Mk3 ExtInOut Expansion Board

ExtInOut Expansion Board

The ExtInOut expansion board is a device that expands the number of motion controller inputs and outputs. It can be used with Mk3, Mk3/4, and Mk3DRV controllers. The board comes with the following features and specifications:

• Input specification: Inputs use opto-coupler and a resistor. Min voltage supplied to input: 5VDC, Max voltage supplied to input without external current limiting resistor: 12VDC*
• Output specification: Relay outputs offer: Common, NC (normally closed), and NO(normally opened) terminals. Relays* specification:
  • Voltage 250VAC, capable of switching up to 10A
  • Voltage 125VAC, capable of switching up to 10A
  • Voltage 30VDC, capable of switching up to 10A
  • Voltage 28VDC, capable of switching up to 10A
• *ExtInOut 12VDC uses 12VDC relays, ExtInOut 24VDC uses 24VDC relays

The ExtInOut board can be connected to various components such as a motor contactor, small motor, input buttons, LED’s, solenoid valve, PNP/NPN proximity sensors, motor starter for AC motor value, and more. The connection diagrams for various components are provided in the user manual.

The ExtInOut board can be used with PlanetCNC TNG software. The settings related to EXT are located under File/Settings/Input/Output I2C, Serial, Ext. The frequency value of
EXT clock frequency can be adjusted, and the SEL1 Pin can be inverted or latched. The size should be equal to the number of ExtInOut boards used with EXT1 connector of the controller. The refresh time value of ExtInOut board inputs and outputs can also be adjusted.

Usage Instructions

To use the ExtInOut expansion board with your motion controller, follow the below steps:

1. Connect the ExtInOut board to the appropriate components as per the connection diagrams provided in the user manual.
2. Adjust the settings related to EXT in the PlanetCNC TNG software as per your requirements.
3. Power on your motion controller and ExtInOut board.
4. You can now use the additional inputs and outputs provided by the ExtInOut board for your motion control applications.
5. If you face any issues with the height sensor or height controller, note that there is no warranty for the board, and you assume the cost of all necessary servicing, repair, or correction.

Disclaimer
EXTINOUT EXPANSION BOARD IS PROVIDED TO YOU “AS IS,” WITHOUT WARRANTY. THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR THE BOARD, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE DEVICES IS WITH YOU. SHOULD THE HEIGHT SENSOR OR HEIGHT CONTROLLER PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION.
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE EXTINOUT EXPANSION BOARD.

Introduction

Overview
ExtInOut expansion board is a device, that expands the number of motion controller inputs and outputs. This board can be used with Mk3, Mk3/4 and Mk3DRV controller.

Features and specifications

ExtInOut board version label:

• ExtInOut expansion board is available in two versions: 12VDC and 24VDC. Version used, depends on the type of external power supply.
• Board will have a mark next to 12V label if version is suitable for 12V power supply
• Board will have a mark next to 24V label if version is suitable for 24V power supply

8 Outputs with relays:

• Single ExtInOut expansion board offers 8 outputs with relays
• Outputs with relays can be used to control:
  • solenoid valves
  • light indicators
  • various motors
  • switching devices such as contactors and/or motor starters

8 Opto-isolated inputs:

• Single ExtInOut expansion board offers 8 opto-isolated input channels
• Inputs can be used with:
  • Buttons
  • Switches
  • PNP and NPN proximity sensors
  • Other switching devices

NEXT IDC header:

• You can daisy chain up to 4 ExtInOut boards, providing a total of 32 inputs and 32 outputs with relays.
• NEXT heder is used to connect a currnet ExtInOut board with the next ExtInOut board in the daisy chain connection

EXT IDC header:

• EXT IDC header is used to connect a previous ExtInOut board with the current ExtInOut board in the daisy chain connection
• This header can also be used to connect first ExtInOut board with older MK3 controllers EXT IDC header.

POWER screw terminal:

• External power supply screw terminal connector, used for powering on-board relays.
• External power supply voltage value depends on the version (12V or 24V) of ExtInOut board used

EXT MicroMatch connector:

• You can daisy chain up to 4 ExtInOut boards, providing a total of 32 inputs and 32 outputs with relays.
• NEXT heder is used to connect a currnet ExtInOut board with the next ExtInOut board in the daisy chain connection

Input specification:
Inputs use opto-coupler and a resistor.
Min voltage supplied to input : 5VDC
Max voltage supplied to input without external current limiting resistor: 12VDC*

* PLEASE NOTE:

• Input voltage source is independent from POWER terminal voltage source (relay voltage source).
• When using power supply that exceeds max voltage input ratings, please use current limiting resistor for opto-isolated inputs.

Output specification:
Relay outputs offer: Common, NC (normally closed) and NO(normally opened) terminals. Relays* specification:

• Voltage 250VAC, capable of switching up to 10A

• Voltage 125VAC, capable of switching up to 10A

• Voltage 30VDC, capable of switching up to 10A

• Voltage 28VDC, capable of switching up to 10A

• ExtInOut 12VDC → uses 12VDC relays

• ExtInOut 24VDC → uses 24VDC relays

Connection diagrams
Schematic below describes the use of ExtInOut board with motor contactor, small motor and input buttons:

Schematic below describes the use of ExtInOut board with LED’s, solenoid value and PNP/NPN proximity sensors:

Diagram below, illustrates connection between Mk3/4 controller and ExtInOut board.
It also illustrates connection of small DC motor and PNP proximity sensor with ExtInOut board.

