Can I use a 5V port on the I/O PCB to directly run the P and D Driver inputs?

scintilla · Posted at 2021-4-13 12:57:46

Hello DDCSV3.1 Experts,
Forgive my dumb question but I was wondering if I could just hook up the 5VDC Stepper Driver inputs to a suitable Output port on the double row I/O Port PCB.
Previously I had these inputs wired in a 'daisy chain' configuration when using earlier SMC 4-4 modules with a 5VDC output ability.
There appears to be no such 5VDC output for this purpose. I think my Stepper Drivers would not like 24VDC on the P and D inputs!

As I understand it, the pulses from the controller go to the Stepper Driver modules' P and D inputs and, depending on the logic, either pull the input up or down to operate the motors.
The only limitation I can think of is the current limit available to run these eight ports, 1P and 1D for each axis, namely A, X, Y and Z.

Also, I note that the manual says this Dual Row I/O port PCB requires 2 x 24V supplies due to different, possibly noisy ground levels.
Has anyone tried to run the PCB with one very powerful 24V power supply connected to the 24V input and the adjacent Com+ input?

The connection protocol for this PCB is pretty hard for this amateur to figure out and, while there are some good images in the Digital Dream manual, they don't seem to cover all the bases.
I have not been able to find a complete schematic, showing connections for all 6 of my axis limit microswitches, connecting the VFD for my Spindle, etc., etc.

Finally, I'm not sure of the significance of the double++ and double-- after X, Y, Z etc. Does this pertain to limit switches alone?

As you can see, I am at a loss as to how to correctly configure this controller and any help or comments would be gratefully received.

Cheers,
Scintilla.

scintilla · Posted at 2021-4-17 14:26:08

Hello ShaniaDDream,
Thanks for your kind reply.
I have installed 6 limit switches for X, Y, and Z, one each for the maximum and minimum travel. I have wired them as normally open. They all work properly and I think I now need to connect each of them, X+, X-, Y+, Y-, Z+, Z-, all to switch to Com-, (Pin 1 on 2nd layer) when actuated.
I do not understand the difference between X- and X--. Why are there two dashes?
Also, there is a misprint on page 14 which has 2nd layer pin 9 and pin 10 confused.

I have ordered a second 24V supply as you recommend. Thanks for clearing up this question.

My VFD is a Chinese (no English name) with only RS485 text and is 220V 1.5kW / 7A board. The ports are labelled 'AVI', '+10V ', 'Com' , 'FWD.'
I think AVI is the speed control 0-10V which should go to Pin 2 on Layer 1. I do not know what AVI means.

I think 'Com goes to Pin 1 on Layer 2.
I think 'FWD' should go to Pin23 (Start Spindle) on Layer 2.
I think I do not use +10V because this is a supply for an earlier breakout board.

scintilla · Posted at 2021-4-20 12:57:04

Thanks again for your kind help

Greatly appreciated!

scintilla · Posted at 2021-4-26 16:36:10

Hello again, Shania,
I now have my machine working and nearly everything works well. I have a couple of issues you might be able to help me with. I am currently running Version 2020-03-06-11.
All axes (X, Y, Z and A) work fine in both directions. All limit switches work fine, (wired NO, my preference). The Spindle also works on Manual but I have not tried it on Module Control yet. One step at a time...

Problem 1: The MPG seems to be dead. No lights or activity. My main E Stop is wired NO. The MPG, according to line 429 I think, is at default Low so it keeps the machine triggered OFF. When I use my USB keyboard to change it to High I only have a row 0f 00000s.
I checked the voltages: 2 x 12V as recommended and the MPG voltage between pins 1 and 8 is exactly 5V as specified.

Problem 2: I cannot find in the manual the procedure for entering new parameters. When I click on the blue item it goes pale and does not respond. My keyboard seems to work but the mouse does not show a cursor or any effect.

I think the problem is surely in my ignorance of these processes so any help would be much appreciated.
The unit seems to be really well made and I want to learn to get the best out of it.

Best wishes from
Scintilla

scintilla · Posted at 2021-4-27 09:03:59

Hi Shania,
Yes, I have double checked that the System Power ( main 24V supply) and the I/O Power (separate 24V supply) are both correctly connected to the terminal block. Also the MPG port has 5V between pins 1 and 8. This indicates that the MPG is connected. The EStop signal works although it is reversed so I need to be able to change the parameter settings. I will put it in MPG mode to see if this allows me to change the parameters. I was not aware that it needed to be in MPG mode to do this.
I will check the parameters as you suggest and get back to you if I have no luck. Thank you very much for your patience...

scintilla · Posted at 2021-4-27 14:52:29

Thanks Shania. I now understand the sequence for altering the Parameters. I have switched the EStop level to High and it now works as it should with my main controller Estop switch. Happy with that!

Unfortunately the MPG unit is still asleep and the only thing that works on it is the EStop switch. I have used the Page R button to move to MPG with no result. The Continuous and Step settings work fine, just the MPG is silent; no lights, no response at all. Maybe there's an Enable setting that is wrong...
I have looked at the Parameters for MPG settings and I must assume they are correct because, as you say, the MPG was tested at the at the factory and would not have been shipped if it did not work. A mystery!
To try to solve this , could you please send me an e-mail with the appropriate parameters so that I can cross check the values which should be installed. Maybe there is a bug-fix available...

My email address is
jamestp1@bigpond.com

This may save you spending more valuable time after having spent so much time helping me. I should be able to do a line-by-line comparison and narrow down the problem this way. All power levels are correct so it's most likely a faulty line of code or setting.

Thanks again for your time.

scintilla · Posted at 2021-4-29 11:29:29

Hello Shania,
Yes, I am using a multi port USB Hub with the keyboard's dongle on one port. It seems to work well. I can enter numbers and use Page Up etcetera.
I also have a wireless mouse which came with the keyboard. I does not do any thing. I cannot see a cursor on the screen.
Does it make a difference if I use the numbers along the top of the keyboard rather than the number keypad on the right-hand side?
Thanks,
Scintilla

scintilla · Posted at 2021-4-29 14:31:02

Hello again, Shania,
I checked the Parameter settings and they look to be okay compared to some examples on the Youtube.
I also checked the operation of the switches on the MPG and they all show as working, that is they switch from H to L (red to green) when selected.
This indicates that there's nothing wrong with the basic functions of the unit.
It is just dead

scintilla · Posted at 2021-4-30 10:24:51

Hello again, Shania,
I have tested the unit and it has successfully run a .tap file which I loaded on to the USB stick you supplied with the unit.

All axes are working. The Spindle is working. The display is working.
Sad to say, the MPG is does not do anything except correctly operate EStop and the display page shows that, when switches are used and buttons are pressed, the internal contacts appear to be correctly connected.
Can you please try to suggest a cure for this important problem?
Thanks again,
Scintilla.

scintilla · Posted at 2021-5-1 10:07:52

Hello again,
I STILL can't get the MPG to do anything. Can you please suggest a further action to fix the problem?
Maybe a later version of Firmware could help?....

Can I use a 5V port on the I/O PCB to directly run the P and D Driver inputs?

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