UIRobot UIM290405A Mach3 Breakout Board

[Memran]

Hi everyone

I got my UIRobot UIM290405A Mach3 Breakout Board from Zapp Automation Ltd - Stepper motors & Stepper Motor Drivers - Servo motors and Servo Motor Drivers - Ballscrews & linear motion products. : and am currently bench testing, before I build it into an enclosure.

The manual (http://www.zappautomation.co.uk/pdf/...B%20120104.pdf) is translated Chinese, I guess but is really not very clear. For example the parallel pinout diagram shows X step/dir to be pins 3/2, but later in the Mach configuration, it shows an image with it as 2/6 !!

Anyway, right now I am trying to test the PWM spindle control, which I am hoping to use to connect directly to my Seig X1 controller, replacing the pot.

I have connected it to the parallel port, and with 5v power from USB, and 12v from a lead acid battery. I also connected the 12v bettery to the spindle control Vin and 0v, then connected my multimeter to 0v and Out.

First problem:
The output voltage range was reversed. So M5 was outputting 12v! I resolved this by setting Step Low Active on my spindle in Motor Outputs in Mach3.

Second problem (no solution yet):
With M5, or even Charge pump off (E-stop) the output voltage is still 5.2v! as shown in picture. M3S2000 makes it 12v as I would expect.





The voltage does get controlled by Mach3, but in the range of 5-12v.

I can't use this if the lowest is 5v. My spindle will never stop. Why is it not 0-12v?

Please help Thanks

[doorknob]

I have no experience (yet) with Mach3 PWM spindle control, but nevertheless here's a question:

The manual to which you linked gives example G codes for setting the desired output voltage (minus a diode junction voltage drop). For example, : G96 S900 to give 9 volts output.

Have you tried that with different output voltage specifications from 0 to 12 volts, and if so, did it give you the expected results?

[Memran]

Thanks for replying

Yes I tried different spindle speeds and the voltage was certainly changing.

Their example is for a 0-10v VFD, with a 1000 rpm max spindle speed, so their numbers fit nicely for the manual; 100rpm -> 1v, 200rpm -> 2v, etc. Their example linear

For me, 0rpm -> 5.2v, 1000rpm -> 10v, 2000rpm (max) -> 12v. Mine is not linear.

The only reason I chose this bob over other, cheaper ones, was the spindle control feature.

[Al_The_Man]

To test the PWM to analogue convertor on your BOB, what happens if you remove the PWM signal, the analogue output should drop to zero I would think if 5v remains then the PWM to analogue has an issue?
Al.

[Memran]

I'll test that right now... Thanks

[Memran]

Hmm strange...

I connected the 12v battery to the bob on the spindle Vin and 0v, and my multimeter to 0v and Out. The meter reads 12v. There is nothing else connected to the bob.

Connecting the parallel cable does nothing, but connecting the 5v supply changes the output to 5.2v.

[Al_The_Man]

So basically at this point, you have the same reading with PWM and no PWM?
IOW, When you get 5.2v is this with the just 5v and 12v supply and no PWM input via the cable?
Al.

[Memran]

Correct.
12v for the spindle and 5v supply for the bob. Parallel not connected, so no pulses being received by the bob.

So it appears that the spindle control is faulty?

Thanks for your help so far!

[Al_The_Man]

I would not expect that, but it depends on how the BOB was designed?
Before jumping the gun, I would also confirm the PWM signal is present, but generally you need a 'scope for that.
It may give you an indication with a voltmeter if you change the SP rpm and see if the port pin changes at all?
Al.

[UUU]

Try experimenting with your PWM base frequency. I see in your image that yours is set at 500. Mine is 30 - albeit on a different system entirely. I started with mine low - and had no luck until I discovered my board needed a minimum of 25 - that's why I chose 30 for my setting.

[Memran]

I do have a scope, but don't really know how to test on this bob, since everything is opto isolated, and I'm not sure what to poke!

I guess I can touch the pins in he parallel cable plug, but I don't want to slip and short something.

[Al_The_Man]

Just test between the PC P.P. assigned pin and common.
Unless you can see the pin out on the BOB itself?
Al.