Cnc usb controller tutorial how to#
So in this tutorial we will learn what is GRBL, how to install and how to use it for controlling your Arduino based CNC machine.Īlso, we will learn how to use the Universal G-code Sender, a popular open source GRBL controller software. If you use 2 relays and 0-10V connect output board terminals to controller like this:Ĭonnect Mk2/4 controller with wires to screw terminals.If you are thinking or you are in the process of making your own CNC machine, then most likely you will meet with the term GRBL. If you use 3 relays connect output board terminals to controller like this: Configuring controllers output pins in CNC USB controller software:Ĭonnect Mk3/Mk2 controller with output board.Do not connect terminals labeled “S”, “0”, “1”, “2” and “3”.Ĭonnect Mk3/4 controller with wires to screw terminals. If you want to use 2 relays and 0-10VDC output, connect output board terminals to controller like this:Ĥ. If you want to use 3 relays without the 0-10VDC output, connect output board terminals to controller like this: To know which output pin from controller is connected to which input of output board, please refer to tutorial in Step 1.ģ. Configuring controllers output pins in PlanetCNC TNG software:Ĭonnect Mk3 controller with output board like described above (connection for Mk3 and Mk2).Ĭonnect Mk3/4 or Mk3DRV controller with single wires to screw terminals. These controllers use screw type connectors so you will need to use single wires to connect controller with output board. These two controllers use 10pin IDC connector, which makes the connection of controller and output board very easy. Output board and controller connection: Mk2 and Mk3: They are used for connection of the controlled device:ġ – common movable contact of the first relayĢ – common movable contact of the second relayģ – common movable contact of the third relayĢ. This trimmer is used for calibrating the 0-10V output: Input 3 controls relay labelled 3 Trimmer: → Control signal input for SPINDLE, MIST or FLOOD from controller (or other external device), input S: Frequency signal input from Mk2/4 or Mk3/4 or other external device → to connect varying frequency signal from controller or some other external device, input → to connect power supply (12V DC, at least 200mA ), input → to connect variable voltage output with VFD, output This screw type connector is used for connection with Mk2/4, Mk3/4 or Mk3DRV controllers(or some other external devices) with output board: Pin 6 of this connector controls 0-10V output. Pin 3 of this connector activates relay 3. Pin 4 of this connector activates relay 2. Pin 5 of this connector activates relay 1. This IDC connector is used to connect output board with controller via 10pin ribbon cable (For Mk2 and Mk3). Output board connector description: IDC header: Output board can be connected with controller via 10pin IDC header or screw type terminals labeled “S”, “0”, “1”, “2” and “3”.ġ. Relays can be used as NO (normally open) or NC (normally closed). Output board has 3 relays and 0-10V output. It requires 12V power supply connected to a terminal labeled 12V (be careful with the polarity). Output board is used for control of external equipment such as VFDs, coolant systems, vacuum pumps etc.