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IndustryArena Forum > CNC Electronics > CNC Machine Related Electronics > How to use relay on break out board
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    28

    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

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
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    35538

    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.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    28
    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    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.
    Thanks for explaining, that is what I thought. So I don't wire anything to pin17 and just use the two relay terminals like a switch. But when I use M3/M5 it doesn't switch the relay? I've noticed the 5v input from the USB is connected to the relay. Do I need to provide power through the USB or does it take power from the 12-24v input?

  4. #4
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    Mar 2003
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    35538

    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.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    28

    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.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
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    35538

    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.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    28

    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

  8. #8
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    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.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    2083

    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

  10. #10
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    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?

  11. #11
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    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.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
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    1899

    Re: How to use relay on break out board

    Quote Originally Posted by Curran View Post
    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.

  13. #13
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    28

    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

  14. #14
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    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?

  15. #15
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    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.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  16. #16
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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!

  17. #17
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    35538

    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.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  18. #18
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    Re: How to use relay on break out board

    Any ideas why?

  19. #19
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    35538

    Re: How to use relay on break out board

    I won't be able to check for a few hours.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  20. #20
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    Jan 2013
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    28

    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!

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