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CNC4PC C11G - User Manual

CNC4PC C11G
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C11G (Rev.8.2) User Manual
Revision: 01/27/2010 http://cnc4pc.com/TechDocs/C11GR8_2_User_Manual.pdf 1/21
C11G- MULTIFUNTCION CNC BOARD
Rev. 8.2
User manual Rev. 2
1. Overview
This card has been designed to provide a flexible interface and functions to your
computer projects, by using the parallel port control software. This board comes as a
response to many customers that have been asking for a faster way to connect
devices and reduce the possibility of wiring errors.
2. Features
IEEE 1284 Standard compatible.
Includes the circuitry recommended
by the IEEE 1284 Level 1 standards
for bidirectional parallel
communications between personal
computers and peripherals
PULL-UP or PULL-DOWN
selection for inputs.
Includes jumpers to select the best
input configuration for your
application.
Buffered inputs and outputs.
Outputs are buffered through the use
of high speed and high current
buffers allowing the card to output
the signals without using the power
from the parallel port. It can take the
+3.3 or +5vdc signal from the parallel
port and deliver solid +5vdc at 24
milliamps.
Microcontroller based SCHP.
This board comes with a
microcontroller that allows the
implementation of a complex
algorithm for sampling and analyzing
the SCHP signal.
Built-in Variable Speed Control.
It has an optoisolated analog 0-
10VDC output that will convert a step
signal into an analog signal that can
be used to command a commercial
VFD. This analog can be adjusted
using on-board potentiometer, so this
board can be adjusted to other
voltages.
Two Electromechanical Relays
with NO and NC positions.
Mechanical relays are very flexible
because they can be used for AC or
DC and come with NO and NC

Other manuals for CNC4PC C11G

Questions and Answers

Summary

Overview of C11 G CNC Board

Key Features of C11 G CNC Board

IEEE 1284 Standard Compatibility

Ensures bidirectional parallel communications between PCs and peripherals, meeting IEEE 1284 Level 1 standards.

Input Pull-up;Pull-down Configuration

Allows selection of input configuration (pull-up or pull-down) via jumpers for optimal application.

Buffered Inputs and Outputs

Outputs buffered with high-speed, high-current buffers; can provide +5VDC at 24mA.

Microcontroller-Based Safety Charge Pump (SCHP)

Features a microcontroller for complex SCHP signal sampling and analysis, enhancing system safety.

Status LEDs for Inputs and Outputs

Provides visual indication of input and output signal status, driven by independent buffers.

Convenient Ground and +5 VDC Connections

Offers easily accessible ground or +5VDC connections near input/output pins for simplified wiring.

External Enable Pin (EN)

Allows enabling/disabling all outputs via a +5VDC signal, useful for safety monitoring or manual control.

Software and Hardware Compatibility

Compatible with popular CNC software like Mach2, Linux EMC, and hardware like Geckodrive.

TTL 5 VDC Signal Compatibility

Utilizes TTL 5VDC signals for direct interface with parallel port products and other CNC4PC cards.

Screw-On Terminal Connections

Features screw-on terminals for secure and easy wire connections without special tools.

Concurrent Pin Usage

Allows input and output pins to be used concurrently without affecting each other's functionality.

Technical Specifications

Digital Input Specifications

Details voltage ranges, off-state voltage, operation frequency, and signal delay for digital inputs.

Digital Output Specifications

Details output voltage, current, off-state voltage, frequency, and signal delay for digital outputs.

Power Supply Requirements

Requires a 5VDC, 1000mA power supply for operation. Critical warnings about polarity and voltage are provided.

Functional Block Diagrams

Outputs 2-9 Block Diagram

Shows a simplified functional block diagram for high current output buffers driving outputs 2 through 9.

Outputs 1, 14, 16, 17 Block Diagram

Illustrates the simplified functional block diagram for outputs 1, 14, 16, and 17, noting enable logic.

Input Block Diagram

Presents a simplified functional block diagram for the input circuitry, including pull-up/down selection.

Special Functions

Safety Charge Pump (SCHP) Functionality

Explains the SCHP function using Mach software to provide a safety signal, preventing machine damage from software crashes.

