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IndustryArena Forum > Machine Controllers Software and Solutions > Controller & Computer Solutions > Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
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    152

    Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    As the subject says, I have a large (5' x 8') Chinese manufactured CNC router with the following components:
    • XHC MKIV Mach3 USB motion controller
    • Yako 2D811 v1.1 step motor drivers and motors on rack & pinion X and Y, ball screw Z
    • GDZ120x103-4.5 Spindle
    • Fuling DZB312B005.5L2A single phase input VFD


    I tried to use the 2010 Mach3 screenset. This is when I found out why my auto tool height function was occasionally crashing the spindle into the bed and so on.. it’s important to note I was unable to get the goofy controller to work with the screenset and Gerry gave excellent support trying to help me get there. The XHC motion controller is unreliable. This led me down the path of investigating possible solutions. I have read about UCCNC and I like the thought of getting away from Mach3. I spoke with Arturo at CNC4PC about a UC300ETH and his C76 board. I also read about the CNCRoom UB1 with the same controller. Honestly, to me they look comparable enough I'm not sure why I'd favor one over the other. Then, I found the Masso and lastly the Centroid Acorn.

    Fundamentally, I'd like to get the router working reliably, with a streamlined too change process. I'm considering the following options:
    • UC300ETH with C76 or UB1 and UCCNC software.
    • Centroid Acorn
    • Masso's second generation controller.


    I'd love input, advice, experience, etc from others. I do automation and controls for a living at my day job and I'm not intimidated by this project. I just want a reliable system that I don't have to constantly fiddle with to work.






  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    If it's capabilities fit your needs, I'd put the Acorn at the top of the list.

    Of all the threads I've read about the Masso, almost everyone has had issues with it. I've seen one person that really liked it, and at least 5-6 that found it very buggy.
    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
    Nov 2013
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    152

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    Everything I’ve read about Acorn looks good. My good friend is a CNC machinist and spoke highly of Centroid controls in general. So, I placed my order for Acorn. I received shipping confirmation and tracking info less than an hour later. I got a good deal on a well spec’d Dell touch screen all in one. Looks like it will be here next Friday.

  4. #4
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    Nov 2013
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    152

    Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    I’m going to have to sort out connections between the Yako drives and Acorn.




  5. #5
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    35538

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    Centroid has a lot of examples. One for Leadshine drivers should be similar.
    I'm assuming motor free = enable, and false output = alarm?
    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)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
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    152

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    Ah! I’ll need a 5vdc power supply (if I can’t use what I already have).


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
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    152

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    More questions..

    1. It looks to me like the Leadshine schematic fits my situation well with the drives needing 5v for the step and direction. Am I correct in my thinking I need to source a 5vdc power supply to run this? Or is the DB25 5v TTL going to do that? (I'm aware the Leadshine schematic shows a separate 5vdc power supply.)

    2. My drives don't call out enable. It's a Chinese drive.. They do have "MF" (motor free). The drives currently only have four wires connected on the DB shell - DR+(5v), DR-, PU+(5v) and PU-. DR+ and PU+ connected to the 5v terminal on the XHC controller output for the axis and DR- / PU- on the direction and pulse outputs of the controller for the axis. I'm not familiar with the necessity of the axis Enable output. It _looks_ like MF could be Enable..?

    3. I *think* FL +/- will be another +5vdc from external power supply for drive fault/alarm. I can use interposing 5v cool relays on each and series up those contacts for a drive alarm input to the Acorn board.




  8. #8
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    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    Looking at the pic of your XHC controller, it doesn't look like the drives are using the fault or enable right now. So you could connect them top the acorn just like they are now, just using the step and direction.

    I'd post the manual on the Acorn forum and ask there, or ask Centroid directly.
    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)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
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    152

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    They are not using either currently. I appreciate your help!

    Looking at the Fuling VFD connections now. Not sure how to handle the programmable output connection I’ll be using for drive fault. My drive only has MCM-M01/M02, not the ACB. I’m not sure how to connect the interposing relay coil.






  10. #10
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    Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    Acorn arrived. Everything is mounted to the backplate.


  11. #11
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    Nov 2013
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    152

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    Got the Acorn wired in. All axis move, auto homing and limits and spindle controls are going. Need to sort out a lot of little things, but it’s going well.

  12. #12
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    Mar 2003
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    35538

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    Since your original system was pretty basic, it shouldn't be too difficult a process.
    Please let us now how you like the Acorn once it's up and running.
    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)

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    152

    Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    Once I got everything mounted I started bringing things up one at a time. I used the Leadshine schematic and configuration in the wizard because my Yako drives needed the same 5vdc for step and direction. First I got the spindle output and analog signal working. Then got the axis moving one at a time. I currently have the the Y axis (table length travel) stepper inputs ganged up on axis output 2 with reverse polarity on the motor A+/A- because this is how it was setup on the old control. The gantry is really beefy and there’s only one home switch on that axis. It’s fine for now. I’ll check it square to the gantry and see if it needs to be changed at some point.

    Once I got the axis moving in the correct directions, I dialed in the homing. Then got the axis close to calibrated. They are within 0.001” on my cheap dial indicator. I’ll get out a Starett and tweak it as close as possible today. Then I set travel limits and called it a night at 1am.

    I am beyond impressed with the Acorn system. CNC12 is a treat to use. Things make sense. It has not hiccuped even once.

    This morning I’m going to get the tool height touchoff working. This is something I am really excited about having and ultimately the impetus to me finding Acorn in the first place (I couldn’t get Gerry’s 2010 Mach3 screenset to work with the XHC motion controller.)

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
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    152

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    Getting close. All that’s left to wire is axis and spindle drive failure circuit. Went ahead and used interposing relays for the spindle drive outputs so I’m not commingling the dc buses of the control and the VFD. Dust collection output(1) controlling the dust PLC input with M35/M36. Still working on the tool check stuff.


  15. #15
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    Nov 2013
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    152

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    I'm not sure how to determine steps/revolution.

    The drive info I got from the manufacturer:




    How one of the drives is configured:


    Info on side of drive:


    I entered 3200 in the steps/revolution in the setup wizard:


    v-carve path, looks choppy:


    Profile path, looking a little choppy in a corner:


    Drive spec sheet says it’s 40 microstep. Not sure what to enter in the wizard.

  16. #16
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    Mar 2003
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    35538

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    Your drive doesn't match the documentation.
    The switches are On-Off-Off, which would be 2000, based on the pic of the drive labeling.
    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)

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    152

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    SW2 - SW3 - SW4 = OFF - ON - ON = 3200 according to the text on the side of the drive...?

  18. #18
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    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    You're right, I had that backwards.
    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)

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    152

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    800ipm spoil board surfacing program running on Acorn/CNC12.
    https://youtu.be/_lXa0tJp1N0

  20. #20
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    Nov 2013
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    152

    Re: Advice on control change for XHC based large CNC router

    Without CNC12’s smoothing on top photos. With smoothing on the bottom. Night and day difference on very similar gcode out of Vectric Aspire. I’m quite happy. I wish I had made a test piece with Mach3 for comparison.




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