CNC USB controller

CNC motion controller is a link between personal computer and drivers for stepper motors. It uses USB port which is available on all modern computers and laptops. This is a complete (software/hardware) solution and it does NOT require any additional software (Mach3 is NOT needed).

USB CNC controller is compatible with most step/dir drivers. It has the same pinout as popular PICStep and PMinMO drivers. It can be used as direct replacement for many parallel port break-out boards. Finished and ready to use controllers are available in my shop. There is also a DIY version if you want to build one yourself.

I'm using this controller to drive my CNC hot wire foam cutter and three axes CNC machine.

You can also use software just to visualize G-code or simulate toolpath. If you have an interesting G-code and you don't mind sharing it with me please send it to me. I always enjoy examining and simulating new G-code.

You can contact me on e-mail 'info(at)planet-cnc.com' if you have any questions or if you need any assistance. I appreciate your interest in my work.

Features

Hardware

Software

DIY

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How To & FAQ

Hardware

Professionaly build, ready to use controllers are available in my shop.
CNC USB Controller

This schematic shows how controller is connected to computer and motor drivers.
You can also connect 8 limit switches, 8 jog buttons and 3 outputs to controller.
CNC USB Controller

Controller must be connected to motor drivers which drive motors. Computer is connected to USB connector.

Connectors and cable are also available in my shop.

IMPORTANT: Do not connect controller to USB without supplying power.
Either place 5VUSB jumper or an alternative power source. See power options described below.

CNC USB Controller Motor connector

+5VEX – 5V power of motor driver. This pin can be used to power motor driver from controller or to power controller from motor driver. 5VEX jumper on controller must be closed to enable this connection.

STEP – Step signal for motor driver. Width of signal is 12uS or more.

DIR – Direction signal for motor driver.

ENABLE – Enable signal for motor driver. Controller does not control this pin. It just connect them together and provides possibility to easily connect emergency stop switch. You can connect emergency stop switch to stop jumper or to stop pin on Connector connector.

CNC USB Controller Connector connector

STOP – use this pin to connect emergency switch. This is same as Stop jumper. See Motor connector ENABLE pin for more information.

OUT1 – this pin is controlled with spindle commands

OUT2 – this pin is controlled with flood coolant commands

OUT3 – this pin is controlled with mist coolant commands

RESET – connect this pin to GND to reset controller (same as Reset button)

LED – use this pin to connect external blinking LED. You must use current limiting resistor to limit current to 10mA.

POT – connect 5k or 10k ohm, logaritmic taper potentiometer to this pin to controll speed of manual jogging.

+5V – 5V power supply for potentiometer

CNC USB Controller Jog connector
JOG 1-8 – for connecting jog keys. It is recommended that you put 100nF capacitor directly to key teminals.

Limit connector
LIMIT 1-8 – for connecting limit switches. It is recommended that you put 100nF capacitor directly to key teminals.

5VUSB jumper
Close this jumper to power controller from USB.
When closed, 5V power connector (green) must not be connected.
When closed, 5VEXT jumper must be open unless you want to power motor drivers through controller.

5VEXT jumper
Close this jumper to power controller from motor drivers or to power motor drivers.
Use only if you know what you're doing. Incorrect usage may damage controller and/or drivers.

5V power connector (green)
Use this connector to power controller with external 5V power supply.
WARNING: CHECK POLARITY AND VOLTAGE! Controller is not protected against wrong polarity or voltage.
When in use, 5VUSB jumper must be open.
When in use, 5VEXT jumper must be open unless you want to power motor drivers through controller.

Here you can download schematics, pcb, firmware and software - everything needed for DIY build.
DIY controllers are same as assambled from my shop - no differences.
You are encouraged to build larger quantities for your friends or customers.

Preprogrammed PIC and empty PCB are availble in my shop.

