Trying to get this thing to work

[Doddy]

We need actual photos

To be honest, Andy, I believe (from random google/eBay searches) that might be the best we can expect. That image shows a USB to 25W D-Type that plugs into "Black Box", and "Black Box" has enough circular connectors on the back to drive the Spindle, axis-steppers and take some sensor input. The front panel integrates a control pot and switches for the Spindle and E-Stop for the rest.

Adverts on eBay for similar 6040-style machines with similar "Black Box" configurations refer to CNCUSB software and I'm wondering if this, and the image of the USB->25W means that this is a Chinese knock-off of the veritable UC100 interface, then the "Black Box" is just a BoB/Stepper Driver board and somewhere there's the spindle controller. Other "Black Boxes" present the control plate from the spindle controller into the same "Black Box".

OP: Have you a link to where you bought this from? (I'm trying to find links to any form of documentation), are you brave enough to remove the cover of the control box? to take internal photos? (desperate hope for sensible silk-screening on the PCB to get an idea).

To give you some understanding where we are on this, From the one picture that you've provided we know you have a 25W interface into your control box, and a speed controller integrated into that control box. A standard parallel 25W interface (which that one picture suggests) has 12 output pins that could be used - but 6 should already be assigned to give you X/Y/Z control that I understand you have running and working. Next, the Spindle controller has to be configured to support an external input to turn the spindle on/off - I'm guessing that's used with the wiring from the front panel switch; and it needs to be configured to take an external analogue input - and we need to resolve how the rotary control on the front of the panel is wired - and whether you can substitute that with an analogue output from the internal BoB of your control box. This is very likely an electrical wiring issue (to enable spindle/speed control) rather than a ports/pins query (that comes after the electrical side is resolved).

What software came with the machine? (just like the applications, and drivers) and what documentation was included - pdf's on memory sticks?


But here's a key take-away from this reply: You need to help us, in order that we can help you - I'm more tolerant than some here (and less tolerant than others), and I'm getting frustrated with this thread. Please help us, or you'll probably find this thread quickly dies.

[GeneO]

Sorry for your frustration. Keep in mind that I am not a techie. I'm just an old machinist who is retired, and wants to learn something new to keep myself busy. I took off the black box lid and this is what I got. Hope it helps.