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How to use relay on break out board
Hello,
Please can someone explain how to use the relay on the eBay 5 axis break out boards?
I know how to wire and use a normal re-lay but I can't figure out how to use the one on the break out board.
I've attached the manual which I've followed to setup mach3.
I'm not sure what to do with pin17? Do I need to wire anything to it?
Thanks
Re: How to use relay on break out board
pin 17 from the parallel port is what controls the relay. If the jumper is set correctly, the pin 17 terminal on the breakout board will not be connected to anything.
The relay NO and COM terminals are the two in the upper right, where it says Spindle ON/OFF Control Interface.
Re: How to use relay on break out board
When I was playing with one of those, I think the relay worked from just the USB power. The inputs need the 12V to 24V for them to work.
If it's not working, you may have your software setup wrong.
Re: How to use relay on break out board
I found if I have the USB connected the relay is always closed (the 5v from the USB is directly connected to the relay) and if it's not connected it's always open. I can control it through mach3 even though my settings are exactly the same as the PDF I attached. The pwm output works though (as does everything else) so I assume the settings are correct. I have 2 of these break out board and they work the same so I don't think it's a faulty break out board either.
Re: How to use relay on break out board
Did you mean to say you "can't" control it with Mach3?
Try changing the active low setting on the output pin.
Re: How to use relay on break out board
Yes that should have said can't. I'll give that a go tomorrow and report back, thanks
Re: How to use relay on break out board
Just had a thought, if the active low/high setting was wrong wouldn't it just do the opposite? E.g. close when low rather than high? If M3 = high and M5 = low.
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Re: How to use relay on break out board
looking at the photo of the board in the manual
Attachment 366170
the jumper must be installed if you want to use the relay
looking at the 12 pull up resistors near to the printer port connector
its possible to see the common connection to pin 20 (+5V) of one of the IC's
without the printer cable connected what happens if you power the BOB with the USB cable ??
the relay should be energised
if you then ground pin 17 to the D-type connectors shell the relay should be turned off
once you prove the BOB works you will need to look closer at the way Mach3 is set up
John
Re: How to use relay on break out board
Thanks for your reply John, that's exactly what happens. I'll check Mach3 again. Is there any other setting (other than those specified in the PDF) that could be causing the issue?
Re: How to use relay on break out board
Double checked all the mach3 settings and they're as per the instructions. I'm beginning to wonder if there's an issue with pin17 on the parallel port.
Re: How to use relay on break out board
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Curran
Double checked all the mach3 settings and they're as per the instructions. I'm beginning to wonder if there's an issue with pin17 on the parallel port.
More likely a configuration issue... or the cable.
Also, what do you have between your computer and the BoB? Are you using a motion controller or just the parallel port? Are you using a desktop or a laptop? Did you configure Mach3 according to figure 8 of the manual? Use the Mach3 diagnostic screen to check that M3 turns on pin 17 and M5 turns off. The virtual LED indicates the state. At this stage, if you not already have one, you should buy a DMM, use that to check that the pin is actually turned on/off as the commands are given.
Re: How to use relay on break out board
It's a desktop PC which goes directly to the BOB via the parallel port. It's a good quality cable, I didn't skimp on it. Mach3 is configured as per figure 8. I will check the diagnostic screen next when I've got a few minutes spare. Using a multi meter to check pin 17 was my next plan. Thanks
Re: How to use relay on break out board
OK, so I checked the diagnostics screen and 'OUTPUT 1' flashes red when the M3 command is given and goes off for M5. I assume it should be a solid red, not flashing?
I measured the voltage at pin 17 and got next to nothing. It was floating between -0.2v and 0.2v but the other output pins seemed to be the same when they were off. Definitely didn't go anywhere near 5v.
Any ideas why the red light would be flashing rather than solid?
Re: How to use relay on break out board
Does the Spindle On LED come on on the main page after the M3?
Upload your .xml file so I can look at your settings.
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Re: How to use relay on break out board
I'm not sure if this is what you mean but the outline around the 'Spindle CW F5' button flashes yellow after an M3 command and is off after an M5. It's never permanently on, it just flashes.
It said 'invalid file' when I tried to attach the xml so I had to change it to a txt file, I hope this is ok?
Thanks in advance!
Re: How to use relay on break out board
Then Mach3 is not turning the spindle on, which is probably why the relay is not working.
Re: How to use relay on break out board
Re: How to use relay on break out board
I won't be able to check for a few hours.
Re: How to use relay on break out board
Ok, no rush. It's getting late here so I won't be doing any more today anyway.
I appreciate the help!