Download latest software

PC software 2.10.1008.3001 or (zipped files)

BETA version 2.10.1009.203

- User manual
- Samples

Software requirements:
- DirectX 9c for .NET
- Microsoft .NET 3.5 SP1 Framework

- Software developers kit - includes API, example and manual. You can use it to create your own software. SDK is limited to 25 moves on DIY controllers.
If you are using it please write me an e-mail with brief descripion of your project to satisfy my curiosity.
- New BETA version of SDK! Please report if you find any bugs. Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86) is required.

I2C projects:
- Coordinate Display - source code and schematics of my I2C device prototype.

Other files you may need:
- DirectX 9c for .NET
- Microsoft .NET 3.5 SP1 Framework
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)

Download DIY resources

Firmware bootloader

PCB board documentation - for purchased PCB

Schematic (pdf) - for DIY PCB
Schematic for jog keys (pdf)
PCB (pdf) or PCB (png) 85mm x 123mm
Overlay (pdf)
Parts List

Board description:

1 - driver board connectors
    (pinout is PICStep compatile)
    (works with all step/dir drivers)
2 - aux, flood and mist outputs
3 - +5V power
4 - external reset button connector
5 - internal reset button
6 - limit switches connectors
7 - status LED connector
    (blinks if controller is working)
8 - manual input speed connector
9 - 8 manual input keys connectors
10 - USB connector
11 - USB connector (internal)
12 - Driver enable switch connector
    (used for emergency stop)
13 - ICSP connector

Silviu created his own schematics. They are available here:
Schematic (pdf)
Schematic for keys (pdf)
Schematic for Eagle (.sch)

Pictures of my prototype
Pictures of Silviu controller
Pictures of Primoz controller

For more information you can contact me on e-mail 'info(at)planet-cnc.com'.

Shop

All orders are made with PayPal and are secure.
If PayPal is not available in your country we can use Moneybookers.com, Western Union or bank transfer via IBAN. Email me for details.

CNC USB controller license

You will receive license registration key on your e-mail

69 EURO

CNC USB controller

Controller is assembled, tested and ready to use
*Standard shipping without tracking, usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.
I highly recommend express shipping for customers from Italy!

69 EURO + shipping*

Shipping options

Standard shipping
Standard shipping without tracking, usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.

(included)

Express shipping - EU countries only (optional)
For the customers that require fast delivery we have express
shipping with tracking.
Recommended for customers from Italy!

45 EURO

Express shipping - other countries (optional)
For the customers that require fast delivery we have express
shipping with tracking.

60 EURO

Other items

Connectors and flat cable
4x 10pin connector
3x 16pin connector
flat cable

5.50 EURO + shipping

PIC for CNC USB controller DIY build (40-Pin PDIP)
PIC is preprogrammed and tested!

10.50 EURO + shipping

PCB for CNC USB controller DIY build
Same PCB as in assembled controller!

10.50 EURO + shipping

The shipping charges do NOT include customs charges or duty fees. These fees are the responsibility of the buyer. These are usually collected when you pick up your package- PLEASE do not confuse these as additional shipping charges. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what theses additional costs will be.

Guarantee

The guarantee covers free replacement of defect or malfunctioning controller, which is directly the consequence of a manufacturing failure. We accept claims for replacement only in case of a manufacturing failure.

When the product does not perform as you expected, you can send back the product within 8 days after it was received. You get back your money, except for shipment and payment fee costs.

There is no guarantee in case of:

modification or alternation of the circuit board
attempt to modify or repair the circuit board
mechanical defect of the circuit board
short circuiting of the circuit board
overloading of the circuit board
applying wrong power supply voltage or polarity
misuse or careless use

Legal terms

CONTROLLER AND CONTROLLER SOFTWARE ARE PROVIDED TO YOU "AS IS," WITHOUT WARRANTY. THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR THE CONTROLLER AND CONTROLLER SOFTWARE, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE CONTROLLER OR CONTROLLER SOFTWARE IS WITH YOU. SHOULD THE CONTROLLER OR CONTROLLER SOFTWARE PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION.

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE CONTROLLER OR CONTROLLER SOFTWARE.

