Onefinity Black Box Controllers (aka BuildBotics)

Manual Mode Operation

Spindle Systems have a convenient switch on the side of our enclosure which lets you switch between "Manual Mode" and "Automatic Mode". When flipped to manual (up or 1 position) you can hit the run button on the VFD's keypad and turn the dial controlling the motor just like you would a palm router.

See more: https://support.pwncnc.com/kb/article/658-phase-2-manual-mode-operation/

Spindle Kits come programmed for immediate use in "Manual Mode". This means you hit the run button and turn the dial to start your spindle motor just like you would a palm router.

See more: https://support.pwncnc.com/kb/article/655-phase-2-manual-mode-operation/

Wiring your Spindle to the Blackbox/BuildBotics-Clone Controller for Automatic Mode Operation

Spindle System Wiring

See more: https://support.pwncnc.com/kb/article/659-phase-3-controller-wiring-and-automatic-control/

If you have our spindle system, then it's really easy to plug everything up.

Spindle Kit Wiring

See more: https://support.pwncnc.com/kb/article/656-phase-3-controller-wiring-and-automatic-control/

If you have our spindle kit, then you'll be digging into the VFD directly to wire it up. Connect it as shown below:

Setting up your VFD for Automatic Mode Operation

This mode is where your CNC controller controls the VFD via Modbus/RS-485 communications connection signal. For Blackbox/BuildBotics-Clone, your controller is able to control CW/Forward, CCW/Reverse, and the 0-24000rpms.

Running Spindle Systems in Automatic Mode

See more: https://support.pwncnc.com/kb/article/659-phase-3-controller-wiring-and-automatic-control/

We have pre-programmed your VFD to run in automatic mode when the Manual Override switch is flipped to automatic (down or 0 position). The vfd will digitally communicate with your Blackbox/BuildBotics-Clone Controller over Modbus, also known as RS-485, for telling the spindle how fast it should spin and in which direction. When your controller tells the spindle to stop moving... the VFD's will be in standby/stopped mode with a blinking keypad display. When your controller tells the spindle to run at a certain speed, your VFD will be changed to spin/forward mode with a solid keypad display showing the RPMs it was told to spin the motor at.

Running Spindle Kits in Automatic Mode

See more: https://support.pwncnc.com/kb/article/656-phase-3-controller-wiring-and-automatic-control/

Our spindle kits do not come with a vfd enclosure and as such you're expected to provide that as well as properly wiring up the high-voltage electrical. If unsure, consult an electrician.

Without our specially designed enclosure, our spindle kits can only run in Manual-Mode OR Automatic-Mode, you are unable to easily switch between them without changing a few program settings within the VFD.

To reprogram your VFD from Manual-Mode operation to Automatic-Mode operation you'll need to change the following settings:

Learn how to navigate your VFD programming here: https://support.pwncnc.com/kb/article/664-how-to-program-your-vfd/

P0.0.03 = 2

P0.0.04 = 9

Your VFD will now perform two-way communications with the Blackbox/BuildBotics-Clone controller. The controller now uses the Modbus/RS-485 wires to know how fast it should spin the motor as well as when to switch from Stopped/Standby to CW/Forward to CCW-Reverse.

When your VFD is told to switch from Run Mode the vfd will change from standby/stopped mode (blinking keypad display) to spin/forward mode (solid keypad display).

In Run Mode, the VFD will also spin the the commanded RPMs which will be displayed on the VFD's keypad.

Setting up your Blackbox/BuildBotics-Clone Controller for Automatic Mode Operation

We're experts in our VFD and spindles, but not experts in your particular CNC Controller. If you have specific questions, we will encourage you to seek advice and guidance from your machine provider.

We have played with Blackbox/BuildBotics-Clone controllers before and here are a few notes we've gathered as to how to configure it for controlling a spindle:

From within your controller’s user interface, find the 3-Bar Menu -> Tool screen and change the

tool-type=”PwnCNC VFD” or “EM60” or "Redline" or "Delixi VFD". (Onefinity has changed this multiple times, possibly to confuse customers but one of these should work for you.)

And confirm / enter the following values:

Label	Value	Description
tool-reversed	[unchecked]	If the tool is turning in the wrong direction, this checkbox will fix it.
max-spin	24000	Maximum rpms of the motor
min-spin	0	Minimum rpms of the motor
bus-id	1
baud	9600
parity	None

If your control cable has been plugged in, then you’re good to go. In the Modbus Status section, “connection” should show OK letting you know it’s properly communicating.

95% of common problems can be resolved by performing the following steps checking your connection after each step:

1. Ensure your cables are connected both at the breakout board and the VFD and it is on.

2. Ensure that your VFD Manual Override Switch is in the Automatic position.

3. Try re-flashing your firmware even if it is the current version.

4. Validate the VFD Settings. To do this press “mode” on the keypad. P0.0.00 should be blinking. Use the double arrow button to navigate to the next segment, and the up and down arrow to change the parameter. Once you’re on the correct one, press enter button, and again up or down to change the selection, and enter to accept it: (There is flow chart of how to navigate here)

P0.0.03 should be 2
P0.0.04 should be 9

5. Try removing the standoffs at the connection of the receiving end of the DB25 connector.

6. If you're showing "Timed Out", swap the cables in the breakout board. The wiring is sometimes backwards in the controller, and if you switch the cables in pin 13 & pin 14 it will make the proper connection. If this does not resolve the connection problem, swap them back.