I just got a replacement controller board for my VFD. I’ve moved anything that was plugged into the old one, onto the new one. BUT, there are 3 wires soldered into the old controller board (the VFD Control 1.0), and the holes are labeled “L”, “N”, and “E”. There aren’t any holes anywhere near that location, and nothing labeled L, N, or E. Does anyone know what to do with (IE, where to solder) these wires?
I emailed support/sales (I was working with both), but since it’s a weekend, I wanted to check on the forum.
The new board is the one on the top of the image, and the original board is on the bottom. The wires in question, are on the upper right corner of the old board.
This is the back of the 2 boards… The old board is on the right (still in the metal tray). You can see the soldered wires on the lower right. Both boards are in the same orientation in the image. The new board has a socket for 4 wires near the location where they are soldered on the old board, but there is no plug (and there wasn’t one that came with this, for me to attach to the end of these wires, if I de-solder).
Looks like the v1 boards do not use a 4 pin connector between the board and the VFD. You have the option of soldering the wires to the back of board where the 4 pin connector is. I have included a wire diagram below. If you do not want to go that route which is understandable, you would likely need to send the entire VFD box back to C3D for a replacement. You can also buy the connector and pins to crimp your self. I believe the connector is a Molex Mini fit jr:https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Molex/46992-0410?qs=UxK%2FDTs6dB6CBrldigXeIw%3D%3D
Thanks for this! This helps a lot! I figured this was the case… I could certainly go the solder route, but I’d rather not (my soldering skills are OK, but not great)… I contacted support too. I’ll see what they have to say. Unfortunately, with it being a Saturday, it might be a while. Luckily, I have a backup router I am using, so, not a huge rush (but I really miss my VFD).
Thanks for the link! I ordered a few (in case I mess something up). They’ll be here in a week or so. In the meantime, I’ll see what support has to say. I’d imagine, the options will be similar to what you suggested. But, anyway, THANK YOU for your help! I really appreciate it!
The newer boards use a molex connector instead of the soldered wires. If you had an older board, the support team can send you one of the newer cables to go between the PCB and the VFD.
Thanks for the tip, Winston! I’m still waiting to hear back from support (it’s Saturday, so I know it may be a while). I’ll ask if they can send me a cable… I’m anxious to get this installed and tested. It’s my 2nd VFD repair in less than 2 years and I’d like to know if this fixes my issues (I have a couple things going on with the he VFD and the Spindle).
That sucks when this happens, my advice is to just contact C3D and get the correct matching parts. either change up the cable or get the V1 board instead of a V1.2 board
L,N,E refers to Line(Hot), Neutral and Earth Ground. So 120Vac and it looks like a fair bit of current. I don’t have a VFD. I am just going by the pictures.
If you believe you have the skills and the right “crimp tool” that is needed, you can add the connector.
Please do not tack those wires on the back of the board. They are required to be mechanically secured just in case the heat melts the solder.
And then you have to look at the warranty issue and the “fire” issue.
Again, unless you have the skills, I would just have C3D send you the right parts and stand behind the manufactures recommendations.
Exact same thing happened to me. New board arrived Friday. Went to install it and found out it was the 1.2 board and they didn’t send the wire adapter with the new board…another week my machine will be down. Haven’t had a chance to run the S5Pro yet. I was stupid and sold my router (that came with the S5Pro) with the S4Pro.
Yeah, if I can get them to send me the parts, I’d rather go that route. I can probably do it myself (and will, if they don’t send the parts), but don’t want to risk it. I’m hoping they respond soon.
Oh wow, 18 months! Mine had had only been down since I assembled my S5Pro just after Christmas. It worked just fine they day I sold my S4Pro just before Christmas. Installed on the new machine and when to turn everything on, and had a bad front panel board that went up in smoke and killed my bit zero. Since that moment my vfd red ring went dull and didn’t work. They will send you the cable adapter. Support emailed me back yesterday said they will ship it out as soon as they can.
This time, I’ve been down for 3 weeks (so far… I still don’t have the parts I need)… Support got back to me this past Monday that they would pass my request (for a cable with a plug) to someone that could help. I got notification Tuesday that it was shipped. I just checked 2 days later, and the tracking is still showing “almost ready”… I have a lot of other thoughts/concerns/frustrations, but not sure I want to air all of my frustrations on a public forum.
They got back to me and said it still hasn’t shipped (even though I got a shipping notification and tracking number 2 days ago). They said that they are waiting for USPS to show up. I guess USPS doesn’t go there every day (the 16th was 2 days ago)? I’m starting to lose patience. I ordered my replacement spindle and controller board and a week later asked them if it had shipped yet. They told me it would ship that day (it sure seemed like they forgot for a week until I reminded them). Then, I get it, missing the cable. Now it’s taking days to ship (even after I got the shipping notification)…. I’m sorry, but I’m really starting to lose patience, if things don’t improve, I can’t recommend this company/product to friends and family.
We’ve packaged things up, and printed the label — but things are sitting on our docks because there was a holiday on Monday, and then a snow storm — hopefully the balance of things will be picked up tomorrow.
. Thanks for the link!