zombieengineer
ZombieEngineer
This is a work in progress FAQ for the Sherline version of the Masso CNC Controller
Sherline Support Links
Please refer to the following Sherline documentation webpages as your primary reference source:
This FAQ Purpose
The purpose of this FAQ is to provide the necessary information for people who wish to expand the capabilities of their machine to add functionality such as:
Controller Box
The Sherline controller box consists of:
There are only two reasons to open the Sherline-MASSO control box:
The modified Masso G2 controller does not have the full range of inputs and outputs, however there are potentially 2 unconnected inputs and 1 unconnected output available using the existing D-sub 9 connectors. The modified Masso G2 controller does not have the electronic components installed for the inputs/outputs which are not listed below.
The following is a listing of the equivalent Masso G2 terminals that are connected to the Sherline interface board, some input assignment are unknown and any help to confirm would be appreciated.
The above list was created by comparing a photo of the controller board from step 1 in the MPG Pendant Rewiring Instructions with the standard MASSO G2 controller.
The B-Axis is wired through to the 25 pin D-Sub connector however Sherline do not currently offer a 5 axis stepper motor driver.
D-Sub 9 Connectors
The following diagrams show the wiring of the D-Sub 9 connectors when viewed from the rear of the plugs (wire side).
WARNING - The P1/P2/P3 wires follow the mains voltage when measured with respect to ground wire connected to the Sherline machine. Treat these wires as if they are carrying mains voltage at all times.
Tool Setter
TODO - Add instructions on how to implement a tool setter.
The above statement has merit when using the threaded end-mill holders that mount on the spindle nose threads as the position repeatability after changing the tool is excellent. If you are using milling collets then the tool setter is required to reset the tool length after each tool change.
The Sherline-MASSO controller supports a tool setter input by connecting a wire to Pin 6 of the Limit Switch D-Sub 9 connector. This pin already has a pull-up resistor already incorporated into the circuit.
Once the touch probe has been connected the touch probe input needs to be configured:
The MASSO on-line documentation has additional information about:
Touch Probe
TODO - Add instructions on how to implement a touch probe.
The Sherline-MASSO controller supports a touch probe input by connecting a wire to Pin 7 of the Limit Switch D-Sub 9 connector. This pin already has a pull-up resistor already incorporated into the circuit. Due to the pull-up resistor the touch probe should switch to ground, or have a current sinking output (NPN output). Ideally the output should be normally closed, this is not critical as the input can be inverted using the MASSO F1 screen. To invert the input signal, invert by selecting the input in the INPUTS list and press the space-bar key on the keyboard. These settings are automatically saved.
Once the touch probe has been connected the touch probe input needs to be configured:
The MASSO on-line documentation has additional information about:
Sherline Support Links
Please refer to the following Sherline documentation webpages as your primary reference source:
This FAQ Purpose
The purpose of this FAQ is to provide the necessary information for people who wish to expand the capabilities of their machine to add functionality such as:
- Relay shutoff of the DC motor
- Implement a tool setter
- Implement a touch probe
Controller Box
The Sherline controller box consists of:
- Modified Masso G2 controller with terminal screws replaced with board-to-board connectors
- Sherline designed & manufactured interface board that contains:
- Signal connections to the 2 x D-Sub 9 connectors
- Signal connections to the Sherline stepper motor driver box (D-Sub 25 connector)
- DC motor speed controller
- Relay drivers for DC motor and Coolant
- Signal connections to the 2 x D-Sub 9 connectors
There are only two reasons to open the Sherline-MASSO control box:
- Wiring changes to add a MPG Pendant (required for the E-Stop button on the pendant to work correctly)
- Replace the backup battery
The modified Masso G2 controller does not have the full range of inputs and outputs, however there are potentially 2 unconnected inputs and 1 unconnected output available using the existing D-sub 9 connectors. The modified Masso G2 controller does not have the electronic components installed for the inputs/outputs which are not listed below.
The following is a listing of the equivalent Masso G2 terminals that are connected to the Sherline interface board, some input assignment are unknown and any help to confirm would be appreciated.
| Equivalent G2 Terminal | Sherline Assigned Purpose |
| Input 1 | X-Axis Limit Switch |
| Input 2 | Y-Axis Limit Switch |
| Input 3 | Z-Axis Limit Switch |
| Input 4 | A-Axis Limit Switch |
| Input 5 | B-Axis Limit Switch (?) |
| Input 6 | Tool Setter Input (?) |
| Input 7 | Touch Plate Input (?) |
| Input 8 | |
| Encoder A | Optical Encoder/Tachometer |
| Encoder B | Optical Encoder/Tachometer |
| Encoder Z | Optical Encoder/Tachometer |
| ESTOP 1 | |
| ESTOP 2 | |
| TTL Output 1 | Optional Relay (Flood Coolant) |
| TTL Output 2 | |
| Spindle Control 1 (0-10V) | DC Motor Speed Control |
| Spindle Control 2 (CW/TTL) | CW Relay |
| X-Axis S+ | X-Axis Step |
| X-Axis D+ | X-Axis Direction |
| Y-Axis S+ | Y-Axis Step |
| Y-Axis D+ | Y-Axis Direction |
| Z-Axis S+ | Z-Axis Step |
| Z-Axis D+ | Z-Axis Direction |
| A-Axis S+ | A-Axis Step |
| A-Axis D+ | A-Axis Direction |
| B-Axis S+ | B-Axis Step |
| B-Axis D+ | B-Axis Direction |
The above list was created by comparing a photo of the controller board from step 1 in the MPG Pendant Rewiring Instructions with the standard MASSO G2 controller.
The B-Axis is wired through to the 25 pin D-Sub connector however Sherline do not currently offer a 5 axis stepper motor driver.
D-Sub 9 Connectors
The following diagrams show the wiring of the D-Sub 9 connectors when viewed from the rear of the plugs (wire side).
WARNING - The P1/P2/P3 wires follow the mains voltage when measured with respect to ground wire connected to the Sherline machine. Treat these wires as if they are carrying mains voltage at all times.
Tool Setter
TODO - Add instructions on how to implement a tool setter.
The above statement has merit when using the threaded end-mill holders that mount on the spindle nose threads as the position repeatability after changing the tool is excellent. If you are using milling collets then the tool setter is required to reset the tool length after each tool change.
The Sherline-MASSO controller supports a tool setter input by connecting a wire to Pin 6 of the Limit Switch D-Sub 9 connector. This pin already has a pull-up resistor already incorporated into the circuit.
Once the touch probe has been connected the touch probe input needs to be configured:
- Go to the MASSO F1 screen and double click the FUNCTION area of Input 6 (to be confirmed)
- From the list of possible input functions double click "Tool Setter Input"
- If the tool is not touching the tool setter then Input 6 (to be confirmed) on the F1 screen should be LOW
- If the tool is not touching the tool setter and the input is HIGH then select the input and press the space-bar to invert the signal.
The MASSO on-line documentation has additional information about:
- How a Tool Setter works and how to configure one
- Automatic Tool Length Calibration (configuring manual or automatic tool length calibration)
Touch Probe
TODO - Add instructions on how to implement a touch probe.
Once the touch probe has been connected the touch probe input needs to be configured:
- Go to the MASSO F1 screen and double click the FUNCTION area of Input 7 (to be confirmed)
- From the list of possible input functions double click "Probe Input"
- If the probe is connected and not touching any object then Input 7 (to be confirmed) on the F1 screen should be LOW
- If the probe is not touching anything and the input is HIGH then select the input and press the space-bar to invert the signal.
The MASSO on-line documentation has additional information about:
