Use this checklist before ordering a PwnCNC Conversion Kit to verify your machine's mechanical fit, motors, sensors, wiring, spindle control, power requirements, and installation needs.
How to use this checklist: Mark an item complete only after you have verified it from a model label, manufacturer document, direct measurement, or safe electrical test. Do not rely on appearance, connector shape, or wire color alone.
Conversion Kit Compatibility Checklist
This checklist helps determine whether your project is a documented conversion, requires a few known adaptations, or should be treated as a custom research project. It does not replace the current product listing, machine-specific documentation, or applicable electrical-safety requirements.
You may print this page, save it as a PDF, or use it as a guide while creating your own project worksheet.
1. Identify the machine
Record the exact machine rather than using only a general product-family name.
- ☐ Manufacturer: ______________________________
- ☐ Exact model: ______________________________
- ☐ Machine size or work area: ______________________________
- ☐ Serial number, production revision, or approximate year: ______________________________
- ☐ Original controller: ______________________________
- ☐ Current router or spindle: ______________________________
- ☐ Current VFD, if applicable: ______________________________
- ☐ Existing modifications: ______________________________
Mechanical condition
- ☐ Each axis moves smoothly through its full travel with power removed.
- ☐ Linear rails, V-wheels, bearings, belts, racks, lead screws, or ball screws are serviceable.
- ☐ Couplers, pulleys, pinions, and drive hardware are secure and undamaged.
- ☐ The frame and gantry are reasonably square and free from known damage.
- ☐ Existing mechanical problems have been corrected before the controller conversion.
Stop and repair first: A controller conversion will not correct binding, backlash, worn bearings, damaged drive components, poor alignment, or structural problems.
2. Check available compatibility information
- ☐ I checked PwnCNC's current product listing for stated machine compatibility.
- ☐ I checked the 05 - Machine-Specific Research subsection for my machine or brand.
- ☐ I confirmed whether my exact size, year, or production revision is covered.
- ☐ I reviewed any known adapters, replacement sensors, couplers, or wiring changes.
- ☐ I understand that community research may not apply to every production revision.
Initial project classification
- ☐ Documented: My exact machine or configuration is covered by published information.
- ☐ Adaptable: The important interfaces are known, but I need specific adapters or wiring changes.
- ☐ Custom/research: One or more important components are proprietary, undocumented, modified, or unknown.
3. Create an axis and motor inventory
Count physical motors, not only named axes. A machine with X, Y, and Z motion may use four motors when both sides of the gantry are independently driven.
| Axis | Motor quantity | Drive type | Independent homing? | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | Ball screw / lead screw / rack / belt / other | Yes / No / N/A | ☐ | |
| Y | Ball screw / lead screw / rack / belt / other | Yes / No / N/A | ☐ | |
| Y slave or B | Ball screw / lead screw / rack / belt / other | Yes / No / N/A | ☐ | |
| Z | Ball screw / lead screw / rack / belt / other | Yes / No / N/A | ☐ | |
| Rotary or other | Yes / No / N/A | ☐ |
For every motor, verify
- ☐ Manufacturer and exact model number
- ☐ NEMA frame size and mounting-hole pattern
- ☐ Open-loop or closed-loop design
- ☐ Separate driver or integrated motor/driver
- ☐ Rated current, voltage, step angle, and available wiring data
- ☐ Encoder type and resolution, if applicable
- ☐ Shaft diameter, length, shape, and keyway or flat
- ☐ Connector type and documented pinout
- ☐ Motor-body and cable clearance
Recommended approach: Use the matched PwnCNC motors, drivers, and cables offered for the selected kit whenever practical. Reusing undocumented OEM motors can greatly increase compatibility and troubleshooting risk.
4. Verify motor mounting and mechanical connection
Complete one row for every motor location. Measure in millimeters when possible and do not assume both ends of a coupler have the same bore.
| Motor location | Mount pattern | Motor shaft | Driven shaft | Coupler or pulley | Adapter needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | |||||
| Y | |||||
| Y slave or B | |||||
| Z |
- ☐ Bolt-hole spacing and pilot diameter match or an adapter plate has been identified.
- ☐ Replacement motor shafts fit the couplers or replacement couplers have been identified.
- ☐ Coupler length and shaft engagement are suitable for the available space.
- ☐ Motor shaft length will not bottom out or leave insufficient engagement.
- ☐ Set screws or clamping sections align with the shafts correctly.
