I have installed an eternal relay to turn on/off the dust collection and spindle. I want to enter the g-code commands to cause the on/off to occur at the right time but have not been able to figure out how to enter g-code programming. Your assistance will be very much appreciated!
There is actually no G-code command to add. The M3/M5 commands (spindle start/stop) are already included in the G-code files generated by Carbide Create. The only thing you should need to do is wire the PWM output of the Shapeoko controller to your relay (assuming it takes a 5V input). The controller will activate/deactivate the PWM automatically when coming up the M3/M5 commands in the gcode file.
The relay box has a 5 volt control port which I have to the machine according to the instructions I gleaned off of this forum. The spindle and dust collection run when the relay is manually activated but cannot be controlled by the machine.
What you you have you $30 param set to ?
I’ll assume it is set to 1000 (default value)
To troubleshoot why the relay won’t trigger, use a voltmeter to measure the voltage between GND and PWM (preferably at the relay side), then, with the Shapeoko initialized, go to the MDI tab and type M3S1000 and hit send. You should now see near 5V between GND and PWM.
Send M5 in the MDI to stop the PWM/return to 0V.
If your $30 is some other value, for example 24000, send M3S24000 instead
Of course, safety first, do this without the router turned on, it’s safer to verify with only the shopvac first.
I’ll check this out. It won’t be until later today or even tomorrow. My son just called and said he was on his way to help with a different project. Thank you for the information. I let you know when I am back at it.
Followed your suggestions. Everything in functioning as hoped. And, yes indeed the command are in programming already. Ran a couple of test, everything is A-Okay! Thank you for your help.