DIY CNC Controller 3 Axis Assembly Instructions - Revision history

AJ Quick at 01:14, January 30, 2014

2014-01-30T01:14:48Z

AJ Quick at 01:14, January 30, 2014

2014-01-30T01:14:35Z

AJ Quick: /* Input and Output Pins */

2014-01-28T07:20:34Z

‎Input and Output Pins

AJ Quick: /* Testing the Connections */

2014-01-28T07:15:02Z

‎Testing the Connections

AJ Quick: /* Assembly */

2014-01-28T07:09:20Z

‎Assembly

AJ Quick at 06:54, January 28, 2014

2014-01-28T06:54:53Z

AJ Quick: /* Limit / E-Stop / Homing Switches */

2014-01-28T06:52:56Z

‎Limit / E-Stop / Homing Switches

AJ Quick at 06:52, January 28, 2014

2014-01-28T06:52:18Z

AJ Quick: /* Assembly */

2014-01-28T06:25:21Z

‎Assembly

AJ Quick: /* Soldering the Stepper Motor Control Chips */

2014-01-28T06:24:11Z

‎Soldering the Stepper Motor Control Chips

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
   |data4 =
   }}
 '''For assembly instructions for the 4 Axis kit, please see: [[DIY CNC Controller 4 Axis Assembly Instructions]].'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:14, January 30, 2014
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	{{Infobox
		+	\|title = DIY CNC Controller 3 Axis
		+	\|image = [[File:Finished DIY CNC Controller 3 Axis.jpg\|200px]]
		+	\|caption =
		+	\|label1 =
		+	\|data1 =
		+	\|label2 =
		+	\|data2 =
		+	\|label3 =
		+	\|data3 =
		+	\|label4 =
		+	\|data4 =
		+	}}
		+
		+
		+
		+
	'''For assembly instructions for the 4 Axis kit, please see: [[DIY CNC Controller 4 Axis Assembly Instructions]].'''		'''For assembly instructions for the 4 Axis kit, please see: [[DIY CNC Controller 4 Axis Assembly Instructions]].'''

@@ Line 246: / Line 246: @@
 | <center>24</center> || <center>25</center> || <center>Grounded</center>
 |-
-| <center>25</center> || <center>13</center> || <center>Input (Limit A)</center>
+| <center>25</center> || <center>13</center> || <center>Input (Limit A)<br />or Homing</center>
 |-
 | <center>26</center> || <center>NC</center> || <center>Grounded</center>

@@ Line 121: / Line 121: @@
 Using a multimeter or voltmeter, measure the voltage at the touch points located on the circuit board. Touch the meter between the touch point and any of the 3 ground points on the circuit board (marked "-"). You should measure around 5 volts at the touch point marked +5V in the center of the board, and 12 volts at TB6 the output for a 12 volt fan. If these measurements check out, it is safe to install the stepper motor control chips. If these voltages are not correct, please check all solder joints for proper connections.
-Now would also be a good time to adjust the potentiometers (see section "Adjusting the Stepper Motor Current") if you know what size motors you will be using. If you do not yet know, you should rotate the potentiometer all the way counterclockwise and verify on the touch points ("TP") that the voltage is as close to zero as possible.
+Now would also be a good time to adjust the potentiometers (see section "[[#Adjusting the Stepper Motor Current|Adjusting the Stepper Motor Current]]") if you know what size motors you will be using. If you do not yet know, you should rotate the potentiometer all the way counterclockwise and verify on the touch points ("TP") that the voltage is as close to zero as possible.
 ==Soldering the Stepper Motor Control Chips==