Mach Software Configuration for SCHP

Details steps for configuring the Charge Pump output in Mach3's Ports & Pins settings for safety.

SCHP Operation Mode Selection

Describes how to select SCHP operation mode (OFF/ON) using jumpers on the board.

Advanced Functions

Variable Speed Control (Pin 14)

Controls spindle speed using step/direction signals, converting step signals to 0-10VDC analog output for VFDs.

Electromechanical Relays (Pins 1 and 16)

Features two relays with NO/NC positions for flexible AC/DC control, independent operation on pins 1 and 16.

COM Configuration Jumper

Allows selection of +5VDC or GND for COM terminals near step/direction pins, accommodating different driver requirements.

External Enable Pin

Enables/disables all outputs via a +5VDC signal, allowing external control or safety system integration.

Wiring Diagrams

Connecting Switches or Push Buttons

Illustrates wiring diagrams for connecting Normally Open (NO) and Normally Closed (NC) switches and push buttons.

Connecting NPN Sensors

Provides wiring diagrams for connecting NPN open collector proximity sensors, including parallel configurations.

Connecting PNP Sensors

Shows wiring diagrams for connecting PNP open collector proximity sensors to the C11G board.

Auto Tool Zero Connection

Diagram for implementing an 'Auto Tool Zero' function using an input pin and pull-up resistor configuration.

Troubleshooting Guide

Board Not Relaying Signal

Addresses issues like pin conflicts, incorrect waveform, or signal loss impacting board communication.

Outputs Not Enabled; No Signals

Troubleshoots problems with the EN terminal, SCHP configuration, or parallel cable connection affecting output signals.

Noise in System; Motors Not Smooth

Covers causes like underpowering, shorts, or external noise, and solutions like shielded cables or capacitors.

I;O Pin Not Working

Details potential causes for faulty I/O pins, such as bad chips or parallel port issues, and troubleshooting steps.

Analog Output Not Reaching 10 VDC

Addresses insufficient pulse width or signal inversion by breakout boards affecting the analog output voltage.

Physical Dimensions

Overview

The C11G-MULTIFUNCTION CNC BOARD (Rev. 8.2) is a versatile interface designed to connect computer projects with CNC machinery, leveraging parallel port control software. It aims to streamline device connections and minimize wiring errors, offering a robust and flexible solution for various automation tasks.

Function Description

The C11G board acts as a bridge between a personal computer's parallel port and external devices, enabling control and communication for CNC applications. It is built to be IEEE 1284 Standard compatible, incorporating the recommended circuitry for bidirectional parallel communications. This ensures reliable data exchange between the computer and peripherals.

A key function of the board is its microcontroller-based Safety Charge Pump (SCHP). This feature allows for the implementation of a complex algorithm to sample and analyze the SCHP signal. When activated, the SCHP works as a safety mechanism, enabling or disabling the system based on a specific frequency signal (e.g., 12.5 KHz from Mach software) sent through one of the parallel port pins. This provides a powerful safety system, preventing unintended machine operation in case of software crashes or system startup/shutdown anomalies. The SCHP can be enabled or disabled via a jumper, and when active, a valid SCHP signal will cause pin 17 to go high, which can then be used to enable other external devices like breakout boards, servos, VFDs, or contactors.

Another significant function is the Built-in Variable Speed Control, accessible via pin 14. This feature allows the user to control a spindle using step and direction signals, treating it as an axis motor. The board converts the step signal into an optoisolated analog 0-10VDC output, which can command commercial Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) or DC motor controllers. The analog output can be fine-tuned using an on-board potentiometer, allowing adjustment to different voltage requirements. This enables precise speed control for the spindle, where 5VDC might correspond to 50% speed and 10VDC to 100% speed.

The board also integrates two Electromechanical Relays with both Normally Open (NO) and Normally Closed (NC) positions. These relays are highly flexible and can be used for both AC and DC applications. One relay responds to Pin 1, and the other to Pin 16, allowing for independent control of two different devices simultaneously.

Usage Features

The C11G board is designed for ease of use and flexibility in various CNC setups.

  • Buffered Inputs and Outputs: All outputs are buffered using high-speed, high-current buffers. This allows the card to output signals without drawing power from the parallel port itself. It can take a +3.3VDC or +5VDC signal from the parallel port and deliver a solid +5VDC at 24 milliamps, ensuring strong and reliable signals for connected devices.
  • Input Configuration: Input pins (10, 11, 12, 13, and 15) offer selectable pull-up or pull-down configurations via jumpers. This allows users to choose the best input setup for their specific application, whether connecting encoders, proximity switches, Geckodrives, or limit switches. The inputs can be pulled up or down with a 4.7Kohm resistor.
  • Status LEDs: The board features status LEDs on all input and output connections. These LEDs provide visual feedback on signal activity, helping users quickly diagnose and troubleshoot issues without guesswork. To prevent the LEDs from affecting the main load, they are driven by independent buffers.
  • Common Terminal Flexibility: The common terminal for pins 2-9 can be configured as either ground or +5VDC using a jumper (X7). This eliminates common grounding problems and simplifies connections for various devices, accommodating different driver requirements.
  • External Enable Pin (EN): The board includes an external enable pin that allows for global enabling or disabling of all outputs. This requires a +5VDC signal to be present at the EN pin; if absent, all outputs will go to ground. This feature can be used with an external switch or a Safety Charge Pump for enhanced safety and control.
  • Compatibility: The C11G is designed to work directly with popular CNC hardware and software, including Geckodrive, Rutex, Mach2, Linux EMC, and TurboCNC. It uses all TTL 5VDC signals, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of automation devices and other CNC4PC cards.
  • Screw-On Connections: All terminals are screw-on type, simplifying wiring by allowing direct connection of wires without soldering or specialized connectors.
  • Concurrent Pin Usage: All input and output pins can be used concurrently. For example, if output pin #1 is used to control an on-board electromechanical relay, the same signal can also be accessed from the output pin on the board or from the DB25 connector for other purposes, without affecting the current from other connections.

Maintenance Features

While the manual primarily focuses on setup and operation, several aspects contribute to the maintainability and troubleshooting of the C11G board:

  • Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section that addresses common issues such as signals not being relayed, outputs not enabling, noise in the system, and analog output not reaching 10VDC. For each symptom, possible causes and solutions are provided, guiding users through diagnostic steps.
  • Component Accessibility: The design, with screw-on terminals and clearly labeled components, facilitates inspection and potential replacement of parts if necessary. For instance, if a chip is suspected to be faulty, the manual suggests that these buffers are inexpensive and readily available for order, implying ease of replacement for experienced users.
  • Diagnostic Tools: The troubleshooting section recommends using a voltmeter to test pins and signals, and checking device manager settings for parallel port conflicts, which are standard diagnostic practices.
  • Software Optimization Recommendations: For issues related to Mach3 pulse generation or system noise, the manual directs users to software-specific optimization guides (e.g., WinXP optimization), highlighting the importance of a stable software environment for reliable operation.
  • Power Supply Requirements: Clear requirements for a 5VDC @ 1000 milliamps power supply are stated, along with warnings about correct polarity and voltage, which helps prevent damage to the board due to incorrect power input.
  • Wiring Diagrams: Detailed wiring diagrams are provided for connecting various sensors (NPN, PNP, switches, push buttons) and for specific functions like "Auto Tool Zero." These diagrams aid in correct installation and troubleshooting of external connections.
  • Resistor Calculation for Sensors: For NPN proximity sensors with internal pull-up resistors, a method for calculating the internal resistor value (Rx) is provided, ensuring safe and correct connection to the board. This detailed guidance helps prevent damage to both the sensor and the board.

The C11G board is presented as a robust and user-friendly solution for integrating CNC control with parallel port-enabled computers, emphasizing safety, flexibility, and ease of troubleshooting.

CNC4PC C11G Specifications

General IconGeneral
InterfacePCI
Input Voltage5V
Output Voltage5V
Number of Inputs5
Number of Outputs5
Opto-isolationYes
Spindle EnableYes
Coolant EnableYes
Charge PumpYes
Output TypeOpen Collector
Max Output Current100mA
CompatibilityMach3, LinuxCNC