Hi Guys,
I've just wired and installed a 4 axis pendant controller on my CNC router.

I followed the Duet3d pendant documentation to the letter.
The documentation was easy to understand and follow, excellent job!

My router is controlled by a Duet2 3d WIFI board using firmware 3.3 - works a treat!
The board controls a VFD spindle, a Diode laser and a 4th rotary axis with no issues.

Pendant.
The pendant works on X,Y & Z axis but would not work on the 4th axis.
After looking through the Arduino software, I found that the 4th axis was programmed as "U" but my machine is setup to use "A" as the 4th rotary axis.

I created a trial "U" axis in my config file by coping my current "A" axis details.
The pendant 4th rotary axis works a treat but unfortunately, doesn't synchronize with my " A" axis. This could cause a problem if I use both letter controls, ongoing.

The post processors I use are setup to post "A" as the rotary axis.

Could you please advise:

1. Is there is a way of changing "U" axis within the software to output "A" either on the Arduino side or within the Duet config. g
2. Which part of the Arduino or Duet software can I alter to smooth out, "fine tune" the axis movement when using the pendant. - the feed rate controlled by X10 to X100 is very fast.

I could alter the post processors to output "U" and remove the "A" axis as a fall back solution.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Phil T

Hi Presto,
I've just installed my own pendant this weekend. Similar type to the one above, with four axis.
I found that the official Duet3D CNC pendant documentation to set up using Arduino Pro Micro was spot on...great job guys!

My learning points.

1. Check your soldering and wire continuity between the pendant board and the Arduino board using a multi meter. It will give you piece of mind for your hard work!

2. I used Arduino software version, V1.8. to down load and program the Arduino chip. On the web site - I used the Leonardo board setup not the Arduino pro macro, compiled and uploaded first time. Arduino latest update, version 2.## would not compile the software for some reason. Probably I made a mistake somewhere!

3. Update your config file - M575 P1 S1 B57600

4. Connect to the panel due port - I only connected 3 wires, pendant only not through a display, as advised.

5. Connecting to the panel due port will supply power your pendant.
   Ensure that the emergency stop is not activated, "smile" keeping the override depressed -green button, select an axis and turn the pulse wheel. when the wheel is turned a led light on the Arduino board will flash. Repeat for the other axis...this will confirm the pendant is wired ok.

6. I removed the very strong magnets from the pendant cover - just in case it caused problems with the Arduino board.

Hopefully, my experiences will help
Phil T

Many thanks for advise..

I've down loaded Fusion 360...

Now to trawl through the training vids

4th Axis rotary A

I have just upgraded my controller board to the Duet2 and installed a 4th rotary axis -A
I’m looking for advise on which is the recommended post processor to use for the 4th axis.
I currently use Ventric Aspire v8.5 but can’t find any suitable post processor for wrapping
My router is a CBeam x/l which is similar to the Workbee by open builds.
For X,Y&Z milling the basic . Gcode post processor seems to work ok with the Duet2
I would appreciate some help with my pp issue

Phil T

Hi there Winged Donkey..
This is my first post so please bear with me.
I’ve just upgraded to the DUET2 WiFi board from a cnc vpro2
My old vpro2 board ran a 15w PWM laser ok. M3 M5 S255 etc.
I’m looking into following your lead / research to get my PWM laser to work.

Did you solve all of your issues in getting you laser to work?

Has your PCB worked as designed?

If you still have any of the spare boards, would you be willing to post a couple to me in the UK?

I’ll cover the cost if you can help

Best regards
Phil T