how to switch off only A axis?

[xaco]

hello,i have A axis , and when i turn my machine in Mach ,all 4 engines of machine get current ,sometimes ,i want to be able to turn A axis manualy without turning off machine,so i want to turn off only A axis...can i do that in Mach or i should put a swich in A axis wire? Thanks

[jalessi]

Just disable the A axis in the Ports & Pins "Motor Outputs" Config Menu.

[xaco]

Originally Posted by jalessi Just disable the A axis in the Ports & Pins "Motor Outputs" Config Menu.

thx jalessi,but as i remember i did that,but problem was that current still coming in my A axis making it not possible to rotate it by hand while the machine is on. i will try it again...

[jalessi]

Xaco,

Sorry for the confusion.

Most stepper drivers have a enable-disable terminal, see attached image for an example.

This will allow the motor to free wheel.

Jeff...

[xaco]

Originally Posted by jalessi Xaco, Sorry for the confusion. Most stepper drivers have a enable-disable terminal, see attached image for an example. This will allow the motor to free wheel. Jeff...

yes,that would be it ,i was hoping i can do it in mach3 in a way.....anyway..thank you

[jalessi]

Xaco,

You could assign an available output pin to control the enable-disable function of the stepper drive.

Jeff...

[xaco]

Originally Posted by jalessi Xaco, You could assign an available output pin to control the enable-disable function of the stepper drive. Jeff...

what if i just cut the wire from box to motor and put a switch,how many wires can i expect? and would it hurt my machine if i swich off and on with swich during mach3 is working?

[Dorsal]

Originally Posted by xaco would it hurt my machine if i swich off and on with swich during mach3 is working?

YES, it will probably damage your controller card, as every controller I have ever seen warns specifically NOT TO connect or disconnect a motor while the controller card is powered.

[xaco]

Originally Posted by Dorsal YES, it will probably damage your controller card, as every controller I have ever seen warns specifically NOT TO connect or disconnect a motor while the controller card is powered.

is it ok to swich it of and on while mach3 is off? or if its not working gcode at a moment? or it would hurt if i swich of and on even if only mach3 is on...when exactly it wouldnt hurt to swich on and of?