CNC USB controller

CNC motion controller is a link between personal computer and drivers for stepper or servo 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 pin-out 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, old three axes CNC machine and also my new four 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

Shop

Download

How To & FAQ

News:

4 axis, 100kHz CNC USB Controller Mk2/4 is available
How to connect controller - watch tutorial video
Discussion group on google groups
Planet CNC forum

Homing, tool length measuring, tool offsets, working offsets and manual tool change

Camera Sensor & Transformation Matrix

There are also other videos on my channel.

Ben from "bens CNC weblog" is writing about controller. His first article is "USB Interface MK1 and Software".

Bob Adams from "CAD2GCode" wrote an article about his "USB to CNC project".

Features and specifications:

USB (V2.x) from PC/Laptop running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 (32 bit or 64bit)
motor driver connector pin-out is compatible with 10 pin open source interface
controller works with most step/dir motor drivers available on the market
buffered IO for maximum performance
advanced interpolation algorithms
start, stop, pause and resume execution of program on your machine
standard RS274/NGC G-code (EMC2 compatible)
advanced G-codes - G40, G41, G42 (Cutter Radius Compensation) supported
advanced G-codes - G43, G49 (Tool Length Offsets) supported
advanced G-codes - G54, G59.3 (Coordinate System Origins) supported
tested with SolidCAM, MasterCAM, ArtCAM, Vectric, ... generated G-code
Profili 4-axes and 3-axes G-code supported
import toolpath from DXF files
import toolpath from PLT/HPGL files
import toolpath from image files
import toolpath from NC-Drill (Excellon) files
import toolpath from Gerber (RS-274X) files
toolpath simulation
automatic homing procedure
advanced toolchange procedures
automatic tool length measuring
export toolpath to G-code
export toolpath to DXF
SDK (software developers kit) is available
works on MacOS X (Snow Leopard 10.6.3) with virtual machine emulating Windows XP SP3

There are three versions of controller

9 axes USB CNC controller Mk2:

100 kHz maximum step frequency
7 digital outputs
12 us minimum pulse width
manual jog inputs for all axes
limit inputs for all axes
5 general inputs
8 control inputs for pendant or similar device
SD card support for running g-code without computer
control external devices with I2C protocol
transformation matrix

4 axes USB CNC controller Mk2/4:

100 kHz maximum step frequency
3 digital outputs
12 us minimum pulse width
manual jog inputs for all axes
limit inputs
4 inputs
screw terminal connectors for all inputs & outputs
DB25 connector (simulates PC LPT parallel port for easy connection to existing systems)
transformation matrix

4 axes USB CNC controller:

25 kHz maximum step frequency
3 digital outputs (flood, mist, spindle)
12 us minimum pulse width
manual jog inputs for all axes
limit inputs for all axes
control external devices with I2C protocol

News:

4 axis, 100kHz CNC USB Controller Mk2/4 is available
How to connect controller - watch tutorial video
Discussion group on google groups
Planet CNC forum

Homing, tool length measuring, tool offsets, working offsets and manual tool change

Camera Sensor & Transformation Matrix

There are also other videos on my channel.

Ben from "bens CNC weblog" is writing about controller. His first article is "USB Interface MK1 and Software".

Bob Adams from "CAD2GCode" wrote an article about his "USB to CNC project".

Features and specifications:

USB (V2.x) from PC/Laptop running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 (32 bit or 64bit)
motor driver connector pin-out is compatible with 10 pin open source interface
controller works with most step/dir motor drivers available on the market
buffered IO for maximum performance
advanced interpolation algorithms
start, stop, pause and resume execution of program on your machine
standard RS274/NGC G-code (EMC2 compatible)
advanced G-codes - G40, G41, G42 (Cutter Radius Compensation) supported
advanced G-codes - G43, G49 (Tool Length Offsets) supported
advanced G-codes - G54, G59.3 (Coordinate System Origins) supported
tested with SolidCAM, MasterCAM, ArtCAM, Vectric, ... generated G-code
Profili 4-axes and 3-axes G-code supported
import toolpath from DXF files
import toolpath from PLT/HPGL files
import toolpath from image files
import toolpath from NC-Drill (Excellon) files
import toolpath from Gerber (RS-274X) files
toolpath simulation
automatic homing procedure
advanced toolchange procedures
automatic tool length measuring
export toolpath to G-code
export toolpath to DXF
SDK (software developers kit) is available
works on MacOS X (Snow Leopard 10.6.3) with virtual machine emulating Windows XP SP3

There are three versions of controller

9 axes USB CNC controller Mk2:

100 kHz maximum step frequency
7 digital outputs
12 us minimum pulse width
manual jog inputs for all axes
limit inputs for all axes
5 general inputs
8 control inputs for pendant or similar device
SD card support for running g-code without computer
control external devices with I2C protocol
transformation matrix

4 axes USB CNC controller Mk2/4:

100 kHz maximum step frequency
3 digital outputs
12 us minimum pulse width
manual jog inputs for all axes
limit inputs
4 inputs
screw terminal connectors for all inputs & outputs
DB25 connector (simulates PC LPT parallel port for easy connection to existing systems)
transformation matrix

4 axes USB CNC controller:

25 kHz maximum step frequency
3 digital outputs (flood, mist, spindle)
12 us minimum pulse width
manual jog inputs for all axes
limit inputs for all axes
control external devices with I2C protocol

Hardware

Professionaly build, ready to use controllers are available in my shop.
This schematic shows how controller is connected to computer and motor drivers.
You can also connect limit switches, jog buttons and other inputs/outputs to 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.

