LinuxCNC and Zapp Automation 3 axis kit - how to configure?

[birchy]

At the end of the day, it's just a new piece of software and will take some time to get familiar with. It's no different to using Mach or Autocad or some other "technical" application, but we're always keen to get motors spinning and cut corners which isn't a wise thing to do.

Glad you're progressing. I find the LinuxCNC forums are very friendly and helpful.

[gr8fun]

Hi guys
I finally managed to get some time to play and have got as far as I can.
I have a downloaded document from Zapp for the BOB that has the pin assignments as below. (The document is called "ZP5A-INT axis interface board manual.pdf")



This is what I have set up on the LinuxCNC.


I'm unsure of pin 1 (there is no "enabled"), pin 9 (no "spindle motor" - is this the spindle for a router?), pin 4 & 17 (no "B" option - would "B" appear if I set it for a 5 axis board?),

WRT the second table, is that for use with the "joystick" type manual control - a totally separate connector?

Any advice\pointers greatly received.
Thanks

Danny

[Swarfing]

Are you running two motors on 'X' if you are change 'A' settings to show 'X' (two motors for X running on different pins). Turn all those limit pins off for now, Spindle on is for the relay connection. Section 2 is for separate hand controller you can get for these boards.using four motors still only means a 3 axis machine.

[Swarfing]

Sometimes you have to invert the pins for one of the motors if you use two on X, you can tell this if the motors go in opposite directions. Without checking there should be a pin for charge pump? would need to go and check my setup? if you need it then you can not test in the config wizard if i remember rightly. Somebody correct me if i'm wrong?

[birchy]

Pin 1 is the charge pump (enable). Swarfing is correct, the "test axis" buttons in the config wizard don't work if your BOB needs the charge pump signal, however you can test in the software itself. HINT: you need to click the "power on" button and "toggle e-stop" in the software before you can run gcode. Then you can test each axis in the software using either the jog functions, entering gcode manually into the MDI tab or by importing and running a gcode file.

Longer term, I'd suggest you install DraftSight CAD and dxf2gcode. Then you can quickly create drawings, save them as dxf and then run the dxf2gcode program to create gcode. There are probably better ways to do that, but I'm also a LinuxCNC newby and that is the easiest way I've found so far...

[gr8fun]

Thanks chaps.
I'm only using 3 motors as it will be a light weight system for plasma.
Currently motors are not mounted - I was just hoping for movement!!
If the test bit does not work I'll have to move on a little further and see if I can get it to run a simple bit of code. Cheers,

Danny