Hello, I hope you are well. I need assistance with configuring my Allan Bradley Ultra3000 spindle motor driver for my CNC mill. I was recommended this upgrade by a member of the LinuxCNC forums. However, I am struggling to connect to the driver using Ultraware software. The user manuals mention specific cables that are no longer available, and the pinout diagram indicates an RS-232 serial connection with an RS-485 adapter. I am confused about the process, especially since it mentions that pinouts may vary by manufacturer. Could someone please advise me on the correct cables needed for this setup? I have ordered a USB to serial adapter that is RS-232 and am awaiting its delivery to see if it will work. I also attempted connecting the TX and RX pins to an FT232R module but encountered difficulties. Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
For a successful connection between your computer running Ultraware and the Ultra3000, using an RS232 connection is essential. Make sure to connect Pin 2 on the PC to Pin 3 on the Ultra, Pin 3 on the PC to Pin 2 on the Ultra, and Pin 5 on the PC to Pin 5 on the Ultra. This setup requires only Tx, Rx, and GND pins for seamless communication.
It has been quite some time since I last used one of those devices. I utilized an XP laptop with a built-in serial port for programming purposes. I did not have experience working with RS422 or RS485. Instead, I had a simple homemade three-wire cable with DB9 connections. On page 2-52 of the Ultra3000 Installation manual with the document number 2098-in003_-en-p, there is a diagram provided for RS232 connection. While I understand that pinouts may differ depending on the manufacturer, in this case, it pertains to a standard PC serial port or a standard USB to RS232 DB9 adapter. This could be interpreted as a disclaimer to absolve responsibility in case of compatibility issues with unusual computer setups. I assume you possess a copy of Ultraware software to configure the drive. Additonally, a picture has been shared by Steve.
I understand that pinout configurations can differ between manufacturers, but in this case, we are dealing with a typical PC serial port or a standard USB to RS232 DB9 adapter. It seems like a cautionary statement to absolve any responsibility for compatibility issues. If your setup does not work as shown in the diagram, try switching the Tx and Rx connections.
One user, 5618, shared their experience working with an XP laptop that had an on-board serial port for programming tasks. They used a simple homemade three-wire cable with DB9 connections for the setup. However, they never dabbled with RS422 or RS485. Referring to page 2-52 of the Ultra3000 Installation manual 2098-in003_-en-p, they found a diagram for RS232 connection. While acknowledging that pinouts may vary by manufacturer, they highlighted the use of a standard PC serial port or a standard USB to RS232 DB9 adapter. This could serve as a disclaimer to avoid issues with unique computer configurations. The user assumed that the recipient of the message had a copy of Ultraware to configure the drive. In a follow-up message, the user expressed concerns about connectivity issues despite trying a USB to Serial converter cable and even attempting to cross the wires with no success. They also mentioned using the Recover connection wizard in Ultraware with the newly acquired COM5 port set at 9600. The user questioned if the unit purchased from an eBay seller might be faulty. Additionally, they inquired about connecting to the Ultra3000 without any motors attached, noting that upon powering up, the display only showed 0 with both green and red LEDs flashing. Any insights on this issue would be greatly appreciated.
If your device isn't communicating as shown in the diagram, try swapping the Tx and Rx connections. I purchased a USB to Serial cable and attempted different configurations, but still couldn't establish a connection. Could the lack of a connected motor be causing the issue, or could it be a faulty unit? I've tested various baud rates ranging from 9600 to 38400. Upon powering up, the display shows 0 and the green and red LEDs flash continuously. Thank you.
Hello! It definitely sounds like you're in a bit of a tough spot. I've worked with Allan Bradley Ultra3000 before, and I remember facing a similar problem. Normally, a RS-232/DB9 to RJ45 cable is what you would use to connect to the driver, but the fact that the manuals refer to parts that are no longer available is definitely challenging. Given your situation, the USB to serial adapter could be a plausible workaround, provided it is appropriately matched with the RS-232 specs. With regards to the TX and RX pins, you might be facing difficulties due to wrong wiring sequence or a need for a null-modem adapter. If the USB adapter route doesn't work, I suggest reaching out directly to Allan Bradley's support, they might be able to provide you with current equivalent parts or solutions. Good luck!
It sounds like you're navigating a bit of a tricky setup there! First off, make sure that the USB to serial adapter you're expecting has the right chipset; the FTDI ones tend to be quite reliable for RS-232 connections. When it comes to the wiring, it's crucial to double-check the pinouts not just in the manuals but also directly on your driver, since variations can be common. If you haven't already, consider reaching out on the community forums specific to the Ultra3000; someone there might have faced a similar issue and can provide the exact cable types or even a helpful pinout diagram. Good luck, and hang in there—these configurations can be real puzzles!
Hey there! It sounds like you're diving into quite the project! Since you've already ordered the USB to serial adapter, that's a good start. Just remember, the key with RS-232 and RS-485 is ensuring that you're using the correct pinout and that the communication settings (baud rate, parity, etc.) match what the Ultra3000 expects. Sometimes, using a logic level shifter can help bridge compatibility issues with the FT232R module. Also, if you can find a pinout conversion diagram specific to your version of the driver, that might clear up any confusion. Don't hesitate to ask in the LinuxCNC forums as well; those folks may have dealt with similar setups and could offer insights based on their experiences! Good luck!
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Answer: Answer: The specific cables needed for connecting the Allan Bradley Ultra3000 spindle motor driver may vary, but typically, you would require an RS-232 serial cable with an RS-485 adapter. It's important to refer to the pinout diagram and consult the user manual for the correct connections.
Answer: Answer: Yes, you can use a USB to serial adapter with an RS-232 connection to connect to the Ultra3000 spindle motor driver. Make sure to follow the pinout specifications and ensure compatibility with your setup.
Answer: Answer: If you are facing challenges when connecting the TX and RX pins to an FT232R module, double-check the wiring connections and pin configurations. It's crucial to ensure that the communication settings match and troubleshoot any potential issues with the connection.
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