Download latest software

PC software 2.10.1008.3001 or (zipped files)

BETA version 2.10.1009.203

- User manual
- Samples

Software requirements:
- DirectX 9c for .NET
- Microsoft .NET 3.5 SP1 Framework

I2C projects:
- Coordinate Display - source code and schematics of my I2C device prototype.

Other files you may need:
- DirectX 9c for .NET
- Microsoft .NET 3.5 SP1 Framework
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)

Version history

20100830 - Limit keys debouncing, limit key setting works, improved import speed, import/export settings option, Spanish localization, EStop turns outputs off, new sample files ...
20100823 - Fixed bug in DXF import, "Speed override" is aware of "Maximum speed" setting
20100822 - New jogging features (Ctrl+Arrows jogging, Ctrl+Shift+Arrows step jogging), "Editable" feed override, I2C support, improved DXF import
20100814 - "Step mode" jogging, "Editable" coordinates, customizable colors, ...
20100803 - New DXF import parameters (useful for plasma and laser cutters), improved DXF sort algorithm, "multi speed" software jog buttons, G-code editing in external text editor
20100730 - Jog keys debouncing implemented
20100728 - Edit DXF feature which allows you to change order and direction of moves (menu Program/Edit DXF...) - watch tutorial video
20100725 - Turkish localization, some minor improvments
20100708 - Hardware DirectX support, new keyboard shortcuts, display zoom and rotation is remembered
20100626 - Portugese/Brazil localization, some minor improvments
20100613 - Material can be displayed as solid object, PLT import improvments
20100602 - Some more bugs are fixed, support for very low speed jogging, image import redesigned
20100531 - Jog keys features, Swedish localization
20100529 - Fixed some bugs, changed graphics, new version detection
20100520 - Fixed some bugs, PLT/HPGL importer, Dutch localization
20100514 - Toolpath optimization improved, reverse axis direction setting, invert controller pulse setting, shift extents to zero, shift extents to position, quick axis zeroing, lookahead acceleration/deceleration marker displayed, memory & load speed optimizations, controller based licence and many more things
20100505 - Improved acceleration/deceleration, pause at toolchange, tool length detection, custom controller output/axis name mapping, rotational axis visualization, extents visualization, DXF import optimized
20100322 - More G-code postprocessors supported, improved DXF import
20100319 - Fixed some issues with interpolation
20100316 - Fixed some issues with speed override
20100310 - Fixed helix interpolation bug in firmware
20100307 - Improved performance, German localization, jog with mouse, PC keyboard, joystick and joypad, home calibration procedure, limit switches, new firmware version,...
20100125 - Italian and French localization
20100115 - Fixed bug with M05, fixed bug with lookahead optimization
20100114 - Optimized GCode interpteter, absolute/working coordinates, coordinate system origins, tool change procedure and many other things
20091128 - Fixes some issues with inch units, bookmark features, new options in setting dialog, material definitions, tool definitions, estimated time to machine calculation, absolute and workpiece coordinates, better simulation with autorun, mist, flood and spindle control from menu, improved g-code optimization with lookahead features, new firmware version
20091122b - New firmware version, firmware upgrades are now possible from main program
20091122 - Fixed bug in licence activator, improved performance
20091118 - Major performance updates, new firmware version
20091105 - E-stop button was disabled by mistake
20091104b - Small DirectX bug fixed
20091104 - Support for other languages, improved DXF support, text import and a lot of other small things
20091009 - Updated bootloader
20090928 - New version with DirectX support released
20090819 - Fixed bug in cutter radius compensation
20090808b- Fixed bug in canned cycles (G81-G89) - commands were called in wrong sequence
20090808 - G28, G28.1, G30, G30.1, G92, G92.1, G92.2, G92.3 commands implemented, DXF import optimized
20090804 - G04 (dwell) implemented
20090731 - Bootloader for firmware implemented and lots of other things...
There is no recorded history before this date

CNC USB controller

CNC USB controller

News:

Features and specifications:

News:

Features and specifications:

Hardware

Software

Screenshots

Examples

Download latest software

Download DIY resources

Shop

Guarantee

Legal terms

Download latest software

Version history

How To & FAQ