Can a duet 2wifi control a vfd spindle?

[Ravihotwok]

Hi everyone, as above really, im trying to see if my duet 2 can control my 1.5kw vfd spindle as im thinking i may need to sell the duet and get a proper cnc controller. Im used to planet cnc software and controlling hardware so this is very different

[droftarts]

@Ravihotwok yes, see https://docs.duet3d.com/en/User_manual/Machine_configuration/Configuration_CNC#connecting-a-spindle

Support for Rs485/Modbus has recently been added to newer Duet 3 boards.

Ian

[Ravihotwok]

@droftarts
Hi Ian, to the rescue again i see lol. So im guessing I would be best just gettting rid of the duet 2 then? also is the duet 3 compatible with estlecam? not too sure what language (if thats the correct terminology) gcode it accepts. Ive read a few times that gcode generated by other software needs to be amended slightly in order to get it to work with the duet. Thanks for replying mate

[jay_s_uk]

@Ravihotwok you can add support for RS485 to duet 2 boards using a UART to RS485 adapter board. I have some on my desk to test but won't get to them until after SMRRF. They are only £2-3 from aliexpress.
There is a bit of work required to get RRF communicating with the VFD correctly by sending/receiving the correct information. But so far I know of implementations for Shihlin and huanyang vfd's.
My mistake, support isn't enabled on the duet 2 due to memory limitations

If there is a post processor for GRBL or Marlin already for estlecam you'd be fine. If not you may need to make some modifications if someone hasn't already produced a duet specific one.

[Ravihotwok]

@jay_s_uk hi jay mate, thank oy for the reply, my post processer can export into both marlin and grbl which is good to know, but i think im better off starting a fresh with a new controller. This duet 2 wifi is brand new unused along with a brand new pendant so it may sell pretty quick. Just a bit put off as if i wanted a controller like my other cnc machine which is planet cnc then its about 650 euros

[jay_s_uk]

@Ravihotwok If you want RS485 support with RRF then you have a three of options.

1. buy a Duet 3 mini 5+, Duet 3 6HC or Duet 3 6XD (or one of the STM32 port supported boards) and add a UART to RS485 module.
2. wait for the next Duet 3 6XD iteration which I believe will have RS485 built in. (don't forget with a 6XD you need external drivers)
3. the millennium mill guys have just announced the BTT Scylla board with runs the STM32 port of RRF. This has RS485 built in along with TMC2160 drivers and will start shipping to resellers around 15th Dec.

otherwise something like flexihal for using GRBL or LinuxCNC. Or maybe a MESA card? they seem quite popular in the printNC world

[Ravihotwok]

@jay_s_uk im really struggling with all that, you are on another level to me so i defo need to do some reading up. What are your thoughts on the blackbox 32? i would also really need a pendant as my machine is rather large and the pc is at the back wall mounted so jogging may be an issue

[jay_s_uk]

@Ravihotwok I've not used a blackbox x32 but it looks like it runs GRBL with a fancy interface built on top.

There are a fewof CNC firmwares aimed at hobbyists.

1. RRF - but this doesn't have as many CNC specific features as others.
2. GRBL
3. FluidNC
4. LinuxCNC

1, 2 and 3 can be ran independently of a PC so that doesn't need to be on for cutting operations whereas 4 requires a PC or Pi to be on all the time.

You then have a choice of mainboard to run it on. You can either get boards that have built in drivers (such as the duet boards, blackbox x32, BTT Rodent (fluidNC)) or boards that require separate drivers.
Built in drivers makes things simpler but you also need to consider that some boards only allow up to 24v to be used for the drivers whereas others allow up to 48v or even 56v (this higher voltage allows for faster travel speeds before torque loss).

AFAIK all of the above firmwares support pendants of one form or another.

[droftarts]

@Ravihotwok Up to you, but the Duet 2 can easily control a CNC machine. The 0-10V way of controlling the VFD has been used for years successfully. I'm not sure how the Planet CNC boards control the spindle, but it doesn't look like they use RS485/Modbus.

Ian

[jay_s_uk]

@Ravihotwok yes, @droftarts is right. the blackbox x32 doesn't have RS485 built in so only 0-10v control

[Ravihotwok]

@jay_s_uk would you consider helping build a control box to suit my needs? you obviously have forgot more than i will ever no and i dont want to be throwing money down the pan as this is for my business not just a hobby. I would happily pay for your time. If easier whatsapp me on 07894636707. My company is Autoflock Motorsport

[dc42]

@Ravihotwok if you are competent at changing and building firmware then you could modify the Duet 2 config file to enable RS485 support and disable some other optional feature to make room for it in flash memory. However, Duet 2 has only one UART port, so you wouldn't be able to run both the pendant and RS422.