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The AltMill and by extension the SuperLongBoard(-ext) controller works very well with our spindle kits and systems although you might have some initial trouble getting everything working properly.  This article is here to describe the steps we follow to make it work properly if we run into any issues.

 

The SuperLongBoard(-ext) communicates over Modbus.  This is an advanced communications protocol that allows the CNC controller to not only control Forward (CW), Reverse (CCW), but also read and control the RPMs of your spindle motor by way of our Variable Frequency Drive or VFD.

 

Wiring

Modbus communicates over two wires which must be properly wired up and the VFD properly programmed.  Good news is your VFD is already programmed, but you'll need to ensure you're wiring up the VFD and Controller properly or they won't communicate.

 

Wiring - Controller

On the SuperLongBoard(-ext) side you'll want to wire up the controller as follows:

Specifically with the internal Phoenix connector and as shown in the image above. 

 

Wiring - VFD

Depending on if you purchased the "Spindle System" or the "Spindle Kit" how you wire up the control cable will be different.

 

Wiring - VFD & Spindle Kit 

If you purchased our "Spindle Kit", then you'll be wiring directly into the phoenix termina inside of the VFD.  Specifically the two screws on the far right.  
Red into SG+    /    Black into SG-

 

Wiring - VFD & Spindle System

If you purchased our "Spindle System" then it is even easier.  You'll take the GX12 2-pin connector and plug it into the side of our yellow & black VFD Enclosure.  The port labeled Modbus.

 

 

VFD Programming

Your VFD will come pre-programmed to work with your SuperLongBoard(-ext), however there may be times when you'll need to verify the settings during troubleshooting.
 

You can do this by pressing Mode on your VFD's keypad (assuming it's powered up and you see a blinking digital readout). 

You should see P0.0.00 show up sold with the far right digit blinking.  The blinking indicates where the cursor is and what the up and down arrows will affect when you push them.  Use the double arrow >> key to move the cursor.

To verify or modify settings you'll change to the correct P code, then hit "Enter" to display that parameters value.  Then adjust with the up and down arrow and Enter again to accept it. It will default to the next parameter automatically. 

 

The following commands relate to how the VFD communicates with Modbus controllers, more specifically to the SuperLongBoard(-ext)

 

P0.0.03 = 2

P0.0.04 = 9

P0.0.11 = 6

P2.0.02 = 21 

P4.1.00 = 4

P4.1.01 = 3

 

 

Configuring G-Sender

Perhaps the trickiest part of the entire installation relates to configuring your G-Sender software to communicate correctly with the VFD.

 

Note that Alarm 14 is common, and often can be skipped over by hitting the e-stop, resetting, and this opens up your software to work properly.

 

Importing G-Sender Settings

This can be tricky and sometimes may require importing our firmware settings so it starts working correctly.  We've attached an exported copy of our own AltMill's G-Sender settings to this KB article.  Look for it down below.

 

Before making any changes it is recommended that you export your firmware settings so you always have a place to return to.  You can do this by going into G-Sender -> Firmware -> Export Settings 

Learn more about exporting settings in a different KB article here:  Exporting Settings of SuperLong Board

 

Now you're ready to import our settings.  After acquiring the attached settings json file below, go into G-Sender -> Firmware -> Import Settings

The controller will need to be rebooted, but after it comes online, and assuming your wiring is correct you should now have full spindle control.

Note that if you have our "Spindle System", you will need to make sure the Manual Override Switch on the left side of the enclosure is switched down to the "O" position.  This does not apply if you have our "Spindle Kit".

 

 

Verifying G-Sender Settings

We recommend using the settings import method as that has worked almost every single time for us.  

After importing or if you'd rather you can verify/configure the firmware settings below:

 

$16 = all off

$30 = 24000

$31=6000 Minimum RPMs

$340 = 0

$374 = 19200

$375 = 50

$392 = 6

$395=MODVFD
$462=40960
$463=40961
$464=36864
$465=1
$466=2
$467=6
$468=25

$476 = 1

• If $476 is not available, a neighboring grbl command of $478 spindle address

 

 

 

 

 

 

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One final note... there are two variations of SLB, the SLB and the SLB-EXT

You'll know which one you have by the presence or absence of the relay highlighted below. The SLB-EXT is pictured below and has the extra relay block. 

If you have the SLB, $340 = 0

If you have the SLB-EXT, $340 = 5

 

 

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Video Tutorials

In case you need them, here are a few videos that may be helpful in understanding how to wire up the SLB(-ext).