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ForumCSMIO/IP controllers and Software - discussion forum: CSMIO/IP with simCNC softwareHelp, Spindle orientation, enc mo …

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Help, Spindle orientation, enc module

#1 · 23 September 2025, 08:25

Quote from raphael on 23 September 2025, 08:25
Hello, I am new here and have some questions about the Csmio and the SimCNC software. But first, let me introduce myself, I live in Austria and my passion is technology, which also reflects my educational and professional background. I have already done some "CNC" conversions, all in a hobby context.

Currently, I am working on a more demanding project. A UHPC milling machine where I need all 6 axis inputs (X, Y, Z, A, B is a rotary tool changer and C is spindle position). Now I am already wiring the control cabinet and have some questions. The components in question are: 1x Csmio IP-S, 1x encoder module, 2x IO modules and the SIMCNC software. I have already familiarized myself with the Csmio IP-S and IP-M, as well as with the SIMCNC, and have completed a few projects with them (lathe and 3-axis milling machine).

Now to my hardware setup for the motors and spindle: All 6 axes are servo motors. X, Y, Z, A, B are T3D drives ranging from 400W to 1000W (Z with brake). The C spindle is a 3.8kw servo.

1.) Since I need the positioning mode for my spindle because I have couplings on the tool holders, I need to solve this problem. In SimCNC, it is not possible to use the spindle servo both as a spindle and as an axis. But according to the servo amplifier, it is possible to change the Cmode (Control mode) via a DI input, so I should be able to switch from position to speed, whether this works, I don't know yet, but it looks promising. That is, I would connect the analog voltage for the speed mode and Step/Dir for the positioning mode. Can this work, or will I break anything?

2.) The spindle servo amplifier would output the encoder signals (A, B, Z), could I connect these to the encoder module? Unfortunately, the translation from the motor to the spindle is not 1:1 as stated in the operating manual of the encoder module, but they run via belt drives, so there should be no slippage or similar.

That's not all yet, but it's a start 😀

Thank you,

best regards

Raphi

Hello, I am new here and have some questions about the Csmio and the SimCNC software. But first, let me introduce myself, I live in Austria and my passion is technology, which also reflects my educational and professional background. I have already done some "CNC" conversions, all in a hobby context.

Currently, I am working on a more demanding project. A UHPC milling machine where I need all 6 axis inputs (X, Y, Z, A, B is a rotary tool changer and C is spindle position). Now I am already wiring the control cabinet and have some questions. The components in question are: 1x Csmio IP-S, 1x encoder module, 2x IO modules and the SIMCNC software. I have already familiarized myself with the Csmio IP-S and IP-M, as well as with the SIMCNC, and have completed a few projects with them (lathe and 3-axis milling machine).

Now to my hardware setup for the motors and spindle: All 6 axes are servo motors. X, Y, Z, A, B are T3D drives ranging from 400W to 1000W (Z with brake). The C spindle is a 3.8kw servo.

1.) Since I need the positioning mode for my spindle because I have couplings on the tool holders, I need to solve this problem. In SimCNC, it is not possible to use the spindle servo both as a spindle and as an axis. But according to the servo amplifier, it is possible to change the Cmode (Control mode) via a DI input, so I should be able to switch from position to speed, whether this works, I don't know yet, but it looks promising. That is, I would connect the analog voltage for the speed mode and Step/Dir for the positioning mode. Can this work, or will I break anything?

2.) The spindle servo amplifier would output the encoder signals (A, B, Z), could I connect these to the encoder module? Unfortunately, the translation from the motor to the spindle is not 1:1 as stated in the operating manual of the encoder module, but they run via belt drives, so there should be no slippage or similar.

That's not all yet, but it's a start 😀

Thank you,

best regards

Raphi

CS-Lab Support has reacted to this post.

#2 · 26 September 2025, 12:11

Hello,

The idea of switching the operating mode on the servo drive is interesting, and I don’t see any risk of damaging anything. However, only by testing it in practice will you be able to fully confirm if it works as intended.
You can use the encoder signals from the servo, but if the transmission ratio is not 1:1 you will run into positioning issues, because the encoder module relies on the index pulse for homing. If the ratio is not 1:1, that index will appear in different positions each time.

raphael has reacted to this post.

#3 · 29 September 2025, 11:34

Ok, thank you very much for the feedback.

1.) I will keep you updated on whether it works. Since the CSMIO IPS only has a 0-10V output and my servo input is ±10V, I will try it with a polarity reversal circuit so that I can achieve both rotation directions.

2.) Then I need to find a 1:1 encoder solution with the spindle. Thanks.

_______

3.) I still have one question regarding the arrangement of the modules.

Currently, I have the following order:Csmio IP S->MPG-> IO1->IO2->Enc->External termination circuit

Thank you

#4 · 31 December 2025, 11:22

I use a similar 3.8kW spindle servo. I can switch via the step/dir or +10V input. 
A separate input allows me to move to a spindle position (like M19). 
This could be used for tool changes. However, 
this probably only works with a 1:1 gear ratio or an encoder on the spindle.

 y servo allows me to use +/-10 or +10 cw/ccw.

Now to my questions:

I'd like to use rigid tapping, if it's available. Which connection option should I choose? +10V and ENC or via step/dir and ENC or without ENC? Directly on the IP-S?