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 NightHawk 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 a simple PWM variable voltage signal.  For NightHawk Controllers this is 0-10v representing 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 monitor the control cable for how fast the controller is instructing the VFD to spin the spindle motor.  

The Controller can control the CW/Forward function via  the White & Yellow wires while the CCW/Reverse function via the White & Green wires.

 

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 = 1

P0.0.04 = 3

 

Your VFD will now monitor the PWM wires to know how fast it should spin the motor when in "Run Mode".

It will also monitor the other wires to know if it should switch from standby/stopped mode (blinking keypad display) to spin/forward mode (solid keypad display with FWD led lit up) or spin/reverse mode (solid keypad with FWD led not lit up).

 

 

Setting up your NightHawk 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 not played with the NightHawk controllers before so no one has confirmed this information beyond what their controller manual includes.