Mach 4 & CS Labs, same switch for Limit and Home?

[Chaz]

Hi, does anyone know if in Mach 4 I can use the same switch for Limit and Home? I use similar on Centroid without an issue but just getting my concrete mill up and running again, it doesnt like me using the limit for home and just trips out as 'limit hit'.

CS Labs is the control I'm using.

Thanks

[JohnHaine]

Hi, does anyone know if in Mach 4 I can use the same switch for Limit and Home? I use similar on Centroid without an issue but just getting my concrete mill up and running again, it doesnt like me using the limit for home and just trips out as 'limit hit'.

CS Labs is the control I'm using.

Thanks

Have you asked over on the Mach support forum?

https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php

[Lee Roberts]

Hi Chaz,

In Mach4, using the same switch for both limit and home functions is possible, but it depends on the controller and configuration.

With a CS Labs controller, you need to set it up correctly to avoid the "limit hit" error when homing...

Wiring: Ensure your limit switches are wired correctly, Typically, normally-closed (NC) wiring is more reliable for this setup as I think you know?

Mach4 Configuration:

Go to Configure > Control... > Input Signals.
Set up the limit switches for each axis under Limits (e.g., X++, X--, Y++, Y--, Z++, Z--).

Then, configure the same input as a Home switch under Homing/Soft Limits.

Home and Limit Sharing:

In the Homing/Soft Limits tab, enable "Home in Place" for axes that don't need to move during homing...

Set the homing direction and speed as needed.

Ensure the "Home Order" is set correctly to avoid conflicts.

CS Labs Controller Specifics:

Open the CSMIO/IP plugin configuration...

There should be an option to share limit and home switches, enable this setting and if you need to, you can adjust the de-bounce settings as well (to prevent false triggers etc).

Testing:

Manually move the machine to ensure it triggers the limit switches without error.

I would do a homing cycle at this point and observe the behaviour/outcome. It should approach the switch, trigger it, then back off to set the home position without tripping the limits.

If the problem persists, double-check the Input Polarity and Debounce Interval settings. Also, make sure the limit switch is not still active when Mach4 tries to move away from the home position, as this can trigger the "limit hit" error...

Good luck :)

[Chaz]

Thanks. I found a bit earlier today that under the CS LABS plugin you can select 'ignore limits whilst homing', so that's worked. Had to fix one input that was set for the opposite side.

Can I just say what a dog Mach 4 is. Using Centroid now on all my other machines, stable, easy, lovely. Mach 4 is inconsistent, doesnt do as you would expect etc. Cant wait to ditch it.

[Lee Roberts]

Yea, I've never seen a complementary word said about it to be honest, Cent seems to be catching on quite widely I've noticed.

Pleased you got it working, thanks for the info on "ignore limits whilst homing"...