USB Solenoid Controller I/O Board

The USB Solenoid Controller I/O Board is very similar to the Tormach USB M-Code I/O Interface Kit but differs from it based on the intended use (yet is functionally cross compatible). While the Tormach kit is a general purpose board that uses four SPDT relays, this controller board takes this one step further and directly connects to Solenoids by using an external 12VDC power supply. This makes the process plug-and-play. The controller also provides an on-board selector to allow the user to define which ID (1 through 4) the device uses so that multiple boards (up to 4 per controller) can be used consistently.

• Small form factor: 150 x 120 x 40mm (6"x5"x2").
• Control from PathPilot interface or Program.
• Up to 500mA per contact (12V, 6W), diode protected Open Collector output.
• 4x Inputs (Max 5V) with 3mm Audio connector for quick installation (2 included)
• 4x Screw terminal blocks
• Hook & Loop tape for quick attachment to machine.
• USB type B connector included (10ft)
• Compatible with Solid State Relays (SSR) for switching AC loads.
• Made in the USA.

FAQ: What is an Open Collector output? 

A relay works by making a physical connection between two metallic contacts. An open collector is a solid state switch (transistor) that connects the "ground" terminal to the power supply ground when commanded to do so and otherwise leaves this connection "open". Thus, the output ports have all of their +12V contacts directly tied to the power supply but only switch the negative terminal when told to do so. In order to protect the voltage spike that occurs when a coil is turned off, the contacts have a "flyback" diode to protect the circuit, something that is more difficult to achieve with a generic relay used in the same scenario.

FAQ: How do I control the outputs in my program?

Each switch is turned on or off with a separate line and this is identical to how the Tormach kit does this. The M-Commands to turn a pin on is M64 (turn off with M65) followed by the Pin number (for a lathe, the pins start at 5 for a unit with ID 1, 9 for ID2, etc. whereas for the Mill, they start at 1). For example, to turn on port 1 on a lathe with ID1: "M64 P5" turning off the same port but on a mill: "M65 P1". See the Tormach help page for more information: USB I/O Module