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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Posts
    3

    Question Router PWM control through Mach3

    Hi! This is my first post so the statement sounds likes this.

    Some of the routers have Pulse-Width Modulators (PWM). To regulate their speed with something like (or it is) potentiometer.
    Im new to electronics and collecting some info about CNC which I will make soon. It will have index pulse card.

    So the question is:
    How can I modify this PWM cheap to regulate through Mach3? Because the pwm`s aren`t so cheap (98.00$)
    And how to make indexing pulse card by your self? Again (26.31$)

    I plan to make this cheap (if I can) and easy to run components throught Mach3.
    I might be repeating post so sorry! Hope to see some answers soon! Thanks!

    Edit: Sorry by mistake I have might not placed it right where it belongs!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    3498
    Not PWM but PID control loops..
    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
    http://my-diysolarwind.blogspot.com/

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24216
    If your router controller has a PWM control input, it may be possible to scale the and use the PWM spindle control from the Mach output direct or with a little tailoring, I have never done it.
    Most have 0-10v analogue though, are you sure it is PWM control?
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Posts
    3
    It controls 1 of the rotor wire inputs. I could take photo of it if it makes difference.

    I didn`t metioned it (may it could help) it is 220V AC (of course) 50Hz Brushed motor ~1500W

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    2985
    Sounds like an SCR controller with an analog input at line potential. I would suggest being extremely careful that you understand what you are doing to prevent shocking yourself or blowing your motherboard.

    Just because it works with a potentiometer does not mean it will work with an analog input from your computer.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Posts
    3
    Is there any kind of way to digitaly control this potentiometer and the regulator would be Mach3 small voltages (~0-5V I think it was). Some chips or other electrical things and easy to install (for electrical noobs) which would be cheap or something like that.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    2985
    You need an optically isolated digital output from Mach3, that output would connect to a circuit powered by an isolated dc power supply. The circuit would be a frequency to voltage converter with a buffered output that would feed into the drive.

    From my understanding of your electronics knowledge, I would recommend seeking help, perhaps from a friend or a local school instructor.

    You are dealing with possibly lethal voltages which could kill you, your electronics, your computer, .....

    A commercial device to do this, including isolation, is available in the US for about $2-300.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Posts
    119
    Seems like you are taking the Rube Goldberg approach.

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