Messages

16

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / Re: PMDX-422 - External +5V Power Supply

« on: March 31, 2016, 04:18:27 PM »

Steve - thanks for the information.

I elected to use an external power supply because I was unsure that the USB connection could power the PMDX-422, with a PMDX-407, with a ribbon cable connection to the PMDX-134.  This doesn't look like a good decision.  Your following comment is most important:

"With all this being said, an external power supply is not normally
needed. When you do use an external power supply, resetting the
PMDX-422 will require removing the USB connection AND turning
off this power supply."

Think I'll remove the External 5VDC PS.

Regarding your other comments about grounds...

The 48VDC PS, for the stepper motors, is connected as follows: 
V+PS to PMDX-134/J5 (+) and V-PS to the PMDX-134/J5 (-)

Axis limit switches are series wired (with N/C contacts) between
J7-11 and J7-Gnd
J7-12 and J7-Gnd
J7-13 and J7-Gnd 

eStop switches are series wired (with N/C contacts) between
J7-E-stop and J7-Gnd

None of these circuits are grounded to the chassis or mains ground!

17

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / PMDX-422 - External +5V Power Supply

« on: March 31, 2016, 01:17:52 PM »

Need some advice on how to properly wire an External 5V DC Power Supply to the J9 GND and +5V terminals.

My power 5V DC power supply has -V and +V terminals, as well as a GND terminal.  I've wired all my Power supply GND terminals to a chassis ground.

It's pretty obvious that the +V PS terminal should be wired to J9 +5V.

Should the -V PS terminal be wired to J9 GND ?

(These are Chinese switching power supplies and they don't come with any instructions)

18

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / PMDX-422 - Signal names for J11 Pins

« on: January 14, 2016, 06:17:16 PM »

It's possible to buy "USB-A to header" cables if you intend to put a NUC type computer in your electronics package with the PMDX-422 and other components.  The PMX-422 header pins don't have any labeling.  Looking at the bottom of the board, I can tell which pin is the shield ground but I'm just guessing about the remaining pins.  Please confirm or correct this:

When viewing the board with the USB connector on the RIGHT, signal names of the pins, from TOP to BOTTOM, are:

Shield Ground
Gnd (black)
USB+ (green)
USB- (white)
+5V (red)

Would be nice to have this added to the Quick Start Guide

Thanks

19

General Discussion / Disabling an optional 4th Axis on a CNC Router

« on: January 04, 2016, 12:05:28 AM »

(Hoping this doesn't show my ignorance too much.)

I'm building a 3-axis CNC router.  The router will have a a 4th 'A' axis rotary device that will be used on occasion.  My configuration uses the PMDX-422 BOB, Driving Gekko G203V Stepper drivers through the PMDX-134 board.  From the PMDX-134 board I'll route the stepper motor wires to 4 panel mounted connectors - one for each of the 4 stepper motors.

When I'm not using the 'A' axis is it possible to just unplug it without causing harm to the electronics?

20

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / Re: USB Pendant for Mach 4

« on: October 24, 2015, 12:28:42 PM »

Re-visited the Vista CNC site.
They now list software to upgrade their P2-S and P1A-S pendants from Mach 3 to Mach 4

If anyone has any experience using these pendants on Mach 4 - Please comment.
(thanks)

21

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / USB Pendant for Mach 4

« on: May 12, 2015, 12:18:17 PM »

Based on a reference note you had on your web site, regarding USB Pendants - I contacted VistaCNC.

VistaCNC's response:
"Our USB pendants  do not support Mach4.
We don't have Mach4 plugins yet. We are currently working on those plugins..."

I'm doing this "on paper" as I continue to acquire parts and try to understand it: 
I have an Intel NUC PC - usb connected to a - PMDX-410, PMDX-407, and PMDX-134, with (4) Gecko G203V's
I'm planning on running Mach 4 on the NUC PC.
Assuming plug-ins existed, would you just plug the pendant into an available USB port on the NUC PC. 

Does anyone have a USB pendant that will work with this hookup?? (or is that really a Mach 4 question)

22

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / PMDX-410 Pin Assignment Descriptions

« on: May 11, 2015, 02:46:39 PM »

First, I apologize if most of this is below your level of understanding.  Normally, I'd be able to get myself up to speed with more information - if I could find it.

Last week I got a PMDX-4101 (board says Rev B1)  QuickStart Paperwork says Rev0_2

Looking at the board, the large Green 6 position connector Is, I believe, J10.  pin positions are labeled
gnd, E-stop, "A", "B", "C", and +5S

I'm having trouble working this information back to the Quick Start Guide.  There's no mention of J10 in the guide and there's no description information for the pin outs.