@@ Line 78: / Line 78: @@
 [[File:DIY CNC Controller 3 Axis Assembly Step 5.jpg|thumb|Solder 10k Resistor Networks]]
-Now move on to the 10K resistor networks (RN1, RN2, RN3, RN4). The resistor networks have six pins to be inserted into the circuit board, they MUST be oriented in a specific way. There will be a circular dot on the resistor network, line up that dot with the white dot on the circuit board ([[:File:DIY CNC Controller 3 Axis Assembly Step 5 Resistor Network.jpg|close up photo]]). Solder the connections being very careful to not connect any of the pins together. Trim the leads close to the circuit board.
+Now move on to the 10K resistor networks (RN1, RN2, RN3, RN4). The resistor networks have six pins to be inserted into the circuit board, they MUST be oriented in a specific way. There will be a circular dot on the resistor network, line up that dot with the white dot on the circuit board ([[:File:DIY_CNC_Controller_Assembly_Resistor_Network.jpg|close up photo]]). Solder the connections being very careful to not connect any of the pins together. Trim the leads close to the circuit board.
 {{Clear}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:54, January 28, 2014
Line 271:		Line 271:
	\| <center>4</center> \|\| <center>15</center> \|\| <center>E-Stop</center>		\| <center>4</center> \|\| <center>15</center> \|\| <center>E-Stop</center>
	\|}		\|}
		+
		+	==Circuit Board Dimensions==
		+
		+	The circuit board is less than 5.5" x 2.25". Mounting holes are 5.25" x 2.0" with 4mm holes (#6 screws can be used if 4mm screws are not available).
		+
		+	[[File:DIY CNC Controller 3 Axis Board Dimensions.jpg]]
		+
		+	==Heatsink Measurements==
		+
		+	A heatsink is required if using the controller with motors rated 2.0 amps and higher. It is best to make the heatsink out of 1/8"-1/4" aluminum, commonly available at a hardware store. The holes on the heatsink are 24.4mm apart. The centers of the stepper motor control chips are nominally 1.8" apart. If you have your controller assembled, it is best to transfer the holes from the control chips to your aluminum as it is possible for the spacing to shift during assembly. Apply thermal paste between the heatsink and stepper motor control chips for even heat distribution. Install a 12v case fan (not included) to help direct airflow over the heat sink. Drill and tap holes in the heatsink to accept #4-40 screws.
		+
		+	This drawing is for reference only:
		+
		+	[[File:DIY CNC Controller 3 Axis Heatsink.jpg]]

@@ Line 267: / Line 267: @@
 | <center>23</center> || <center>12</center> || <center>Limit Z</center>
 |-
-| <center>25</center> || <center>13</center> || <center>Limit A<br />Or Homing</center>
+| <center>25</center> || <center>13</center> || <center>Limit A<br />or Homing</center>
 |-
 | <center>4</center> || <center>15</center> || <center>E-Stop</center>
 |}

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:52, January 28, 2014
Line 132:		Line 132:

