UC300ETH question

[Neale]

My apologies for any confusion. The UC300 USB version is obsolete and the UC300ETH-5LPT is the current version. The ethernet connection is generally considered the better choice over USB.

You can buy the UC300+UCBB+2 ribbon cables as a bundle - ribbon cables connect the two boards, as you say. You might also consider the IDC16 to screw terminal board for analogue port if you want spindle speed control, just to make wiring easier. That also needs a short ribbon cable.

The way I have my machine set up using my macros means that I set up the work first. Then I set the Z work coordinate zero, which is usually the spoil board or the top of the work. I do this either with a touch probe using the UCCNC probing functions, or using the first tool in the toolpath. One of my macros then moves the tool to the fixed probe and measures the height, which is stored. Then, on every M6 tool change command, the machine uses the fixed probe to check tool length and using the stored height, it can reset the Z work coordinate and carry on machining. All I do is change the tool when prompted and hit the Start button.

[Ats101]

My apologies for any confusion. The UC300 USB version is obsolete and the UC300ETH-5LPT is the current version. The ethernet connection is generally considered the better choice over USB.

You can buy the UC300+UCBB+2 ribbon cables as a bundle - ribbon cables connect the two boards, as you say. You might also consider the IDC16 to screw terminal board for analogue port if you want spindle speed control, just to make wiring easier. That also needs a short ribbon cable.

The way I have my machine set up using my macros means that I set up the work first. Then I set the Z work coordinate zero, which is usually the spoil board or the top of the work. I do this either with a touch probe using the UCCNC probing functions, or using the first tool in the toolpath. One of my macros then moves the tool to the fixed probe and measures the height, which is stored. Then, on every M6 tool change command, the machine uses the fixed probe to check tool length and using the stored height, it can reset the Z work coordinate and carry on machining. All I do is change the tool when prompted and hit the Start button.

Gotcha! That makes sense and yes I understand why ethernet is preferred over USB.

I have located that bundle and it seems like a robust set up.

Your M6 protocol is great and will need something similar with an ATC.

Which pins/terminals do you have your pulse +/- and dir +/- for motor steps?

Thank you.