- ☐ Motor bodies, connectors, cables, and bend radii have adequate clearance.
- ☐ Required pulleys, pinions, keys, spacers, or mounting hardware have been identified.
5. Verify homing and limit sensors
Electronic sensors must be electrically compatible with the controller input. Similar-looking sensors may use different voltages or output logic.
| Location | Type/model | Supply voltage | Output | NO or NC | Interface needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | NPN / PNP / contact / other | ||||
| Y | NPN / PNP / contact / other | ||||
| Y slave or B | NPN / PNP / contact / other | ||||
| Z | NPN / PNP / contact / other |
- ☐ Exact sensor model numbers have been recorded.
- ☐ Supply-voltage ranges have been verified.
- ☐ Output type and normally open/closed behavior have been verified.
- ☐ Power, 0 V/common, and signal conductors have been identified.
- ☐ Connector pinouts have been verified rather than inferred from wire colors.
- ☐ Required MASSO pull-up, resistor jumper, or interface wiring has been identified.
- ☐ Sensing distance, target material, and mounting location are suitable.
- ☐ Independent sensors are available when gantry squaring requires them.
6. Inventory controls and accessories
List every device that must connect to the new controller, including features that may be added later.
| Device | Existing? | Connection or signal type | Documented? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency stop | ☐ | ||
| Touch probe | ☐ | ||
| Tool setter | ☐ | ||
| Spindle/VFD control | ☐ | ||
| Dust collector or relay | ☐ | ||
| Coolant or pump control | ☐ | ||
| Tower light | ☐ | ||
| ATC and pneumatics | ☐ | ||
| Rotary axis | ☐ | ||
| Other | ☐ |
- ☐ Every required input and output has been counted.
- ☐ Device voltage and signal type are known.
- ☐ Required relays, interface modules, resistors, or power supplies have been identified.
- ☐ Future accessories have been considered when selecting the controller platform.
7. Verify router, spindle, and VFD control
- ☐ Router or spindle manufacturer/model: ______________________________
- ☐ Spindle rated voltage, current, frequency, and speed: ______________________________
- ☐ VFD manufacturer/model: ______________________________
- ☐ VFD input voltage and phase: ______________________________
- ☐ Manual or controller-operated start/stop: ______________________________
- ☐ Speed-control method: manual / relay / 0-10 V / PWM interface / RS-485 Modbus / other
- ☐ Existing control-cable pinout or VFD terminals have been documented.
- ☐ The intended MASSO control method is supported by the VFD or interface.
- ☐ Required spindle-control cable or adapter has been identified.
- ☐ VFD programming requirements have been identified.
Do not connect by appearance: Matching plugs do not guarantee matching pinouts, signal voltages, or control methods.
8. Verify AC power, DC power, grounding, and enclosure needs
- ☐ Available AC service: 120 V / 240 V / other: ______________________________
- ☐ Required branch circuit and overcurrent protection have been confirmed.
- ☐ Controller and motor-power requirements have been confirmed.
- ☐ VFD input-power requirements have been confirmed separately.
- ☐ A suitable main disconnect or power-isolation method is available.
- ☐ Controller, drivers, power supplies, terminals, and exposed connections will be enclosed appropriately.
- ☐ Protective-earth bonding points have been identified.
- ☐ Machine frame and required conductive enclosures will be bonded to protective earth.
- ☐ DC common, protective earth, and shield drains will be handled according to the wiring documentation.
- ☐ Signal wiring can be routed away from VFD output and other high-noise wiring.
- ☐ A point-to-point inspection is planned before power is applied.
Electrical hazard: Mains-powered and VFD equipment can contain lethal voltage and may retain stored energy after power is removed. Work inside this equipment should be performed only by someone qualified to do so and in accordance with applicable electrical codes.
9. Plan controller placement and cable routing
- ☐ Proposed controller location: ______________________________
- ☐ The controller location is protected from dust, chips, coolant, impact, and excessive heat.
- ☐ Operator access and screen visibility are acceptable.
- ☐ Required mounting hardware or VESA mount has been identified.
- ☐ Motor and sensor cable lengths have been measured along their actual routes.
- ☐ Moving-axis cables have suitable bend radius and drag-chain clearance.
- ☐ Connectors can pass through or terminate at the planned cable route.
- ☐ Strain relief and cable support have been planned.
- ☐ Low-voltage signal cables can be separated from VFD output and AC power wiring.
