EC X17 - CNC Ethernet Stepper Controller

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1 EC X17 - CNC Ethernet Stepper Controller Features This 4 Axis CNC Stand-Alone stepper Controller ensures smooth and accurate fast motion Command and program loading is made from the EC Watch software via USB or Ethernet Designed specifically for work with Broken Tool Sensor and the external keyboard Can be used for: Milling, drilling, engraving, cutting laser engraving and plotter It works in G code (Mach3 version) but also in Excellon code for PCB drilling New features have been added to those already established in the G code and controllers Ensures the work with: Parameters, expressions, functions, subroutines and macros Four offset types: Temporary offset, G92 Offset, Work Offset and Tool Offset Tool radius compensation and length compensation Two path control modes: Exact stop mode and constant velocity mode Allows automatic tool change and connection to conveyor belts or other machines Supports the coolant, laser and spindle controls: ON, OFF, CW, CCW, PWM Home reference, Soft Limits and Overryde Limits configurable Over 100,000 program lines in two distinct memory locations: RAM and Flash A standard parallel port, two serial ports, a USB port and a 10/100Mbps Ethernet port Connecting the CNC is done on the parallel port of the Controller just like any PC The maximum frequency on the output of an axis is: 250KHz, adjusted pulse width Supports 32 input signals, 16 output signals and 8 motor signals

2 Using EC X17 Controllers EC X17 is designed for controlling CNCs that are connected to the controller on the parallel port and are equipped with steppers. The CNC connection is via a standard parallel cable, the use of input and output pins is configurable from the EC Watch software. Command and control but also program loading and configuration is made from a PC running EC Watch software, connection to it is done by USB or Ethernet. EC watch is freeware software and can be downloaded from: It provides a friendly and adaptable working environment for the operations the CNC performs. Therefore, the PC is only needed to prepare and write the program in the EC Controller, after which, it can be disconnected and used for other purposes. The EC X17 Controller will run the program on its own, and when it needs a new command or will finish the program it will stop and signal acoustically and optically. The EC Controller can transform your CNC into a machine that drills or cuts PCBs that work directly in Excellon / Gerber code. But also in a laser engraving or laser cutting machine. For these, the EC X17 provides the required commands for: Spindles, Coolant and Laser Generator The 32 input signals, 16 output signals and 8 motor signals provides hardware implementation for commands such as: Start, Stop, etc. Allowing you to install your CNC in a production chain Input, output signals and other parameters can be read / written by the functions provided by the EC system. In this way they are at the developer's disposal, which can add new features to the CNC Traditional CNCs just like: printers, scanners, faxes, etc. were connected to the parallel port of a PC running a specialized CNC controller software. Due to the limitations of the parallel port generated by today's PC operating systems, there are no more printers or other new devices running on the parallel port anymore. Many of the new PCs are not equipped with a parallel port Which means the new devices: printers, scanners, faxes, etc. which are not much more than CNCs are equipped with their own controllers that communicate with the PC via USB or Ethernet. This trend also includes the construction of CNCs and the EC product range comes to meet it.

3 Advantages of replacing CNC software controller running on a PC with EC stand-alone controller: -Due to the fact that it is equipped with a 32bit / 200Mhz performance microcontroller and does not work under an operating system it can focus on fine-tuning the signals for the CNC control, resulting in a fine and precise motion without jamming and vibration -It is specifically designed to work with the Broken Tool Sensor. In order to use the BTS you do not have to change the G or Excellon code, no scripts or external code must be added. The EC Watch software provides you with everything you need to monitor BTS, replace the broken tool, and resume the program -Memorizes the last program line even in the event of power failures, informs the PC on the running program line. This way you will always know what the program line it is running and in case of accidental shutdown from where to resume the program -Can be installed close to the CNC and away from the PC running EC Watch software thanks to the fast Ethernet connection. Ensures that you can install a local keyboard to allow quick access to commands -EC X17 works independently of the PC because it contains the program in it. Therefore, the PC is only needed to prepare and write the program, after which, it can be disconnected and used for other purposes. If the EC X17 controller stops running the program for various reasons, it will signal this optically but also acoustically. When resuming the connection, he will send a text message informing you of the cause that stopped the running of the program and the measures required to resume the program. However, even if it is not disconnected, PC can be used for other purposes without affecting in any way the running of the program on the EC X17 controller. The commands on the PC can be replaced (duplicate) by a keyboard connected directly to the controller. In this way a program once loaded into the EC X17 controller can be controlled and run without a PC -Another great advantage of using EC X17 is its ability to run programs written in Excellon code for drilling. Together with the EC Watch software that can work in Gerber it facilitates cutting or drilling needed to make PCBs -Ability to work with: Parameters, Expressions, Functions, Subroutines and Macros ensures the ability to automate certain processes such as automatic tool change which makes it viable for interfering with production chains. Of course this skill is specific to the Professional Controllers. The use of these features is easy and intuitive and is not reserved to professionals (programmers) as is the case with professional controllers. Product Description

