Using Adapter for 10 pin header with PlanetCNC controllers
If you need to connect your external electrical equipment such as sensors, switches, buttons, encoders with controller using single wires, you can use adapter for 10pin header. Adapter pinout when connected to AUX header of Mk3 controller: Adapter pinout when connected to AXIS header of Mk3 controller: Adapter pinout when connected to INPUT header of […]
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 […]
Using output board for spindle control
In this tutorial we will explain how to use output board with VFD and spindle. We will describe how to set VFD* parameters and how to connect output board with VFD control inputs. We are aware that many users use different VFD’s but no worries, the work flow in a sense should be the same. […]
Using optocoupler adapter board with PlanetCNC controller
Bottom wiring diagrams demonstrate various uses of adapter with optocoupler: Optoisolated axis output: Optoisolated limit switch inputs: Using PNP proximity switches with optocoupler adapter: With 12V power supply: With 24V power supply:
Using SD card adapter with PlanetCNC controllers
Connect SD card adapter with the Planet-CNC controller: Mk3 and Mk3/4 controller: SD card adapter is connected to Mk3 and Mk3/4 controller with 10pin flat cable trough SD&I2C connector. Mk2 controller: SD card adapter is connected to Mk2 controller with 10pin flat cable trough EXT connector. Export your toolpath to Raw file format in […]
Using output board with PlanetCNC controllers
Output board is used for control of external equipment such as VFDs, coolant systems, vacuum pumps etc. It requires 12V power supply connected to a terminal labeled 12V (be careful with the polarity). Output board has 3 relays and 0-10V output. Relays can be used as NO (normally open) or NC (normally closed). Output board can be […]
Using EggBot with PlanetCNC controller and Toslink
In spirit of Easter holidays(with a slight delay) we decided to wipe the dust from our EggBot and see if still works. We thought that it would be perfect if we use Toslink devices to demonstrate how both, Mk3 controller and Toslink work perfectly hand in hand. For better understanding of Toslink please follow link […]
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 […]