Build Log - Herbert

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I didn't know that was the question you were answering



I am new to all this electrical stuff and can only go on what I have found both off this forum and the manuals, the BOB that I have I wanted to control the VFD as you understand, but in talking to CNC4YOU they said the BOB I had was the basic one and needed the other type.

In principle everybody is right, both CNC4YOU and I, and the UC300 manual...

The BoB you have can not be used to control the VFD with, unless you are ready to adjust the speed manually, or use a digital pulse or PWM signal, if that is possible with your VFD and BoB. To control the spindle speed using 0-10V you need another BoB... if you want to do it via a BoB. CNC4YOU may not be familiar with the UC300 and it's capabilities, only that the BoB you have does not have what it takes to get the 0-10VDC analogue out signal.

The UC300 manual is right because it is written for everybody, not a specific use. Balazs, the creator of the UC300, can not know or limit the application, so he rightfully warns the users that the UC300 does not have optical isolation, so you must aware of that and use a proper BoB.

I am right, because based on what I have, i.e. UC300, the Bosch Rexroth VFD, DQ542MA drivers, I know that my drivers and the VFD has optically isolated inputs, so in principle I would not need a BoB. Never the less, I use one, because of practical reasons, and because my probe, limit switches and E-stop otherwise would not be isolated. I would not recommend anyone not to use a BoB for the same reasons, even the inputs must be isolated, and unless your limit switches are not isolated you should use a BoB. In my previous post I forgot about the limit switch inputs, but because you already have a BoB, that part falls under digital inputs and outputs isolation, and you have solved that already with your BoB.

Plugin? what does this do or where can I find one?

http://cncdrive.com/UC300.html

That is the source to get all the installation files necessary for the UC300. The manual explains the installation process, as well as how to connect the outputs and configure the use of analogue outputs. I have tested this and it works as described, but I am using Modbus and RS485 to control the VFD, so I am not using the 0-10V output. Once you have installed the driver and your UC300 is recognized by and configured in Mach3 you can use the 0-10V to control the spindle speed.

I did not mean that you didn't understand what I was talking about, I had no knowledge that you used the UC300, but I am glad that you do and manybe you can advise me in the future with connections?

Ask and I'll answer if I can, but this forum and the Internet is full of information, so even if I will not have time or won't be able to answer, there are many others.

Thank you for looking at my proposed build, maybe I am using the BOB and do not need it as the CW5045 have the optical isolators, I could find any wiring or interface drawings to help me......with direct connection from the UC300.

It is better to use a BoB, even if you may not need it. It makes connecting things easier, as well as it provides optical isolation also on the inputs. It is also very easy to plug in to the UC300, so there is really no reason for not using one, even if it is possible based on the stepper drivers. I don't know your VFD, so I can not say how the inputs are for that one. I did have a quick look at your wiring diagram, but have no time to check every wire and connection. I am sorry for that.

maybe if your willing you can explain how I can setup the UC300 so I do not have to purchase the new BOB as I have not done that as yet?
Hoping you can,
Ian

If you have a specific question I will try to answer, but like I said, I don't know your BoB, or the VFD you are using and also I don't control my VFD via digital outputs and 0-10V. I did test it once but I use RS485 Modbus communication, using only two wires out of a USB dongle. This is controlled from Mach3. When it comes to the UC300, it is just a USB motion controller with some digital outputs to control my stepper drivers via this BoB:



I have 0-10V out from the BoB also, but it is not as stable and linear as the UC300 analogue output is. Again, for ease of connection reasons, if I'd use the 0-10V to control spindle speed, I'd use the BoB, but if I would not have this one, I'd use the UC300 output directly.

I can show you my settings for the UC300, but have no possibility to test other settings or configurations. Basically what I did before I received the UC300 was that I read the manual and knew it will work for my needs and when I received it I just followed the manual practically word for word, connected it, installed the drivers, updated the firmware and checked it out. The manual pretty well describes how to install and configure it, but if you have a specific question, don't hesitate to ask, I'll answer if I can, or somebody else will hopefully chime in.

If all else fails, you can always contact Balazs. He is very busy but normally answers all mail questions quickly through the web contact details. Of course, he may tell you to contact CNC4YOU since you bought the UC300 via them, I don't know, but it is worth a try if you can't get answers elsewhere.