4 The power is supplied via the USB conector directly from the connected PC or from a 5V, 500mA DC power supply (USB phone charger) The EC X17 is equipped with: A parallel port, two serial ports, a USB 2.0 full speed port and a Ethernet port. On the front panel, the controller has two LEDs: One for connection and the other for Program status The connection LED blinks when the connection is open. The status LED is continuously illuminated when the controller runs a program. When the controller waits for a command (from the operator) or when it calls for the operator's attention the status LED flashes. Also the buzzer will sound short beeps when the EC Controller waits for an operator command. The buzzer can be turned off from the EC Watch software EC X17 controller is embedded in a gray box of size: 120 x 80 x 32.5mm The parallel port The parallel port complies with the IEEE 1284 standard for parallel interface, it is the gate for connection to the CNC The maximum frequency on the output of the axis is: 250KHz and the pulse width can be adjusted from 1 to 20 us. Maximum admitted source or sink current on one output is: ±35 ma The nominal current absorbed or supplied on an output is: ±10 ma The high voltage level on a rated supplied current output is: 4.5V The low voltage level on a rated absorbed current output is: 0.5V The input voltage level is the typical level of a CMOS input powered at 5V. The maximum input voltage should not exceed 7V. The nominal current absorbed by a 5V input is about 2mA. The standard version provides: 5 input pins, 8 pins for steppers and 8 pins for mapping output signals. The extended (EC X17E) version provides: 13 input pins, 8 pins for steppers and 8 In/Out configurable pins for input/output signals mapping. EC X17E controller requires a special parallel cable All input and output pins in the parallel port are fully configurable from EC Watch software, thus ensuring easy adaptation to your CNC. See Configuration chapter in the EC Watch Help Motor Outputs Supports stepper motors that are controlled by two signals: Direction and Step, as can be seen in the

5 picture below All output pins in the parallel port are fully configurable from EC Watch software, thus ensuring easy adaptation to your CNC. Input Signals EC X17 provides support for 32 input signals. In the figure below, you can see input signals window. All input pins in the parallel port are fully configurable from EC Watch software, thus ensuring easy adaptation to your CNC. The way these signals are used is described in detail in the Configuration chapter of in the EC Watch Help Output Signals

6 EC X17 provides support for 16 output signals. See output signals window All output pins in the parallel port are fully configurable from EC Watch software, thus ensuring easy adaptation to your CNC. The way these signals are used is described in detail in the Configuration chapter of in the EC Watch Help The Ethernet port The Ethernet port is an RJ45 socket at 10/100Mbps. The Ethernet port is equipped with two LEDs: A green one that signals the connection in a network and a red one that signals the eventual error. The Ethernet cable is just the same as connect a computer to a switch / hub's normal port. The Serial ports The serial ports are RS 232 type. They are mainly intended for connecting the Broken Tool Sensor and the keyboard. Configure - Settings The settings make it possible to adapt the Controller to your CNC. See Configuration chapter in the EC Watch Help. To install EC X17 on your CNC, see the EC X17 Installing guide.pdf More information about our products: