Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Solid State Relays

----- Original Message -----
From: Tom <tcsibor@...>

> 1) With CNCPro, how do you activate the Spindle start with speed command?
> More simply, how do you even turn the spindle on? Do you hook up the M03
> command from the parallel port to some sort of relay that will activate a
3
> phase spindle motor?

Tom;
CNCPro has four aux outputs, labelled IO1-IO4. These are defined in the
setup menu under port settings, bit settings and label settings. M03 turns
IO1 on, M05 turns it off. Other M codes control the other pins - can't
remember which. These are TTL compatable and can be used to fire a SSR
(solid state relay).
>
> 2) In a similar vein, how do you activate things like coolant, automatic
> draw bar etc. I assume it is through the configurable Mxx codes hooked
> through some sort of solid state relay. If so, does anyone have specs or
> part numbers on the ssr's that can be used? Do these relays need to be
> activated by +5 volts from the parallel port? Will they handle the current
> draw necessary for the device being used?

Most any SSR that will fire on 3 to 4 vdc input should work, though some
require a 5v source and pull-up resistors if the parallel port output is
wimpy. You can get SSR's that will handle 3ph @ 30A but they are expensive.
A 1A SSR firing a mechanical relay works just as well.

Jon Elson and I have been working on a board that interfaces CNCPro to the
amps, SSR's and IO. Jon just emailed me to say that the prototype boards
work as designed. This board has real estate for optoisolation on all pins
and space for four SSR's up to about 5A each. We had ten boards etched and
I will be ordering components next week. Haven't figured out the price yet,
but they will be reasonable because I'm a very nice person;)

Doug