ExtInOut

This product is available in our web shop: ExtInOut.

ExtInOut expansion board is a device, that expands the number of motion controller inputs and outputs. This board can be used with Mk3, Mk3/4 and Mk3DRV controller.

• ExtInOut expansion board is available in two versions: 12VDC and 24VDC. Version used, depends on the type of external power supply
• Board will have a mark next to 12V label if version is suitable for 12V power supply
• Board will have a mark next to 24V label if version is suitable for 24V power supply

• Single ExtInOut expansion board offers 8 outputs with relays
• Outputs with relays can be used to control:
  • solenoid valves
  • light indicators
  • various motors
  • switching devices such as contactors and/or motor starters

• Single ExtInOut expansion board offers 8 opto-isolated input channels
• Inputs can be used with:
  • buttons
  • switches
  • PNP and NPN proximity sensors
  • other switching devices

• You can daisy chain up to 4 ExtInOut boards, providing a total of 32 inputs and 32 outputs with relays.
• NEXT heder is used to connect a current ExtInOut board with the next ExtInOut board in the daisy chain connection

• EXT box header is used to connect a previous ExtInOut board with the current ExtInOut board in the daisy chain connection
• This header can also be used to connect first ExtInOut board with older MK3 controllers EXT box header

• External power supply screw terminal connector, used for powering on-board relays.
• External power supply voltage value depends on the version (12V or 24V) of ExtInOut board used.

• You can daisy chain up to 4 ExtInOut boards, providing a total of 32 inputs and 32 outputs with relays.
• NEXT heder is used to connect a currnet ExtInOut board with the next ExtInOut board in the daisy chain connection.

Each input uses opto-coupler and a resistor.

• Min voltage supplied to input : 5 VDC
• Max voltage supplied to input: 12 VDC*

*PLEASE NOTE:

• Input voltage source is independent from POWER terminal voltage source (relay voltage source).
• When using power supply that exceeds max voltage input ratings, please use current limiting resistor for opto-isolated inputs.

Relay outputs offer: Common, NC (normally closed) and NO(normally opened) terminals.

Relays* specification:

@ Voltage 250VAC, capable of switching up to 10A

@ Voltage 125VAC, capable of switching up to 10A

@ Voltage 30VDC, capable of switching up to 10A

@ Voltage 28VDC, capable of switching up to 10A

*ExtInOut 12VDC → uses 12VDC relays

*ExtInOut 24VDC → uses 24VDC relays

Schematic below describes the use of ExtInOut board with motor contactor, small motor and input buttons:

Schematic below describes the use of ExtInOut board with LED's, solenoid value and PNP/NPN proximity sensors:

Diagram below, illustrates connection between Mk3/4 controller and ExtInOut board. It also illustrates connection of small DC motor and PNP proximity sensor with ExtInOut board.

Diagram below, illustrates connection between Mk3/4 controller and ExtInOut board. It also illustrates connection of solenoid value and input button with ExtInOut board.

Diagram below, illustrates connection between Mk3/4 controller and ExtInOut board. It also illustrates connection of motor starter for AC motor value and NPN proximity sensor with ExtInOut board.

Diagram below, illustrates connection between Mk3/4 controller and two ExtInOut boards:

Settings related to EXT are located under File/Settings/Input/Output → I2C,Serial,Ext

Example of EXT settings configuration for one ExtInOut board connected to PlanetCNC controller:

Please note: MK3 controller uses also EXT2 connector. Settings related to EXT2, are under SEL2 chapter.

Frequency: Value of EXT clock frequency. Default value is suitable for most cases.

SEL1 Pin:

Invert: Inverts SEL1 pin Latch:

Size: Inserted value should be equal to the number of ExtInOut boards used with EXT1 connector of controller.

Eg.g.: If you use only one board, value is 1. If you use 3 boards connected in daisy chain, value is 3.

Timer: Refresh time value of ExtInOut board inputs and outputs.

SEL2 Pin:

Invert: Inverts SEL2 pin Latch:

Size: Inserted value should be equal to the number of ExtInOut boards used with EXT2 connector of Mk3 controller.

Eg.g.: If you use only one board, value is 1. If you use 3 boards connected in daisy chain, value is 3.