	[[File:Finished DIY CNC Controller 3 Axis.jpg]]		[[File:Finished DIY CNC Controller 3 Axis.jpg]]
		+
		+	==Setting the DIP Switches (Microstepping)==
		+
		+	The "DIP" switches on the circuit board controls the microstepping of each axis. There are three separate sets of switches (one for each axis). Setting all the switches to off will disable the axis. Shut off power before setting DIP switches.
		+
		+	We recommend 1/4 stepping. You will have less power than at full step, but a better resolution for increased precision.
		+
		+	{\| class="wikitable"
		+	\|-
		+	! Setting !! Switch 1 !! Switch 2 !! Switch 3 !! Diagram
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>Disabled<br />(Sleep)</center> \|\| <center>Off</center> \|\| <center>Off</center> \|\| <center>Off</center> \|\| <center>[[File:3 DIP Switch off-off-off.gif\|link=]]</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>Full Step</center> \|\| <center>On</center> \|\| <center>On</center> \|\| <center>Off</center> \|\| <center>[[File:3 DIP Switch on-on-off.gif\|link=]]</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>Half Step</center> \|\| <center>On</center> \|\| <center>Off</center> \|\| <center>Off</center> \|\| <center>[[File:3 DIP Switch on-off-off.gif\|link=]]</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>1/4 Step</center> \|\| <center>Off</center> \|\| <center>On</center> \|\| <center>On</center> \|\| <center>[[File:3 DIP Switch off-on-on.gif\|link=]]</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>1/8 Step</center> \|\| <center>Off</center> \|\| <center>On</center> \|\| <center>Off</center> \|\| <center>[[File:3 DIP Switch off-on-off.gif\|link=]]</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>1/16 Step</center> \|\| <center>Off</center> \|\| <center>Off</center> \|\| <center>On</center> \|\| <center>[[File:3 DIP Switch off-off-on.gif\|link=]]</center>
		+	\|}
		+
		+	==Adjusting the Stepper Motor Current==
		+
		+	The controller has variable power output for each axis that will allow you to use a motor rated between 0.5 amps and 3.0 amps. Determine the current of your motor from the specifications sheet, or by contacting the motor manufacturer. Values can differ greatly between motors, even if they appear to be the same size.
		+
		+	With the motors disconnected (or all DIP switches set to off) carefully apply power to your CNC Controller using a power supply with at least a 12 volt DC output.
		+
		+	Using a multimeter, touch the negative (black) probe to the ground connection coming from the power supply. Carefully touch the positive (red) probe to any one of the three touch points located on the circuit board and labeled TP1, TP2, & TP3. Here you will measure the motor current setting. You will need to adjust the potentiometer clockwise to increase TP voltage and counter clockwise to decrease TP voltage. The TP voltage measured is what tells the stepper motor control chip how much current to deliver to the stepper motor. If set too low, the motor may fail to function, and if set too high the motor or controller may sustain damage.
		+
		+	Use this formula to calculate the voltage at this point:
		+
		+	TP Voltage = 0.14 x Motor Current
		+
		+	If your motors are 1.0 amp, adjust the potentiometer clockwise until the TP voltage reads 0.14 volts. If you have a 2.0 amp stepper motor, adjust until it reads 0.28 volts. If you have a 3.0 amp stepper motor, adjust the potentiometer until it reads 0.42 volts.
		+
		+	'''NOTE 1: If you are driving a larger stepper motor (2-3 amps) you MUST add a heatsink to your CNC Controller to help dissipate heat. Failure to add a heatsink could result in the failure of the stepper motor control chip.'''
		+
		+	'''NOTE 2: If your motors are extremely hot during operation, consider decreasing the TP voltage by 0.1-0.2 from the calculated value. This will decrease the stepper motor temperature without much loss in power.'''
		+
		+	==Software Setup==
		+
		+	For a detailed Mach3 setup, please view our [[Mach3 Setup Tutorial]].
		+
		+	Please note that our control board has a unique pin out that differs from the pin out used in the past with our other kits. Please use the following pins:
		+
		+	*X-Step: 3
		+	*Y-Step: 5
		+	*Z-Step: 7
		+
		+	*X-Direction: 2
		+	*Y-Direction: 4
		+	*Z-Direction: 6
		+
		+	For a full listing of all the pins, please refer to the next section. (Utilize DB-25 values if using a parallel port for control).
		+
		+	==Input and Output Pins==
		+
		+	It is important to note that the input and output pins on the ribbon cable connection do not correspond directly with the DB-25 parallel port. Pin 2 on the ribbon cable connection does not equal pin 2 on the parallel port connection. This is due to the DB-25 plug reversing the pins on the ribbon cable. This table will help you locate the pins and their corresponding parallel port pins. If using the available parallel port adapter, there is nothing you need to do here. This is only for advanced users who control their boards differently.
		+
		+	{\| class="wikitable sortable"
		+	\|-
		+	! IDC Pin !! DB-25 Pin !! Description
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>1</center> \|\| <center>1</center> \|\| <center>Solder Point</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>2</center> \|\| <center>14</center> \|\| <center>Solder Point</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>3</center> \|\| <center>2</center> \|\| <center>X Direction</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>4</center> \|\| <center>15</center> \|\| <center>Input (E-Stop)</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>5</center> \|\| <center>3</center> \|\| <center>X Step</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>6</center> \|\| <center>16</center> \|\| <center>Solder Point</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>7</center> \|\| <center>4</center> \|\| <center>Y Direction</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>8</center> \|\| <center>17</center> \|\| <center>Solder Point</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>9</center> \|\| <center>5</center> \|\| <center>Y Step</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>10</center> \|\| <center>18</center> \|\| <center>Grounded</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>11</center> \|\| <center>6</center> \|\| <center>Z Direction</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>12</center> \|\| <center>19</center> \|\| <center>Grounded</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>13</center> \|\| <center>7</center> \|\| <center>Z Step</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>14</center> \|\| <center>20</center> \|\| <center>Grounded</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>15</center> \|\| <center>8</center> \|\| <center>Solder Point</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>16</center> \|\| <center>21</center> \|\| <center>Grounded</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>17</center> \|\| <center>9</center> \|\| <center>Solder Point</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>18</center> \|\| <center>22</center> \|\| <center>Grounded</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>19</center> \|\| <center>10</center> \|\| <center>Input (Limit X)</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>20</center> \|\| <center>23</center> \|\| <center>Grounded</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>21</center> \|\| <center>11</center> \|\| <center>Input (Limit Y)</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>22</center> \|\| <center>24</center> \|\| <center>Grounded</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>23</center> \|\| <center>12</center> \|\| <center>Input (Limit Z)</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>24</center> \|\| <center>25</center> \|\| <center>Grounded</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>25</center> \|\| <center>13</center> \|\| <center>Input (Limit A)</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>26</center> \|\| <center>NC</center> \|\| <center>Grounded</center>
		+	\|}
		+
		+	==Limit / E-Stop / Homing Switches==
		+
		+	Switches can be wired to the CNC Controller through the available input pins on the circuit board. Screw terminal connections are made availalbe on the following pins: 10, 11, 12, 13, & 15. Additional pins are available through solder points on the following pins: 1, 14, 16 & 17. The screw terminals are controlled through a pull up resistor, they will show +5V steadily unless grounded out. This will ensure a steady signal for your CNC control software. Limit switch and E-stop wiring is fairly simple. Wire a switch between the Ground (GND) terminal, and the respective screw terminal. Make sure your CNC software settings are setup for the correct terminal, and are activated when the switch is triggered. Normally open or normally closed switches can be used for limit switches and E-stop. Normally closed switches must be used for Homing switches, as you will wire up several switches on one circuit.
		+
		+	Typical input ports are as follows:
		+
		+	{\| class="wikitable sortable"
		+	\|-
		+	! IDC Pin !! DB-25 Pin !! Description
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>19</center> \|\| <center>10</center> \|\| <center>Limit X</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>21</center> \|\| <center>11</center> \|\| <center>Limit Y</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>23</center> \|\| <center>12</center> \|\| <center>Limit Z</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>25</center> \|\| <center>13</center> \|\| <center>Limit A<br />Or Homing</center>
		+	\|-
		+	\| <center>4</center> \|\| <center>15</center> \|\| <center>E-Stop</center>
		+	\|}

