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IC3A Intelligent Controller
1 - 4 Axis, 40V, 0-3.0 Amp,Parallel port interface, external eStop and limits, 2 Switched Mains Supply Outlets (G-Code controlled)
This is our third generation controller that has proven itself to be totally reliable.
Microprocessor based mainboard as well as microprocessors on each axis card mean that this little powerhouse is ready to tackle even the toughest
G-Code.
Features...
Microprocessor Controlled
Parallel Interface
External eStop Loop
Limit Switch Input
Home Switch Inputs
External Watchdog Input
Limit Override Control
Auto Power Save
2 Switched Mains Outputs
1 to 4 Axis Modules
Fully Fused
Torroidal Transformer
Cooling Fan
Full, 1/2, 1/4 & 1/8
Microstepping
Proven Reliability
Australian Design
Australian Built
Australian Quality
Our controller has been designed and tested by PROMiCA to suit the purpose from the ground up - this is not just another controller rebadged and it certainly isn't just a simple 'break out box' ... it's much MUCH more.
With a definite slant towards safety our controller features endless eStop switches ... a loop output on the rear of the unit allows you to string as many eStops as you need around your workplace (as well as the big illuminated red one on the front of the box!!).
Our eStop doesn't simply ask the PC to stop everything ... it completely takes control and absolutely cuts all power to the spindle and coolant outlets and the steppers INSTANTLY ...then the PC is asked to wait ... mind you the process of stopping all power and talking to the PC all happens within about 0.001 seconds !!
Our IC3A controller also likes to help the environment by minimising power wastage.
If you power up the controller and press the Enable button it will be ready to accept g-code for 5 minutes in full ready mode.
After 5mins of no activity it will go into level 1 standby where it disables the drive outputs (and spindle/coolant control). It then spends it's time monitoring your XY&Z step signal inputs ... first sign of a step and all axis cards are enabled again.
The power save feature goes a step further too ... once the controller has been in level 1 standby for a further 5 minutes the processor will automatically disable the system - the controller is powered up but will not respond until the Enable button is pressed again. This can be configured to halt Mach3 or TurboCNC too.
This feature is automatically enabled when the controller is turned on ...but if needed you can disable it at startup ..you have full control.
Limit switches are also taken care of by the controller - with or without the PC even running!!
There's a limit loop output on the rear of the unit that you can connect as many limit switches to as you want.
When a limit switch is activated the controller asks the PC to stop sending pulses (ie a normal limit condition) and also halts the motors. If you decide it's safe to continue then all you need to do then is press the limit override button to re-enable the drives and the PC.
But like everything else about our controller there are some 'smarts' involved - a single press of the limit override will give you 1 minute of ignoring the limit switch input so you can jog the work back or do whatever you need to correct (if necessary) the situation.
What if you need more than 1 minute? ... each press of the limit override will give you 1 minutes worth of 'ignoring' the limits - up to a maximum of 5 minutes. So what happens if your job will keep touching the limit but will be safe to run - well we have that covered too .... just press and hold the limit override for 3 seconds and the limit switches will be ignored until the controller is disabled or power cycled... sweet!!
Australian Controllers include mains transformers and require nothing else to be added.
International Controllers have a DC jack on them for logic supply voltage input and you will need to purchase a 12vdc regulated supply with a 2.5mm center positive DC for this. You will ALSO require a suitable transformer (to mount inside the case) for the stepper supply. We suggest a toroidal transformer with a 30VAC 10Amp output. A standard IEC socket is mounted on the controller cabinet for mains supply but may need to be replaced with a suitable socket to match your local supply authority regulations.
The price of International controllers is lower than the Australian for this reason.
In countries where there is a PROMiCA Distributor (USA for example) the distributor will install appropriate transformers.
MAINS WIRING IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND CAN BE DEADLY - YOU MUST HAVE THE MAINS WIRING COMPLETED BY A PERSON WHO IS SUITABLY QUALIFIED AS SPECIFIED BY YOUR LOCAL POWER AUTHORITY. THIS IS BEYOND OUR CONTROL AND WE WILL NOT BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR INCIDENTS ARISING FROM MAINS WIRING. INCORRECT MAINS WIRING WILL ALSO VOID WARRANTY WHERE IT HAS BEEN THE CAUSE OF A FAULT AS DEEMED BY US.
YES we do sell the controller on it's own - no need to buy a kit!
This is why we call it our INTELLIGENT controller .... it's not just a break out box !!
Our Intelligent Controllers are designed to run bipolar stepper motors ... up to 4 axis at 40V 3A each.
If you are setting up your Mill for 2.5 axis (powered X&Y with manual Z) then a 2 axis is all you will need, same for a lathe - you only need two axis cards. If you want to go for 3 axis (Z powered too) then of course the 3 axis controller is what you'll need ...but if you have a 4th axis (eg rotary table) then you will need populate all slots.
You could also consider purchasing an additional axis module as a spare to have on hand if you use your CNC Mill for commercial work (where time is money). Even though the controller and axis cards a exceptionally reliable and robust if your income depends on having your machine running then it would be a small price to pay for peace of mind.