Diagram below, illustrates connection between Mk3/4 controller and ExtInOut board.
It also illustrates connection of solenoid value and input button with ExtInOut board.

Diagram below, illustrates connection between Mk3/4 controller and ExtInOut board.
It also illustrates connection of motor starter for AC motor value and NPN proximity sensor with ExtInOut board.

Diagram below, illustrates connection between Mk3/4 controller and two ExtInOut boards:

ExtInOut board’s use with PlanetCNC TNG software
Settings related to EXT are located under File/Settings/Input/Output → I2C,Serial,Ext

Example of EXT settings configuration for one ExtInOut board connected to PlanetCNC controller:

Please note: MK3 controller uses also EXT2 connector. Settings related to EXT2, are under SEL2 chapter.

Frequency:
Value of EXT clock frequency. Default value is suitable for most cases.

SEL1 Pin:
Invert: Inverts SEL1 pin Latch:

Size:
Inserted value should be equal to the number of ExtInOut boards used with EXT1 connector of controller.
Eg.g.: If you use only one board, value is 1. If you use 3 boards connected in daisy chain, value is 3.

Timer:
Refresh time value of ExtInOut board inputs and outputs.

SEL2 Pin:
Invert: Inverts SEL2 pin Latch:

Size:
Inserted value should be equal to the number of ExtInOut boards used with EXT2 connector of Mk3 controller.
Eg.g.: If you use only one board, value is 1. If you use 3 boards connected in daisy chain, value is 3.

Timer:
Refresh time value of ExtInOut board inputs and outputs

Gcode commands:
ExtInOut relay output control:
There are multiple ways on how you can control ExtInOut relay outputs:

Example: M64 H P Q
Activate relay outputs 1 and 7:

M64 H1 P1 Q1
M64 H1 P7 Q1

To turn relay outputs 1 and 7 off:
M64 H1 P1 Q0
M64 H1 P7 Q0

Example: # <_extout1|num>
Activate relay outputs 1 and 7:

<_extout1|1> = 1

<_extout1|7> = 1

To turn relay outputs 1 and 7 off:

<_extout1|1> = 0

<_extout1|7> = 0

Example:

<_extout1> = n

Activate relay outputs 1 – 4 of first ExtInOut board:

<_extout1> = 15

Activate relay outputs 1 – 4(outputs 9-12) of second ExtInOut board:

<_extout1> = 3840

Example: #<_extout1> = BIN[ ] Activate relay outputs 1 – 4 of first ExtInOut board:

<_extout1> = BIN[00001111]

Activate relay outputs 1 – 4(outputs 9-12) of second ExtInOut board:

<_extout1> = BIN[0000111100000000]

Example: #<_extout1> = HEX[ ] Activate relay outputs 5 – 8 of first board:

<_extout1> = HEX[F0]

Activate relay outputs 5 – 8 (outputs 13-16)of second board:

<_EXTOUT1> = HEX[F000]

Reading ExtInOut board inputs:
ExtInOut board input status values are available through parameters:

<_extin1> and #<_extin2> or #<_extin1|num> and #<_extin2|num>

You can use them with your gcode, script files, expressions, toolbar buttons etc..

G-code program example:
G-code program below demonstrates ExtInOut output and input manipulation:%

<_extout1|7> = 0 //reset ExtOut output 7

G00 X0
G00 X100
o if [#<_extin1|4> EQ 1] //read ExtIn input 4
(msg,program stop: input active)

<_extout1|7> = 0

M2
o else
G00 X0

<_extout1|7> = 1 //set ExtOut output 7

o endif
%

We recommend that you read TNG G-code reference manual for more info about the ExtInOut parameter, gcode command and expression functions syntax.
More examples are demonstrated also in the “Custom toolbar buttons” tutorial. Note that in this tutorial expression functions for ExtInOut are used:

Toolbar buttons tutorial
ExtInOut board was also used in semaphore application blog, where it was used for input evaluation and semaphore lights control:

CNC machine semaphore application

EXT State panel settings:
EXT input and output status lights can be displayed under IO state panel of PlanetCNC TNG sw.

• EXT IO LED settings are located under File/Settings/User Interface/State →
• LED ExtIn1 and LED ExtIn2 → Rows
• LED ExtOut1 and LED ExtOut2 → Rows

Each row displays 8 inputs and outputs of dedicated ExtInOut board. So if you use two ExtInOut boards with EXT1 of your controller, you should use insert value 2:

Using PlanetCNC TNG software pin shortcuts with ExtInOut board inputs:
You can map inputs of ExtInOut board as a shortcut pin in PlanetCNC TNG.

Example:
We want to use ExtInOut boards input 1 as a program start button.
Under File/Settings/User Interface/Shortcuts → Machine/Start → Pin → ExtIn1→ ExtIn1 1

Dimensions:

DXF file is available at link below: ExtInOut DXF file

References

• Adding user toolbar buttons in PlanetCNC TNG software - Planet CNC
• CNC machine semaphore application, using expressions (Expr.txt) - Part 1 - Planet CNC
• planet-cnc.com/wp-content/uploads/sw/doc/ExtInOut.dxf

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