USB-MC is motion controller designed for use with popular Mach3 CNC control software in Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 operating systems with 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) architectures. As external controller, it brings various improvements in comparison to using Mach3 software over parallel port. USB-MC does not require installation of Mach3 LPT driver.
Motion controller USB-MC takes over all real-time tasks that require precision timing. Thus, computer CPU is less loaded, so that Mach3 now can work on less powerful desktop, laptop, and even tablet computers. Considering that controlling task does not need high performance computer, the price for complete control system can now by considerably reduced.
At the same time, much higher output frequency for step signal (up to 250 kHz) is achieved and much better quality of output than it is possible with parallel port regardless of performances of used computer.
The parallel port is becoming less and less common and is almost obsolete. Newer computers often do not offer this port. USB-MC is using USB for communication and USB port is present on all modern systems.
A large number of functions have been added and existing are improved. PWM output can have much higher frequency and higher resolution, PWM power compensation in relation with feedrate is added, implemented hardware MPG mode, more detailed debouncing adjustments for all input signals, and much more.
USB-MC motion controller has 16 digital outputs and 14 digital inputs in comparison to 12 digital outputs and 5 digital inputs that are available from parallel port. In addition, USB-MC has analog input which is not possible to realize via parallel port.
Additional inputs and outputs are available via appropriate connectors, and via add-on input/output boards that can be easily connected to USB-MC motion controller.
For connection of USB-MC motion controller with PC, it is important to use high quality cable, as short as possible, preferably not longer that 1.5m.
NOTE: USB-MC controller is powered from USB port so in its primary function external power supply is not necessary. However, external power supply is required if input/output add-on card UIO-1 is used because this card requires higher voltage than 5V that is available from USB port.
Supported Mach3 functions
- all jogging modes
- spindle PWM out, adjustable frequency 10 Hz – 200 kHz
- spindle index input, adjustable divider
- spindle step/dir axis
- spindle relays (M3, M4 and M5)
- coolant relays (M7, M8 and M9)
- ESTOP input
- MPG (encoder) inputs, all Mach3 MPG modes + hardware mode
- freely assignable functions to any of inputs and outputs
- adjustable active signal state (low/high) for all inputs and outputs
- homing/referencing (single axis and multiaxis)
- hardware limit switches
- softlimits
- limits override, auto/manual/external
- charge pump outputs, adjustable frequency (12.5 kHz and 5 kHz)
- slave axes
- probing function (G31)
- laser M10p1/M11p1, e5p1/e5p0 fast outputs (#1-6)
- laser PWM, power compensation (PWM duty cycle can change in relation to velocity of movement), adjustable arbitrary relation curve
- laser PWM, gate by M10/M11
- laser gray scale (8-bit) engraving - NEW
- shuttle mode, adjustable acceleration time
- detailed adjustment for debouncing of all input signals
- offline mode
- threading on lathe using Mach3turn, G32, G76
- THC function (integrated & external controller support)
- Advanced THC options: Low pass filter, Kerf detect, THC lock if voltage out of range, THC lock from g-code - NEW
Not supported
- Backlash compensation
Image gallery
https://www.audiohms.com/en/cnc-electronics-products/motion-controllers-and-breakout-boards/motion-controllers/usb-mc-motion-controller#sigProId565726282b
Technical specifications
| Function | Description |
| Number of axes | 6 |
| Number of digital outputs | 16 |
| Number of digital inputs | 14 |
| Maximum STEP signal frequency | 250 kHz (option 125 kHz) |
| STEP pulse width | 2 μs (option 4 μs) |
| PWM output frequency | 10 Hz – 200 kHz |
| PWM duty cycle resolution | 16-9 bits, depending on frequency; 16 bit for f ≤ 2kHz |
| Frequency of signal on Index input | ≤ 10 kHz |
| Pulse width on Index input | ≥ 100 ns |
| MPG/encoder input (x4) frequency | ≤ 10k steps/sec |
| Digital input/output type | TTL, 5 V, Pull-up resistors 4.7 kΩ on all inputs |
| Maximum current on digital outputs | 32 mA |
| Number of analog inputs | 1 |
| Analog input range | 0 – 3.3 V (0 – 5 V via IO card) |
| Charge pump outputs | 2 |
| Charge pump frequency | 12.5 kHz or 5 kHz |
| Communication with PC | USB - data buffer about 1 s for stable communication |
| Power supply | from USB port |
| External power supply (optional) | 8 – 24 VDC / 250 mA (UIO-1 card requires 15 – 20 VDC) |
| Dimensions | 92 mm x 84 mm x 27 mm |
