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docs_blackbox 4x_jumper relay

peter edited this page May 14, 2025 · 2 revisions

2.1.3 Configure the Relay Output

OpenBuilds BlackBox has an onboard Relay: Using the Jumpers you can select which GCODE Commands activate the Relay.

This allows you to use the relay for various purposes:

Disable the Relay

Typical for Lasers, or when you have a Spindle wired to the PWM/0-10v (VFD) Terminals, you are using the IoT Relay, or when you are using a Servo

With the jumper removed the PWM signal will not be sent to the relay (which would make it chatter)

relay-none.png

Respond to M3/M5 Tool On/Off Commands

Typically used when you have the Onboard relay wired to control a Plasma inverter

relay-m3.png

Respond to M8/9 Coolant On/Off Commands

Typically used to wire a DC-powered air solenoid or water pump to do coolant/chip evacuation via the onboard relay. For mains powered coolant options (Mains water pump, vacuum cleaner) we recommend using an IoT relay instead

relay-m8.png

Respond to Spindle Direction Commands / Use with Grbl's "USE_SPINDLE_DIR_AS_ENABLE_PIN"

This is not typically used, it exists for esoteric configurations that cannot be controlled with PWM/0-10v only as one would normally do instead. This connects the relay to Grbl's spindle-direction pin. M3 should activate the relay, M4 should turn it off (as the relay is single throw, the counter clockwise signal, turns it off)

To use it as an enable, rather refer to Grbl's "USE_SPINDLE_DIR_AS_ENABLE_PIN" function: In the Grbl Configuration File for a compile-time option that allows you to control the relay as a spindle-enable. Then it responds to M3 and M4, with M5 turning it off. See Grbl source comments for more info

relay-dirvfd.png

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