I recently purchased the X32, PSU and steppers, which I have assembled, so far so good. I was planning to connect my trimmer router through a relay but there are limited options in the UK it seems; I am not sure if the Genmitsu iMaticBox [manual] is compatible with the X32? That is, I can't find any documentation to support this or indicate to someone with my admittedly rudimentary undertsanding, how to connect it. My instinct is that I bought the wrong equipment, but I would really appreciate any guidance.
"PWM Signal Amplitude Input 5 VDC" per their spec on the website, BlackBox is a 3.3v controller - so whether their device will trigger with the lower voltage, might be better to ask them about. docs:blackbox-x32:connect-dewalt-iotrelay [OpenBuilds Documentation] : BlackBox provides a 0V(Off)/3.3v(On) TOOL ENABLE signal. How thats wired to a 3rd party relay, might be found in its documentation, but always best to confirm with the vendor. Asking before ordering will also give you a clue to their support capabilities and knowledge, to help you decide.
There are "12V" labels next to those inputs too - wiring a 12v pin to BlackBox's 3.3v output will cause damage, so best they confirm (The US option, the IoT relay has a nice clean, voltage agnostic, Opto Isolated input for example, safe to connect to for any device)
Thank you Peter. Rookie error. The DLI IoT would have been my preference, but it doesn't look like it will work in the UK, so there is only one other option (FoxAlien) which uses the correct logic, but is out of stock. What I am lacking in knowledge I am more than making up for with enthusiasm at this point. I'll be back. I shall return the iMaticBox first though, and rethink this.
If you already have it, a safe test could be to measure the inputs (GND and SIG - ignore the 12v pin) see if theres any voltage present (like a 12v pullup resistor?) if not, apply a 3V test signal (two AA batteries if nothing better at hand) and see if it turns on?
I tried it with two new AA batteries, nothing. Cool though, thank you. At least I learned somehing today, that and to thoroughly check the specs before purchase.
Hmm, yeah then might need a 5V (per website) or even 12v (per the label in pictures) signal to trigger then. Could try 3x AAs, etc up to 8x (8x1.5=12V) - I mentioned AAs because most folks don't have an adjustable Lab PSU - but if you do, also good option Or maybe those labels are confusing, is 12v maybe the input? (G=gnd, P=something else?) What did multimeter show as you were probing around pins? If you find the correct trigger voltage and it needs more than 3.3v, could do an external PSU (little power brick or similar) with correct voltage > series switches via Relay 1 > to trigger it as an option
Looking at the cnc devices the relay is predominantly advertised for, the 12v appears to be the logic that activates the coil and the P is the pwm signal. I thought I could wire the G and P to the pwm on the BB for control, and the 12v and G to the Tool on the BB for on/off; but I am not sure that would work anyway and it seems there won't be enough power to activate. I could add another relay. Ultimately, I would have liked to use the trimmer I have, at least to start, but I am leaning towards sourcing a router spindle that more simply connects to the BB. Thanks again Peter, this has been really helpful.
