Centroid Community CNC Support Forum

I am converting a machine that has been running on an an NVUM controller, Mach3, and uses TB6600s. The system was fully functional when I removed the NVUM controller. I have performed the bench test, have a heartbeat and connection with my PC. The limit switch LEDs illuminate when triggered and the E-stop works. Axis Drive Type is set to Bench Test Screw Terminal. I have my motor(s) wired as indicated. When I try to move an axis, the motors do no spin. Please let me know what I have done incorrectly.
Thanks,

Stepper drives and stepper motors need to be wired to the DB25 , you'll need a DB25 breakout board to wire those up. Here's one that will work:

https://www.amazon.com/D-sub-DB25-Break ... cs&sr=1-15

and the wiring diagrams along with ALL the documentation for the Acorn can be found here:

viewtopic.php?f=60&t=3397

The Acorn headers are for servo drives and servo motors (and a small handful of advanced stepper drives)

I got some guidance on the Facebook group. I connected +5v to the PUL+ and DIR+ and then the DR1 to DIR- and the ST1 to PUL- and everything worked.

AND

I had a DB25 breakout board, but my Beagle ate it... Seriously. He's a total spaz.

They may appear to work ... For a while. Numerous reports of axes loosing steps when connected to the open collector terminal blocks. Use the DB25

There really isn't room in my case for the breakout board. I'll order some DB25 solder connectors. Any chance you know the exact wiring for that connector? Do I leave the +5v to the PUL+ and DIR+?

No, use only the db connections. Step, for & gnd (18-25). Pinout is on DB25 wizard page

I looked at that diagram, but it does not indicate if those are positive or negative signals. Can you let me know. I have ordered this:

donek wrote: ↑Sat Jun 12, 2021 3:50 pm There really isn't room in my case for the breakout board. I'll order some DB25 solder connectors. Any chance you know the exact wiring for that connector? Do I leave the +5v to the PUL+ and DIR+?

Whether you have room or not you should find a way. Buying a standard male DB25 and soldering on your own wires is certainly another option. That's what I did as I have dozens of DB25 connector on hand at any given time. The break out board is for those who don't solder and it's much quicker for some.

Yes, leave 5v to the PUL+ and DIR+ and wire the minus leads for each axis accordingly. Look at the diagrams, they all have the DB25 pin out on them. Just as a reference look at diagram S14976 and it has a pin out for H6 right next to the DB connector on the drawing.

As Gary pointed out, it may "appear" to work right now but down the road when you notice you are losing steps you'll be chasing your tail for hours probably days. Wire them to the DB25, that's what it's there for.

donek wrote: ↑Sat Jun 12, 2021 3:50 pm Do I leave the +5v to the PUL+ and DIR+?

You have multiple options. Use the step & for terminals with the DB25 grounds, or use them with +5v on the power supply. You also have the ability to invert the signal in the wizard. 4 combinations that allow you to find what the drive runs best with.

I've used the DB25 connector with +5VDC from an external power supply and the DB25 signals to SINK the step and direction signals. I've also used the DB25 connections to SOURCE the step and direction signals and the DB25 GNDs as the other side of the signals. Either way worked for me. All I had to do was to invert the step and direction signal in Wizard for one of the configurations to make the motors move in the correct direction.