Timer: Refresh time value of ExtInOut board inputs and outputs Gcode command

ExtInOut relay output control: There are multiple ways on how you can control ExtInOut relay outputs.

Example: M64 H P Q <L>

Activate relay outputs 1 and 7:

M64 H1 P1 Q1
M64 H1 P7 Q1

To turn relay outputs 1 and 7 off:

M64 H1 P1 Q0
M64 H1 P7 Q0

Example: #<_extout1|num>

Activate relay outputs 1 and 7:

#<_extout1|1> = 1
#<_extout1|7> = 1

To turn relay outputs 1 and 7 off:

#<_extout1|1> = 0
#<_extout1|7> = 0

Example: #<_extout1> = n

Activate relay outputs 1 – 4 of first ExtInOut board:

#<_extout1> = 15

Activate relay outputs 1 – 4(outputs 9-12) of second ExtInOut board:

#<_extout1> = 3840

Example: #<_extout1> = BIN[ ]

Activate relay outputs 1 – 4 of first ExtInOut board:

#<_extout1> = BIN[00001111]

Activate relay outputs 1 – 4(outputs 9-12) of second ExtInOut board:

#<_extout1> = BIN[0000111100000000]

Example: #<_extout1> = HEX[ ]

Activate relay outputs 5 – 8 of first board:

#<_extout1> = HEX[F0]

Activate relay outputs 5 – 8 (outputs 13-16)of second board:

#<_EXTOUT1> = HEX[F000]

ExtInOut board input status values are available through parameters: #<_extin1> and #<_extin2> or #<_extin1|num> and #<_extin2|num>

You can use them with your gcode, script files, expressions, toolbar buttons etc..

G-code program example:

G-code program below demonstrates ExtInOut output and input manipulation:

%
#<_extout1|7> = 0 //reset ExtOut output 7
G00 X0
G00 X100
o<extin_read> if [#<_extin1|4> EQ 1] //read ExtIn input 4
 (msg,program stop: input active)
 #<_extout1|7> = 0
 M2
o<extin_read> else
G00 X0
#<_extout1|7> = 1 //set ExtOut output 7
o<extin_read> endif
%

We recommend that you read TNG G-code reference manual for more info about the ExtInOut parameter, gcode command and expression functions syntax.

More examples are demonstrated also in the “Custom toolbar buttons” tutorial. Note that in this tutorial expression functions for ExtInOut are used:

How to customize toolbar buttons

ExtInOut board was also used in semaphore application blog, where it was used for input evaluation and semaphore lights control:

Use Expressions to command semaphore lights

EXT input and output status lights can be displayed under IO state panel of PlanetCNC TNG sw.

EXT IO LED settings are located under File/Settings/User Interface/State → LED ExtIn1 and LED ExtIn2 → Rows

LED ExtOut1 and LED ExtOut2 → Rows

Each row displays 8 inputs and outputs of dedicated ExtInOut board. So if you use two ExtInOut boards with EXT1 of your controller, you should use insert value 2:

You can map inputs of ExtInOut board as a shortcut pin in PlanetCNC TNG.

Example: We want to use ExtInOut boards input 1 as a program start button.

Under File/Settings/User Interface/Shortcuts → Machine/Start → Pin → ExtIn1→ ExtIn1 1

DXF file is available at link below: https://planet-cnc.com/wp-content/uploads/sw/doc/ExtInOut.dxf

• Use a high-quality, stable, and reliable power supply for both the controller and the ExtInOut board. Each unit should have its own dedicated power supply to ensure optimal performance.
• When switching high-power devices, use the ExtInOut relays only to activate an intermediate relay (quality is important).
• When using an intermediate relay, solenoid, or valves, it’s recommended to wire a flyback diode across the coil. This helps protect your circuit from voltage spikes caused by inductive loads, ensuring longer component life and more stable operation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyback_diode

If any interference problems persist, please also try additional measures below:

• Try using an aluminum foil to shield the flat connection cable from controller to the board. Connect the foil to the GND terminal of power supply connector of the relay board.
• Enclose the ExtInOut board using a metal case, which will serve as a faraday cage…