This may be a stupid kind of question but, do you have to have an arduino board to control the driver board (I bought the tb6560ahq board). or can I just attach the driver board directly to the computer port. and if it does go directly to the computer can I use the GRBL controller or am I limited to mach3 software only
not being up on the tb6560ahq board, but I'm pretty sure it's not a grbl board, so you can't use grbl controller. it looks like you just hook it to the computer and run it off something like mach3. I know there are free options but I will leave that to someone in the know... sorry can't be more help Bob
Hello Jon, Can you post a link to what you have? If it is complete driver board that has a parallel interface then you can connect it you a computer with a parallel port or you you may need a c10 board to create the logic from the pc. You could use Linux cnc (free) or buy Mach3.
http://www.amazon.com/Sunwin-Steppe...A23+Kit+24V+15A+Power+Supply+Handle+Mach3+New this is the setup I bought. I have it hooked to a parallel port and have the power supply hooked up but when I try to run some g code through mach 3 the motors do nothing.
can I instead run the motors from just a arduino uno board is there another part I need in conjunction with it to run the motors
The original OX was built with this combination: https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v4-shapeoko-bundle. If you already have the UNO, you have half of what's needed. The V4 gShield has been replaced with the V5. The UNO will need to be reloaded with grbl code.
Jon, Seeing that you have the stepper driver board you can use linux cnc(free) or mach3 ( 175.00) no need to buy a different driver board if you already have one. Unless you want too.
I have mach 3 but cant seem to get it to drive the motors. are there some settings that I have to input somewhere for it to recognize the motors? I am just looking for whatever the easiest setup is to get moving.
thanks rick I will keep this as a very close back up in case I cant get this other board working in the next week or so
There are quite a few videos on You Tube with regard Mach3, including, setting up and using. Give them a look. Gray
Some of those blue driver boards work and some just don't - the main problem perhaps relates to the poor (and sometimes incorrect) documentation and also the lack of support from the suppliers. If the motors do not 'lock' when the board is powered up then you need to find the correct pin numbers for the Enable signals (also correct state - Active High / Low) and then set these within Mach3. The same also applies to the motors Step and Direction pins if one or more motors fail to respond. There is no easy solution to finding these pin numbers because the combination of pin numbers that work with one board do not necessarily work with another (almost identical looking) board. Some have succeeded in getting these boards to work others have just given up and gone for something like the Gecko G540. Tweakie.
Step and direction pins in settings and also estop needs to be checked..youtube is your friend like these guys said on that one...also wiring from motors to board double check..also if reset is blinking on mach3 click to reset..hope we helped!
Yes the motors lock up when power is applied. I have watched every youtube video I can find. Does anyone have suggestions on a plug and play kind of board. The easier to use the better and preferably something comparable with grbl
Hi Jon, I am going through setting up my router and I know what you are going through. I will try to help you if you want. My email is charliem(at)hotmail.com. So once you have everything connected open mach3. go to config/port and pins. Here you will have to set the parallel port address, and then tell mach 3 what pins are used for step and direction. all so If you email me may be I can help you you the phone. Keep in mind that I am no expert at mach3.
