https://www.poscope.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/Pokeys/Manuals/PoKeys57CNC%20user%20manual%20(23.3.2017).pdf

Does the PoKeys57CNC board enable simultaneous coordinated motion, as in controlling a 6 axis robot arm with large servo motors?

Yes, the PoKeys57CNC generates simultaneous multi motor motion. This is a minimum requirement in CNC machine where, say, a circle is needed to be cut, both x and y axes need to move at the same time to create this circle. With robotic control, this is not a problem as you will be able to send the required instructions for the individual motors and the controller board will simultaneously move the motors to their commanded positions.

does the Mach3 USB Controller support Mach4

No, the Mach3 USB controller only works with Mach3. If you wish to use Mach4, I would recommend this very feature-rich controller: Pokeys57CNC controller https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Do you sell the 3 axis electronics combo , for heavy gantry , with the new Planet CNC usb controller ?

Unfortunately, we don't sell the planet-cnc controller anymore. They made a change to their software that prohibits us from creating the open source board. We do sell three other boards that may work for you. The Pokeys57CNC board is the mose feature rich and will work with both Mach3 and Mach4: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board The MAch3 USB board is a good inexpensive interface that will work well if you need the interface to be USB only: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board Our in-house parallel breakout board (ytou need a parallel port for this interface to work): https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay Most motherboards have the parallel port connector on the motherboard, but not as a connector on the back of the computer case.

Do you have a diagram on how to connect the vfd so the CNC controller box can turn the spindle on and off whenever i start a job?

The following videos are helpful when connecting the VFD to a pokeys57CNC controller; however, there is useful information on the external terminals of the VFD and how to connect the VFD to any controller using a relay. Additionally, the videos have useful information on how to program the VFD. Start and stop for spindle https://youtu.be/0SLFuM4tzuU Speed control: https://youtu.be/pA69t1ZLY2s The following video uses the Mach3 usb controller to control a spindle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi4M3DAtTXg

Could you please tell me how to wire the pokeys57 and driver DM860T or gecko driver ??

Have you watched this video by any chance? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVuqkf0L0F8 Our product page for the Pokeys57cnc contains this link for your convenience. https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Can't find your latest Utube on wiring pokey57

You can find the Pokeys57CNC wiring video playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6PplMTH29SETy_UYRcKQDspJOin_lzDB

Hello can i use the 3cfm vacuum pump with a 8x4ft working area table ?

Our 3 CFM vacuum pump is not recommended to be use as a vacuum. Unless being used to hold your material into place or creating a vacuum table, Small areas will work with this vacuum pump but not the entire 4' x 8' table area unless combined to create a vacuum table with multiple 3 CFM vacuum pumps.

36v power supply

Power supply had no DC voltage

What should be the wire connection

The wire connection to this driver will depend on What you are connecting to the driver. - For the motor connection to the driver, use the motor's datasheet for the connection schema. If the motor has 8 wires, apply the bipolar parallel connection schema. - For the power supply to the driver, use a DC power supply that does not exceed the rated voltage displayed on the front of the driver. 48VDC or 36VDC is recommended for this driver. - For the digital connections from the Mach3 USB controller to the driver, the PUL- and DIR- should connect to the gnd terminal on the controller. The XD (the X-axis is used in the example) should be connected to DIR+ and XP should be connected to PUL+ For the Pokeys57CNC, the step pin connects to PUL-, the DIR pin connects to the DIR- and the 5v connects to the DIR+ and PUL+.

wiring 8 wire nema 34 to this driver

This will depend on the part number of the stepper motor. Can you add the part number to this question in the "additional information" section of this answer?