- ☐ Service loops will not snag, rub, or enter the machine's travel area.
Cable-length record
| Cable | Measured route | Service allowance added? | Available cable length | Compatible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X motor | ☐ | |||
| Y motor | ☐ | |||
| Y slave/B motor | ☐ | |||
| Z motor | ☐ | |||
| Homing sensors | ☐ | |||
| Spindle control | ☐ | |||
| Probe/tool setter | ☐ |
10. Select the conversion platform
| Platform | General fit | Selection check |
|---|---|---|
| Conversion Kit Core | Cost-conscious MASSO conversion focused on essential machine motion and control for a conventional CNC configuration. | ☐ Its available features and connections meet my documented requirements. |
| Conversion Kit Advanced | MASSO G3 Touch Advanced conversion with broader expansion capability for additional I/O, advanced accessories, ATC planning, or a possible future Dominator Pro migration. | ☐ Its additional capabilities match my current or planned configuration. |
- ☐ I reviewed the current product listing for the selected platform.
- ☐ I confirmed the exact options, motors, cables, sensors, and accessories included.
- ☐ I listed every additional component that must be purchased or fabricated.
- ☐ I considered future ATC, accessory, axis, or machine-upgrade plans.
- ☐ I reviewed current lead-time and made-to-order information.
11. Create a documentation package
Complete this step before disconnecting, cutting, or removing anything.
- ☐ Overall photos of the machine from multiple angles
- ☐ Photos of the controller and all external connections
- ☐ Close photos of every motor label, connector, and mounting location
- ☐ Photos and measurements of every coupler, pulley, pinion, and shaft
- ☐ Photos of every homing sensor, switch, target, and connector
- ☐ Photos of the router/spindle label and VFD label
- ☐ Existing wiring diagrams, manuals, and verified pinouts
- ☐ Original controller configuration or settings backup, when available
- ☐ Recorded axis travel, direction, homing direction, and machine-coordinate behavior
- ☐ Labels applied to both ends of every cable before disassembly
- ☐ Removed parts will be retained until the converted machine passes final testing
12. Record required adaptations and unresolved questions
| Item | Required part or action | Source or owner | Resolved? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor mounting | ☐ | ||
| Couplers/pulleys | ☐ | ||
| Sensors/targets | ☐ | ||
| Connectors/cables | ☐ | ||
| Spindle/VFD control | ☐ | ||
| Power/grounding | ☐ | ||
| Controller mounting | ☐ | ||
| Configuration | ☐ | ||
| Other | ☐ |
Final readiness decision
☐ Ready to order
Select this outcome when all important interfaces are documented, the appropriate kit has been chosen, and every required adaptation or additional part has been identified.
☐ Adaptation required
Select this outcome when the conversion path is understood but specific couplers, adapter plates, cables, connectors, sensors, interfaces, or mounting parts still need to be purchased or fabricated. Resolve and document these items before installation.
☐ Research project - do not order yet
Select this outcome when motor specifications, mounting dimensions, sensor logic, wiring pinouts, power requirements, spindle control, or another critical interface remains unknown. Continue researching until the unknowns are resolved.
Do not proceed based on guesswork. An unknown mechanical dimension may prevent installation. An unknown electrical connection may damage the sensor, controller, VFD, or other equipment and may create a shock or fire hazard.
Project record
- Machine: ________________________________________________
- Selected kit: Core / Advanced / Undecided
- Selected motor option: ________________________________________________
- Compatibility result: Ready / Adaptation required / Research project
- Prepared by: ________________________________________________
- Date: ________________________________________________
- Notes: ________________________________________________
Support and next steps
For undocumented machines, the owner or installer is responsible for verifying mechanical fit, electrical compatibility, pinouts, safe wiring, and final configuration. PwnCNC Support can clarify the documented operation of PwnCNC products, but custom engineering, reverse-engineering of proprietary systems, and complete design reviews for unknown machines are outside normal product support.
If you need clarification about a documented PwnCNC product, email [email protected]. Include your order number when applicable, the exact machine brand and model, relevant measurements, model-label photos, and a concise description of the unresolved item.
- Read 01. What to Know Before Converting Your CNC Machine for explanations of each compatibility category.
- Review the appropriate What's in the Box article for the Core or Advanced kit.
- Resolve every item listed under adaptations and unresolved questions.
- Save your completed documentation package before disassembly.
- After the compatibility result is Ready to order, continue through the Conversion Kit installation roadmap in sequence.
