Help with Spindle & VFD Choice - Recommendations

[coherent]

Out with the router and in with a spindle! I know this has been covered a lot and asked many times... believe me I'm a long time CNCZone member and have searched, but I've found that many online retailers come and go quickly and with most electronics, models are discontinued or numbers change. Here is what I want (and don't want) and any recommendations would be appreciated.

I don't need a high production level spindle or VFD so the Colombo or HSD. I know they are great, but not in my budget range for a home hobby CNC and occasional use.

I prefer air cooled. Don't have neighbors near my shop and don't run it all day long.

2.2kw - 3kw spindle will fit my needs. I prefer the er20 collet so I can use 1/2" bits I have 220v single phase for the VFD

My Router has no issues spindle weight and I can easily cut up to 1000ipm plus when needed..

I want to control the spindle with Mach3 and/or UCCNC as I have licenses for both. My understanding is a VFD with MODBUS is what I need to simplify that task. I've read there are many brands that offer this feature (Hitachi, Teco etc) but as of now know nothing about MODBUS or the setup with Mach3 or if any additional parts etc are needed other than cabling.

I have no problems with China/Asia imports but I would prefer to have something that is at least shipped from a US location.

I'd like at least a VFD that has halfway decent documentation or web based info to help getting it set up without pulling my hair out.

So, bottom line... I'm hoping there are those who have "been there, done that" that can offer a combo/setup and some insight. Any recommendations on what and where to buy would be helpful. I'm not necessarily looking for the absolute cheapest option, but then again like most folks, don't want to spend more than I need to to get a working hobby setup. I have no problem with amazon or ebay, if that's where i can get the best price on a component. Thanks in advance for any help.

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[Al_The_Man]

The cheap end line that is popular is the Huanyang and HS spindle combo, The Huanyang purportedly has Modbus, but it is their own Asian version!
However there is a Mach3 plug in written by someone in France and available off the internet.
He goes under Royaumeole on the Machsupport forum.
I have used the modbus plugin and it works. I don't think it will on mach4 however.
There were early reports that some Huanyang VFD's were not populated with the RS485 IC, however. Hopefully that is no longer an issue.
Al.

[ger21]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FOUR-BEARIN...IAAOSw1vlUtyPk

As Al said, the Huanyang Modbus implementation is not standard Modbus, but there are plugins for the VFD for both Mach3 and UCCNC. The plugins basically use the Huanyang version of Modbus, but are much easier to setup, as you don't need to learn anything about Modbus.
This is the seller I bought my VFD from.

You'll need an RS485 converter for the Modbus/Plugin control. Either from a USB port, or a serial port.

[SamHam]

I'll be watching this thread as I was about to ask the same things. I would prefer not to go with the Haunyang though.

[coherent]

Thanks for the replies so far. I have no interest in Mach4. The only reason I wasn't to keen on the Huanyang VFD was because I had read that it wasn't actually MODBUS capable like the Hitachi etc are. I've also heard there are Huanyang VFD clones around (or there was) and like the older models didn't even have the "sudo" MODBUS feature. Not knowing if I was getting a actual Huanyang or a clone would be my concern. If it's easier to set up with the Huanyang and the plug in, I'm open to that option. I am only wanting to control the basic spindle on, off rpm etc via Mach/UCCNC. I know there's a lot of info out there now but remember seeing lots of gripes about setting them up in the past. I built my first CNC machine including the electronics from scratch over 15 year ago. Back then there was very little info and help out there and options and parts were limited. I definitely haven't kept up with all the new boards and options that folks are using now days, Times have sure changed!

Gerry, There was no link or info for where you said you bought your VFD? Also, can you explain a little more regarding the RS485 converter for the Modbus/Plugin control? Assuming you meant for the Huanyang? Is this something that works with standard driver and BoB board setups or do specific boards simplify the setup? I'd prefer USB unless there are comm issues or a reason the serial option is more reliable. I know I have to be careful what I plug into any USB ports on my driver computer to avoid occasional quirks. Especially with Mach3. Thanks.

[Al_The_Man]

The RS485 that the Huanyang uses is typical communication for Modbus, the older PC's or some later ones have a 9pin D comm serial port and you can buy cheap RS232 to RS485 convertors off ebay, the same goes for the later USB to RS485, they can be had for a couple of $$ on ebay.
The Huanyang Modbus format is a non standard, I have used the one that sebastien wrote that I quoted earlier to incorporate into a DC motor drive software I built.
But it only works with the Huanyang modbus version.
Al.

[ger21]

The link is at the top of the post.
It's a genuine Huanyang.

The RS-485 connection is independent of any of your other hardware/electronics. It's simply 2 wires from the converter to the VFD.

I've been using this converter while testing, and it works fine. But it's not a really snug fit in the USB port, so my only concern would be that it stays plugged in.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[coherent]

The link is at the top of the post.
It's a genuine Huanyang.

The RS-485 connection is independent of any of your other hardware/electronics. It's simply 2 wires from the converter to the VFD.

I've been using this converter while testing, and it works fine. But it's not a really snug fit in the USB port, so my only concern would be that it stays plugged in.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for the reply & info.

[SamHam]

What is the best alternative to the Huanyang?

[ger21]

Anything not chinese will be better, and 2-3x the price. Most people in the US go with the Hitachi.

[SamHam]

For the Hitachi, is the NE-S1 series to one to be looking at?

[ger21]

Most people use the WJ200

[coherent]

Ordered the Huanyang. My experience so far...The seller assured me they were absolutely genuine Haunyang. Haven't received the VFD and spindle yet, but immediately received tracking information and a couple of emails on how to wire and program the VFD settings which was nice and they also included a link for an instructional video. After a little research and looking at a couple videos and reading through the threads for both the Mach 3 and UCCNC plugins, it all looks very simple and easy to set up. The USB - RS485 converters with the Ch34O chip that everyone says works great are dirt cheap on Ebay. Only other major cost is shielded flexible power cable to run from the VFD to the spindle. A little hint for those heading down this same road... "best offer" on ebay is always worth trying and if they have it as an option, they will normally take at least something off. The Belken power cable is available a few places on the web and all charged shipping which can be kind of pricey depending on the retailer. Most also have a 20-25ft min order. I found the same Belken cable on ebay with a make offer and no minimum. My offer was accepted for less than the lowest price per foot I could find elsewhere online (unless you wanted 100-1000 feet) and included free shipping! Be aware that while many sellers ship from a US location/warehouse, the actual seller may very well be in China, so considering the time difference, your emails or offers will not likely be answered until overnight, I didn't even consider the sellers who ship from China simply because I didn't want to wait 2 weeks to a month to receive my order. If you are willing to wait, you can save a fair amount more. Good luck!