New Hobby CNC Router Build Help

[KX9DK]

Hi,

Looking for hardware suggestions to get my new build up and running.

Here is what I have so far:

1. 4' x 4' rolling chassis
2. 3 Axis using Lead Screws, plan to use 4 Stepper motors (Y Axis slaved)
3. Porter-Cable 890 Router
4. Laptop (Windows 10, 64 Bit) with USB ports

 I plan to purchase Mach 4 Hobby Version

Suggestions on PMDX product configuration(s) and other hardware needed to get me up and running.

Thanks,

Dave

[Steve Stallings]

The PMDX-414, PMDX-416, and PMDX-424 would all work for this machine.

The PMDX-424 is more expensive but offers isolation of the USB port which
can help if electrical noise from the router is expected to be a problem.

The other two boards are not isolated from the USB port, but do offer
a simpler solution that mounts very easily and is powered directly by
the USB port.

In all cases you will need a large solid state relay to turn the router on
and off if you wish to automate that function.

[4x4Scout]

You mean something like this?

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.TRS0&_nkw=12V+24V+48V+110V+5V-110V+Max+10A+DC+Motor+Speed+Control+PWM+MACH3+Speed+Control&_sacat=0

[Steve Stallings]

Not that style. They are intended for lower voltage DC motors.

The style I was referring to was like these:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=24V-380V+25A+SSR-25+DA

No PWM ability, but rugged on/off control for large AC powered brush type routers.

[avengine]

Hi Steve,
what is the pro on con of this solid state replay vs the one that I got from your Contactor MD20-120?
I have get the relay working well now.
Thanks for your help.

[Steve Stallings]

PRO: Solid state relays require very little signal power to control them. A logic
level output can drive most of them.

PRO: Because they have no moving parts, they can be used for things that
turn on and off frequently and still live a long time.

CON: The most likely failure mode of a solid state relay is to be shorted in the
ON state.

PRO: A mechanical contactor, not just a simple relay, has two contacts in series
on each leg so that if one contact welds shut, the other still opens the circuit.
The MD20-120 is a true contactor.

PRO: It also has two poles so it can switch both sides of a 240 VAC line.