| Weight | ~ 60 g |
NOTE: Shown specifications are subject to change without prior notice
DOWNLOAD
| Document | Description |
 USB-MC User's manual |
USB-MC user manual and Mach3 plugin installation guide |
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Plasma torch height control using USB-MC motion controller - NEW USB-MC motion controller, in addition to support for external THC regulator, also has integrated THC regulator that is possible to utilize by connecting appropriate voltage sensor to the analog input of USB-MC controller |
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USB-MC Laser raster engraving Coming soon |
Gray level raster engraving - NEW Engraving of raster images using laser – 8-bit pallet (256 shades of gray) is supported. When this option is turned on, axis A is used for control of laser power, i.e. commanded "movement" of A axis directly translates to duty cycle of the PWM output. Needed G-code should be generated from a bitmap picture using one of the available programs for that purpose. |
USB driver and installation instructions
| Document | Description |
|
USB driver In most cases, if Windows 7 or newer operating system is used, Windows will automatically find and install required driver so that manual installation should not be needed. Otherwise, if Windows does not find the driver, it will ask for the location on local computer to read it from. In that case download and unpack one of the available drivers. |
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| USB Driver Installation guide |
Instructions for USB driver installation for computers with Win XP operating system |
Mach3 Plugins & Custom Screens
NOTE: Mach3 plugin contains integrated latest compatible version of firmware for USB-MC motion controller
| Date | Plugin version | Description |
| October 2022. |  usbmc_drv_pl1.19_fw1.22.zip |
Firmware v1.22 & Plugin v1.18 - Correction: incorrect Probing target point when machine coordinates view is active |
| June 2022. | usbmc_drv_v1.22.zip |
Firmware v1.22 & Plugin v1.18 - Fixed error: with internal THC regulator, Nominal torch voltage is sometimes reset to zero after restarting Mach3 - Fixed error: if ArcOK signal is not used for THC but instead option "Ports&Pins/MillOptions/Allow THC Up/Down control..." is used then regulator does not always wait the Pierce Delay time uppon every arc ignition by M3 command - SoftLimits for angular axes can now be disabled by using appropriate option in General config - Disabled slow zones with SoftLimits for g-code motion and corresponding option removed |
| March 2021. | usbmc_drv_v1.21.zip |
Firmware v1.21 & Plugin v1.17 - Error corrected: when threading by using G32/G76 commands, output Output1 is deactivated after the first threading pass |
| June 2019. | usbmc_drv_v1.191.zip |
Firmware v1.19 & Plugin v1.16 - Added option to control THC nominal voltage by using rotational encoder (Special Functions) |
| March 2019. | usbmc_drv_v1.19.zip |
Firmware v1.19 & Plugin v1.15 - Added option for manual THC mode - Nominal THC voltage can now be entered directly to appropriate DRO field on Mach3 screen |
| March 2019. | PlasmaAohmsUSBMC.zip |
New customized Plasma screen with added LED indicator for manual mode. Compatible with Firmware v1.19 & Plugin v1.15 and higher |
| November 2018. | usbmc_drv_v1.17.zip |
Firmware v1.17 & Plugin v1.13 |
| November 2018. | PlasAo_112018.zip |
Customized screen for Mach3 Plasma mode, compatibile with Firmware v1.17 & Plugin v1.13 and higher |
| July 2018. | usbmc_drv_v1.15.zip |
Firmware v1.15 & Plugin v1.12 Bug fixes: - When G31 probing operation is started, incorrect warning that move is outside SoftLimits is issued if work offsets are used - G-code current line marker sometimes moves uncontrollably while performing some Mach3 operations - Limit/estop switches, if they are of low active type, are sometimes erroneously detected as active upon pressing RESET button - Mach3 turns of SoftLimits upon calling Verify function. Workaround is implemented to return previous state of SoftLimits after Verify function is completed |
| April 2018. | usbmc_drv_v1.13.zip |
- Improved operation of soft limits slow zones |
| January 2018. | usbmc_drv_v1.11.zip |
Bug fixes / problems corrected: |
| November 2017. | usbmc_drv_v1.07.zip |
-added new option for adjusting maximum STEP signal frequency to 125 kHz (pulse width 4 µs) |
| August 2017. | usbmc_drv_v1.06.zip |
New option for laser grey level raster engraving (8-bit). When this option is turned on displacement of A axis directly controls PWM output duty cycle |
| March 2017. | usbmc_drv_v1.05.zip |
Added support for external and integrated THC regulator – BETA version |
| May 2016. | usbmc_drv_v1.02.zip |
Initial version |
RECOMMENDED READINGS
BLOG - Possible origins of connection problems between USB-MC motion controller and PC
