[curiosity22]

Hey G'day Folks,

Ok I'm trying my best not to confuse myself.

Has anyone added a 5th axis to G540 and still using a UC100? can this be done, if so please a wiring diagram and what is needed a link would be appreciated. I'd like to keep my G540 but if I have to bite the bullet I will sell it and build another box.

I have also read some reviews and what people think about the AXBB-E ethernet motion controller and breakout board, so far nothing terrible has been said about it.
My alternative to the above is to buy an AXBB-E on back order and build a new box, I have read that it can run 5/6 axis but I haven't had much luck in finding a diagram as to how to go about it.

I'm a computer nurb but CnC idiot I spent half my life learning the other techno babble and what it means, I don't have enough years left in me to add to much more.

So for the unwashed like me which would be the path of least resistance, I really do appreciate my UC100 and the uccnc software.

I don't mind if I need to go the extra mile but a nice diagram for the AXBB-E for 5 axis would be super fantastic. or a Diagram for 5 axis with g540 would work as well.

Thanks in advance for time in replying this forum has been a wonderful resource since I've taken up CnC in retirement.


Cheers,
Steve

[john-100]

since the UC100 emulates a PC parallel printer port
It may be possible to add a 5th axis to the G540 if your not using the two outputs that are shown connected to terminals 5 & 6 - see g540 manual page 8

Attachment 417880

which stepper driver do you want to use for the 5th axis ?
some thing like a G251 or G201X from Geckodrive ?

depending on the AXBB-E outputs ( open collector or TTL )
you may be able to use a cable with a DB25 plug to connect to the G540 and open ends to connect to the AXBB-E screw terminal block

you only need 8 signal wires plus ground to use the four G540 stepper drivers

5 wires more plus ground to use the limit switch inputs and G540 E-stop & fault detection / alarm

John

[curiosity22]

Hey John G'day,

Thank you for your reply, from my limited understanding I don't think the G201x can be used it would have to be the G251 I stand to be corrected. Thank you for the pdf I will have a look at that.

Just finished dinner and had a look at page 8, my G540 runs nothing but the stepper motors, plain vanilla no vfd no limit switches nothing else at all.

And I'm not thinking about adding the AXBB-E to the G540 more in the line I will get rid of the G540 and replace it with the AXBB-E and buy 5 drivers. So fresh start altogether and someone else can enjoy the G540.

Cheers and ty for taking the time.

Steve

[john-100]

the advantage of the G201X is the built in opto-isolators on the step and direction inputs with a common terminal that can be connected to +5V
- ideal when connected to the G540 outputs see page 3
g201X pdf manual
G201X.pdf

to use the G251 I would add two opto-isolators
I'm not sure if a ready made opto-isolator board is available

G251 with no built in opto isolators
Attachment 417886

a while ago I found the schematic of an early version of the G540 here on cnczone
that shows the opto-isolators on the G540 motherboard to isolate the four G250's from the PC

Attachment 417884

note- on later G540's two outputs have been removed to re-use pins 14 & 16 for the VFD and Charge pump circuits

John

PS

this opto-isolator looks OK

https://picclick.it/4-channel-optois...l#&gid=1&pid=4







my first websearch result
the opto-isolator will not work when connected to the G540 outputs as it has a common input ground and requires a connection to an output with an active pull up like the UC100

https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/s...iant=469914253

Attachment 417892

Attachment 417894

[john-100]

to break into the connections between the UC100 and G540
you can use an adaptor board like this -

Attachment 417912

Attachment 417916

with 2 jumpers removed you can either solder 3 wires to connect to the 5th axis driver or
use the jumper wire sold for arduino development boards tha plugs onto the pins on the DB25 adaptor

the downside of this direct connection to the UC100 is the 5th axis will respond to any step & direction outputs from the UC100

by using the G540 outputs the 5 axis will stop when the G540 is in E-stop / alarm mode



arduino jumper wire kit
Attachment 417914

John

[curiosity22]

Hey John G'day,

Ty very much for the detailed how too! I had a look at the g251 and g201x adding the sums, I think I'm better off then just buying the AXBB-E the process would be a lot simpler?

What do you think, in the end the AXBB-E is only 150 eruo?

I have been told that I could also add the G540 to the port#3 of the AXBB-E using a IDC26 to DSUB25 ribbon cable. And you can then connect the 5th axis just like on the AXBB-E.

Again I don't see the point in doing that, its like having two horses doing the same job.

At this point I think the AXBB-E looks to be the path of least resistance with some new drivers and we should be right.

Thoughts?

Regards,
Steve

PS I do like those db25 test boards, just located them on eBay

PSS I just ordered the AXBB-E bugger it, they are out of stock atm, so I will have one soonish..

[john-100]

just downloaded the AXBB_E_manual and it looks like port 3 - the 26 way box header replicates a PC printerport - see page 20


Attachment 418014



with a cable like this used with some PC motherboards

Attachment 418010

with the AXBB_E ( or UC300 ) you can easily use your G540 for 4 axis
and add a 5th stepper driver of your choise

John

[delco]

I am currently using a AXBB-E with a g540 on port 3 , works very well with the ability to add another 2 drivers to make it to a 5 axis on my setup.
Nothing negative to report on it so far