Mach3 Router Control

[cbreitzman]

I am pondering controlling the router on my cnc machine with mach3. Can someone help with this? I have a Gecko 540 and am running a Porter cable 690. Thanks in advance

[brtech]

I've explained this a couple of times, search for this topic.

Basically, the easiest way is to get a relay with a coil voltage that matches the power supply for your Gecko. Wire it up the way the Gecko manual describes. Wire the contacts of the relay to the hot wire (typically black) going between the outlet and the router. The neutral (typically white) and ground (typically green) wires are through connected from router to outlet. You could just purchase a 10' 14 guage extension cord and remove the outer insulation in the middle, cut the black wire and connect the two ends to the relay contacts. One relay coil connection is to the power supply +, the other is to the output pin on the Gecko. Set up the output in the Mach configuration screens, and then the G codes for turning the motor on and off will work.