Limit switch recommendation

[John]

What is the recommended set of inputs on the PMDX-422 for connection of limit switches? Do you "wire-OR" all limit switches with E-Stop". Do you "wire-OR" X+ and X- to "11", Y+ and Y- to "12", Z+ and Z- to "13"? As I am designing the CNC router I have some free choices in this area.

[Steve Stallings]

For a 3 axis machine my typical recommendation would be:

E-Stop should be a dedicated input set up for Pin 10.

Each axis X, Y, and Z home would be a dedicated input.

Limits for all axes would be combined into a single input. If you home switches
double as limits, then just combine the limits for the other end of travel.

The one remaining input from those mapped like a parallel port would be used
for setting tool length offset or digitizing, typically assigned to Pin 15.

On the PMDX-422 there are three more input called A, B, and C. In the  future
it will be possible to use these for an MPG, but if you really want independent
inputs for your limit switches, they could go here.

[mntlvr]

For a 3 axis machine my typical recommendation would be:

E-Stop should be a dedicated input set up for Pin 10.

Each axis X, Y, and Z home would be a dedicated input.

Limits for all axes would be combined into a single input. If you home switches
double as limits, then just combine the limits for the other end of travel.

The one remaining input from those mapped like a parallel port would be used
for setting tool length offset or digitizing, typically assigned to Pin 15.

On the PMDX-422 there are three more input called A, B, and C. In the  future
it will be possible to use these for an MPG, but if you really want independent
inputs for your limit switches, they could go here.

Steve
A,B,C don't seem to appear on Mach 4 ,version 4.2.0.2803as "input pins"  where do I look for these "input pins" you mentioned. I have my "X" , "Y" and "Z" switches for max limits on smartbobusb 422, pins 12,13,15. Now smartbobusb shows the inputs going "Low" when the switch is made but other than that , the inputs do nothing as far as stopping the machine.
Can you help with this?
Thanks

[Bob at PMDX]

From the main Mach4 screen, go to the "Configure" menu and select "Mach...".  Then click on the "Input Signals" tab.  If you have a PMDX-422 or PMDX-410 and it is plugged into the PC and our plug-in is able to talk to it, then the A, B and C inputs should show up as "PinA", "PinB" and "PinC" in the drop-down list in "Input Name" column for any signal that has "SmartBOBUSB" selected in the "Device" column.  You should see "Pin10", "Pin11", "Pin12", "Pin13", "Pin15", "PinA", "PinB" and "PinC".

If you don't see them listed then all I can guess is that the plug-in thinks you have a PMDX-411 instead of a 410 or 422.  Go to the "Diagnostics" menu and select "PMDX-SmartBOB-USB".  That will show you what the plug-in thinks is connected to the PC.  You can also create a profile package and send it to me (either upload it here or email it to me at "bob" at this domain).  To create the profile package, go to the Mach4 "Help" menu and select "Support" and then "Create Profile Package".  Save the file somewhere that you can find it, then upload or email it.

Bob