Spindle and Spindle Controller¶

Incorrect cutting tool option selected when configuring Mach4.

Select "Router" or "Spindle" from the dropdown in the Avid CNC Mach4 configuration window based on machine configuration.

Mach4 Configuration Instructions

Spindle Controller not connected to a power source or not turned on.

Check connection to the outlet, circuit breaker at the main panel, and power switch on Spindle Controller.

The circuit breaker at the electrical panel may have tripped.

Check circuit breaker and reset if necessary.

The circuit breaker in Spindle Controller enclosure may have tripped.

Disconnect power to the Spindle Controller. Check circuit breaker and reset if necessary.

The electrical panel circuit breaker may be GFCI and trip due to the VFD's EMI filter.

If the spindle controller is powered with a GFCI breaker or outlet, remove the VFD's EMI filter.

EMI Filter Removal

The connection between spindle and Spindle Controller is faulty.

Ensure the M23 cable is properly connected to both the panel mount on the Spindle Controller enclosure and the spindle.

The setup guide illustrates the proper connection of the M23 cable.

M23 Spindle Cable Installation Instructions

The spindle has overheated.

Allow the spindle to cool and cycle power to the Spindle Controller. Ensure the spindle fan is operational when the spindle is turned on.

Ensure there is adequate space below the spindle body for the cooling air to exit.

Reset the fault code using STOP/RESET

The connection between spindle and Spindle Controller is faulty.

Ensure the M23 cable is properly connected to both the panel mount on the Spindle Controller enclosure and the spindle.

The setup guide illustrates the proper connection of the M23 cable.

M23 Spindle Cable Installation Instructions

The Spindle Controller power cord is not securely plugged into the wall outlet.

Ensure the Spindle Controller power cord is securely plugged into the wall outlet.

Thermal overload detected by the VFD.

Allow the spindle to cool and cycle power to the Spindle Controller. Ensure the spindle fan is operational when the spindle is turned on. Ensure there is adequate space below the spindle body for the cooling air to exit.

Check the Spindle Controller enclosure for excessive dust impeding airflow and clean if necessary. Ensure the Spindle Controller fan is operational when the Spindle Controller is powered on.

Reset the fault code using STOP/RESET

The connection between spindle and Spindle Controller is faulty.

Ensure the M23 cable is properly connected to both the panel mount on the Spindle Controller enclosure and the spindle.

The setup guide illustrates the proper connection of the M23 cable.

M23 Spindle Cable Installation Instructions

Thermal overload of the spindle.

Allow the spindle to cool and cycle power to the Spindle Controller. Ensure the spindle fan is operational when the spindle is turned on.

Ensure there is adequate space below the spindle body for the cooling air to exit.

Reset the fault code using STOP/RESET

Overcurrent condition caused by the M23 spindle power cable between the Spindle Controller and Spindle not being plugged in correctly.

Unplug and reseat the spindle power cable on both ends. Make sure that the pins seat easily and are not bent out of place.

Spindle Connection Instructions

The 14-pin cable between the Plug and Play CNC Controller and Spindle Controller may not have continuity.

Check the VFD display to ensure no fault present (fxxx.x is the expected no-fault display). Reseat 14-pin cable at both the CNC Controller and Spindle Controller.

14-pin Cable Connection

Incorrect Mach4 configuration.

Ensure the correct version of Mach4 is being used (v2.0.9 or newer) and the “Spindle Type” is set to “8.7HP Avid spindle”.

If using Mach3, ensure the spindle pulley range is set to 0 - 24,000.

Loose connection of the 0-10V signal from the Plug and Play Controller and the VFD.

Check connection of the 0-10V signal wires at all connection points in the Plug and Play Controller and Spindle Controller. Check connection of the 14-conductor cable, reseating if necessary.

Plug and Play CNC Controller Schematic

Spindle Controller Schematic

Generic Mach4 error, multiple VFD errors can cause this.

See Spindle and Spindle Controller troubleshooting section for specific fault codes and corrective actions

Check VFD screen for specific error code and refer to Spindle and Spindle Controller Troubleshooting Section .