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:25, January 28, 2014
Line 110:		Line 110:

	Finally install the large electrolytic capacitors (C8, C9, C10) into the circuit board. Orient the longer lead into the hole next to the positive (+) symbol on the circuit board. The body of the capacitor also has a negative (-) running down the body. Solder the connections and trim the leads.		Finally install the large electrolytic capacitors (C8, C9, C10) into the circuit board. Orient the longer lead into the hole next to the positive (+) symbol on the circuit board. The body of the capacitor also has a negative (-) running down the body. Solder the connections and trim the leads.
		+
		+	{{Clear}}

	==Testing the Connections==		==Testing the Connections==

@@ Line 125: / Line 125: @@
 If everything checked out with the voltages and all connections look good you can now install the stepper motor control chips. The stepper motor chips are 23 pin SLA package chips that stick out of the board. There is only one direction you can install them in so carefully check to make sure you have them the right direction before inserting them. Some of the pins may have uneven spacing, so make sure to line them up with the holes before inserting the chip into the circuit board.
- Once all the pins are inserted, push the chip gently until it can no longer go any further. Line the chip up so it is sitting perpendicular to the PCB surface, flip the board over and solder the connections. Be extremely careful when soldering to ensure there are no bridges between the pins. Once the first chip is soldered, repeat the process for the other two. Line up those chips so they are parallel with the first chip. Once all are soldered, trim the leads.
+Once all the pins are inserted, push the chip gently until it can no longer go any further. Line the chip up so it is sitting perpendicular to the PCB surface, flip the board over and solder the connections. Be extremely careful when soldering to ensure there are no bridges between the pins. Once the first chip is soldered, repeat the process for the other two. Line up those chips so they are parallel with the first chip. Once all are soldered, trim the leads.
- Before powering up your circuit board for the first time, you should set all your DIP switches to OFF (see section "Setting the DIP Switches"). Only change the DIP switch settings after you have installed a motor.
+Before powering up your circuit board for the first time, you should set all your DIP switches to OFF (see section "Setting the DIP Switches"). Only change the DIP switch settings after you have installed a motor.
 [[File:Finished DIY CNC Controller 3 Axis.jpg]]