CNC USB Controller Mk2

CNC USB Controller Motor connector

+5V – 5V power of motor driver. This pin can be used to power motor driver logic from controller.

STEP – Step signal for motor driver.

DIR – Direction signal for motor driver.

ENABLE – Enable signal for motor driver.

Jog connector
JOG 1-8 – for connecting jog keys.
SHIFT - additional jog pin.

CNC USB Controller Limit connector
LIMIT 1-8 – for connecting limit switches.
SHIFT - additional limit pin.

Input connector
INPUT 1-5 – five general inputs.

Ctrl connector
CTRL 1-8 – for connecting control devices (e-stop switch, pendant).

Output connector
OUTPUT 1-7 – seven digital outputs.

CNC USB Controller Ext connector
For I2C and SD card.

Motor 5-9 connector
Motor axes 5-9.

USB connector
Connect to computer USB port.

POWER connector and jumpers
Jumpers:

USB – power controller through USB port

REG – power controller from 7-12 V on green screw terminal (9 V recommended). Polarity is not important.

EXT – power controller from 6 V on green screw terminal. Polarity is not important.

POT connector
Connect 5k ohm or 10k ohm, logarithmic taper potentiometer for jogging speed.

LED indicators

Power indicator LED

Usb connected LED

Usb good LED

Status LED – blinks if controller works

CNC USB Controller Mk1

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.

USB connector
Connect to computer USB port.

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 2.10.1201.2101 or (zipped files)

PlanetCNC USB Driver

BETA version 2.10.1201.2701 Please report any bugs you find in BETA version.
BETA version should work without problems. Some features might not be implemented. Some features are experimental and might be removed in next version. Thorough testing was not performed!

Manuals and sample g-code:
- User manual
- Samples

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

Latest version of SDK (20101115) - complete with manual and example project in C#, VB.NET and Delphi7.
Software developers kit includes API, manual, C header file, C#, VB and D7 example. You can use it to create your own software. SDK is limited to 25 moves on DIY controllers.
SDK only works with Mk1 controller firmware version 20101107. SDK does not work with Mk2 and Mk2/4.
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86) is required.

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

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

Here are instructions after you program firmware into PIC!

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

License registration key is send to your e-mail address.
69 EURO

CNC USB controller Mk2 (9 axis)

9 axis Mk2 controller, assembled, tested and ready to use.
129 EURO + shipping*

CNC USB controller Mk2/4 (4 axis)

4 axis version of Mk2 controller, assembled, tested and ready to use.
99 EURO + shipping*

CNC USB controller Mk1 (4 axis)

4 axis original Mk1 controller, assembled, tested and ready to use.
69 EURO + shipping*

All prices are without VAT.
*Standard shipping without tracking, usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Other items

Jogging keyboard

Jogging keyboard for 4 axes with "shift" key.
Assembled and ready to use. Works with both controller versions.
Versions for only 3 axes, without "shift" key, for axes 5-8 or with longer cable are available on request.

35 EURO + shipping

Output board

Board with 3 relays for connecting devices (spindle, cooling, ...) and
0-10V output for VFD (spindle speed).
Everything is optoisolated!
Assembled and ready to use. Works with both controller versions.
(connection manual)

69 EURO + shipping

MPG pendant with adapter

MPG pendant for Mk2 controller.
Assembled and ready to use.
Works with Mk2 controller only. Does not work with Mk1 and Mk2/4.
Adapter for MPG pendant is included and already soldered.

199 EURO + shipping

Adapter for MPG pendant

Connect MPG pendant to Mk2 controller.
Assembled and ready to use.
Works with Mk2 controller only. Does not work with Mk1 and Mk2/4.
You'll need to solder MPG pendant cable to adapter.

35 EURO + shipping

Adapter for SD card

Connect SD card to Mk2 controller.
Assembled and ready to use.
Works with Mk2 controller only. Does not work with Mk1 and Mk2/4.
SD card is not included.

35 EURO + shipping

Adapter with screw terminals

Connect controller to your motor drivers with screw terminals.
Assembled and ready to use. Works with both controller versions.
(connection manual)

28 EURO + shipping

Adapter with DB25 connector
CNC USB Controller adapter
Connect controller to parallel port (DB25) breakout board.
Not assembled - requires soldering to match your DB25 pinout.
All parts included. Works with both controller versions.
On request I can assemble adapter for you
(Gecko G540, Probotix, EasyCNC, ...)

22 EURO + shipping

Connection kit

Includes:
- 4x 10pin connector
- 3x 16pin connector
- ribbon (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

Motor driver & power supply

MotorDriver 2.5A
High performance, cost effective stepping motor driver to implement intelligent stepping motor control.
The driver incorporates an advanced architecture and surface mount technology to achieve an exceptional power density.
Current: selectable 0.5A to 2.5A
Microstepping: selectable 1/1 to 1/16
Cable included!
(manual)
20 EURO + shipping

PowerSupply 24V/100W
Voltage (adjust): 22-27.2V
Max. Current: 4.5A
Load Reg.: 120mV
Line Reg.: 120mV
Ripple Noise: 120mV
Efficienty (typ): 84%
(manual)
45 EURO + shipping

Shipping options

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

Express shipping - EU countries only (optional)
For the customers that require fast delivery we have express
shipping with tracking.
Please provide your contact telephone number!
Recommended for customers from Italy!
30 EURO

Express shipping - USA only (optional)
For the customers that require fast delivery we have express
shipping with tracking.
Please provide your contact telephone number!

45 EURO

Express shipping - other countries (optional)
For the customers that require fast delivery we have express
shipping with tracking.
Please provide your contact telephone number!

60 EURO

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.