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 Redline 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 Redline, 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 Redline 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 Redline 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 Redline 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 Redline controllers before and here are a few notes we've gathered as to how to configure it for controlling a spindle:
Switching from 1f BlackBox or Masso/Elite controllers to Redline? We can help!
There is a cable change required when switching, see links below.
For programming changes see above.
Onefinity Blackbox -> Redline
If you're moving from a Onefinity Blackbox controller to Redline, then there should be no need to make programming changes however you will need an updated control cable.
If you have our Spindle Kit (with unenclosed VFD): https://pwncnc.com/products/control-cable?variant=44989134438539
If you have our Spindle System (with enclosed VFD): https://pwncnc.com/products/control-cable?variant=44989134405771
Onefinity Elite -> Redline
If you're moving from the Onefinity Elite (with Masso Touch Controller) to the Redline, then you'll need to do a few things.
First you'll need a new control cable since the Redline uses Modbus to control the spindle.
If you have our Spindle Kit (with unenclosed VFD): https://pwncnc.com/products/control-cable?variant=44989134438539
If you have our Spindle System (with enclosed VFD): https://pwncnc.com/products/control-cable?variant=44989134405771
Next there is a minor bit of VFD programming necessary to make the switch, see the steps earlier in this article to know what to change.
