
Using MPG pendant with PlanetCNC controller
With Mk3 controller you can use MPG pendant. MPG is connected with MK3 controller via MPG adapter board. First connect MPG adapter board with controller using controllers CTRL header. Then connect MPG to adapters DB25 connector: Please read this tutorial on how to use MPG with PanetCNC TNG software: Using MPG pendant with PlanetCNC […]

Updating to new PlanetCNC USB driver
PlanetCNC TNG software uses new and optimised USB driver. In order to update and use your PlanetCNC Mk3 series controller with PlanetCNC TNG software, you would need to use latest PlanetCNC USB driver. To check your USB driver version click: Win Key/Control Panel/Device Manager Under connected devices you will notice CNC USB controller: Right click […]

Disabling Driver Signature on Windows 8
PlanetCNC Drivers are now signed. This tutorial no longer applies! Invoke the Charms bar and click on Settings. Open control panel by clicking on “Change PC Settings”: Select “General” and then “Advanced Startup”: For Windows 8.1: Select “Update and Recovery” and then “Recovery” Click “Restart now”. Now the system will restart and might […]

Disabling Driver Signature on Windows 10
PlanetCNC Drivers are now signed. This tutorial no longer applies! Select “Settings” from the Start Menu: Select the “Update & recovery” option: Then click on the Recovery option on the left hand side, and once selected, you will see an advanced startup section appear on the right hand side. You will need to […]

How to setup CNC machine using PlanetCNC software and controller?
I will try to show you how to setup your CNC using PlanetCNC software. I will use my router machine as an example but you can do it similar way on all machine types. I use metric (millimeter) units but everything is same with imperial (inches) units except numbers are different (1mm is apporximately 0.03937in). […]

How to set Steps Per Unit values?
This is a short tutorial on how to correctly set Steps Per Unit values for your CNC machine. Steps per unit value (in further text as SPU) defines how many steps will stepper motor have to make in order to move the axis for distance of one unit. Units can be in millimeters or in […]

How to machine your first workpiece
In tutorial “How to setup CNC machine using PlanetCNC Software and controller” was described how to use limit switches and software settings, so that our machine will be properly calibrated and set, therefore ready for everyday use, giving us correct and satisfying results. Please read this tutorial before continuing: How to setup CNC machine using PlanetCNC Software and […]

How to use moveable sensor?
In ‘Machining your first work piece’ tutorial we described how to set Current XYZ offsets. – Offset – Current XY gives us relative coordinates. We can set Offset XY position coordinates anywhere on the machines table. This way we can adjust our imported program (G-code) to our table size and therefore set position that is […]

How to use tool change?
Difference between Fixed Tool sensor and Movable sensor: Fixed Tool Sensor: Used for measuring ‘Tool Offset’. Gives us position of the tool tip in absolute coordinates. Always at fixed position. Movable Sensor: For setting ‘Offset Current Z’ at the top surface of work material. Gives us relative coordinates. You can move it around the table, […]

How to use tool change with ATC?
Automatic tool change – ATC tutorial with PlanetCNC software and controller This tutorial will guide you through ATC hardware equipment installation, software settings configuration and final use of ATC with PlanetCNC software and PlanetCNC motion controller. We will start by installing ATC hardware equipment on our machine and later on continue with software settings configuration. […]

How to use “Warp” feature?
USING “WARP” FEATURE IN CNC USB CONTROLLER SOFTWARE ‘Warp’ feature is used when applying generated toolpath over bended, curved or uneven surfaces. This feature comes in great help to users that mill their own PCB’s. Since the PCB milling procedure itself is very delicate and precise (distance between two pads can be only xx mils), […]

How to mill and drill PCBs from Gerber and NC Drill files?
MILLING PCB’S WITH CNC USB CONTROLLERS This tutorial is intended to help you with production of one-sided PCBs with your CNC machine. Before any work is done with machine you must be sure that the ‘Gerber’ files you intend to import in CNC USB controller software are correct and are generated with correct parameters. Some […]