Hello, I’m new to the forums so let me know if I should be asking my questions somewhere else. I’m looking for some help configuring my Blackbox x32 for my laser machine. I had bought a UNICH LXJ1325 second hand and want to retrofit the machine with a Blackbox. Right now I’m trying to get the steeper motors working before I tackle the laser. The steppers are 3 phase steppers that are driven by Leadshine 3ND583 & 3ND883 micro step drivers. I have configured them for CW/CCW mode as they were originally configured for PUL/DIR. Both drivers are setup for 5000 pulses/revolution driving their respective 3 phase stepper motors. I cannot jog either of the axis after wiring and configuring the components. Where I think I’m stuck is a jumper configuration is not set correctly within the micro step drivers/Blackbox OR I have a Grbl configuration that does not work at all. As far as the Grbl settings I’ve tried many in a trial and error way based off the pdf docs I have. Regardless of the values I can’t seem to get any axis movement. This I definitely need help with for this specific machine. I have unplugged the limit switches so that I know they aren’t interfering with my troubleshooting. I have attached the associated documents and photos of steppers and drivers. Any help is appreciated.
GRBL supplies PUL/DIR signals The blackbox has drivers for 2 phase steppers built into it and does not have a pinout for PUL/DIR so how are you expecting to drive those external drivers? I believe what you need is an Arduino Uno which will give you access to the PUL/DIR pins your drivers need.
In my searches I have seen Arduinos used in PUL/DIR mode. These drivers are capable of inputs for 2 phase (CW/CCW mode) and 3 phase (PUL/DIR mode) per the documentation above but only will drive a 3 phase stepper. I have been searching to see if anyone has used Microstep Drivers with Blackbox and I can't find anyone who has. I wouldn't mind having to purchase new drivers/steppers if thats what it meant to get my machine up and running but I don't see any reason why this can't work.
it cant work because the blackbox has it's own drivers built in, and they are for 2 phase motors. you have 3 phase motors and drivers to match them. GRBL, the software in the Blackbox, can only output step and direction (PUL/DIR) signals, but the blackbox does not have pinouts for those signals, they go direct to the built in drivers, so the blackbox cannot drive your external drivers. Therefore you cannot use the blackbox with your motors. Get some nema23 motors from Electronics - Stepper Motors - OpenBuilds Part Store , connect them to the Blackbox and your machine will work well. OR, get an Arduino Uno with a screw shield, configure your drivers to use PUL/DIR, and connect them to the Arduino on the correct pins. Use OpenBuildsCONTROL to put GRBL onto the Arduino Uno, and your machine will run with the existing drivers and motors.
The existing NEMA34s, large gearing ratio on the intermediate belt, etc I wouldn't go with a Grbl/Stepper based setup for a machine like this. Those are nice motors and drivers and needs a nice DSP to run optimally. Its a large industrial machine, not a hobbyist laser Get a proper laser controller like Laser Controllers | Light Object
I see now. I ideally want to use Blackbox to drive this machine. Can you recommend a y-axis stepper replacement? It’s a pretty large stepper so I’m not sure where to look.
But why? Not to shoot the BlackBox down - but this is not the right solution for this machine. NEMA 23 Stepper Motor - High Torque Series is our largest - but will be a lot slower - so you will likely loose engraving ability and other issues
This is great info! Thanks I'll look into these controllers. Do you think I will run into any compatibility issues with the drivers I have with one of these laser controllers? -Jeff
Best to ask Lightobject's support team directly about the specifics of their controllers Contact Us or the number in the footer of their website.
