PRODUCT DISCONTINUED: May 2024.
RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTION: The product has been replaced with a redesigned version of the ISO-USB-BOX V.3 motion controller
ISO-USB-BOX is 6-axis 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. Motion controller features built in isolated USB port thus achieving galvanic isolation between the controller and PC computer that is used for control. This leads to significant reliability improvement of the control system in difficult industrial conditions.
Motion controller is enclosed in aluminum anodized case that can be mounted on standard holder (DIN rail) which enables easy installation of the motion controller into electric cabinet.
ISO-USB-BOX motion controller has:
- 16 digital outputs, including two relay outputs,
- 14 digital inputs, including 8 opto-isolated inputs for voltage levels of 24V and 6 TTL general purpose digital inputs,
- One analog output 0-10 V and
- One analog input 0-5 V.
Maximum step signal frequency is 250 kHz, optionally 125 kHz.
All inputs and outputs are accessible via detachable connectors, thus all peripherals can be easily connected to the ISO-USB-BOX motion controller.
For connection of ISO-USB-BOX motion controller with PC, it is important to use high quality cable, as short as possible, preferably no longer that 1.5m. The motion controller is supplied with a high-quality 1m long USB cable with two ferrite cores.
Mach3 plugin contains integrated latest compatible version of firmware so in case that firmware has to be updated, this process is automatic and easy for user. Since the firmware version from June 2019. (Firmware v01.19 & Plugin v01.16) motion controllers ISO-USB-BOX and USB-MC use the same Mach3 plugin.
NOTE: ISO-USB-BOX motion controller is NOT powered from USB port. For controller operation an external power supply 15-28 VDC / 250 mA is required.
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 with deceleration for smooth stop
- 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
- shuttle mode, adjustable acceleration time
- detailed adjustment for debouncing of all input signals
- FRO, SRO or any DRO/Variable control using potentiometer or rotary encoder
- offline mode
- threading on lathe using Mach3turn, G32, G76
- THC function (integrated and external controller support)
- THC advanced options (kerf detect, THC lock, low pass filter...) – NEW
Not supported
- Backlash compensation
Image Gallery
http://www.audiohms.com/en/cnc-electronics-products/archive-discontinued-products/item/245-iso-usb-box-en#sigProId45c75e69a8
Technical specifications
| Function | Description |
| Communication with PC | Integrated isolated USB port Data buffer of about 1 s for stable communication |
| Number of axes | 6 |
| Digital outputs |
- 12 general purpuse digital outputs |
| Maximum current on digital outputs | 32 mA |
| Relay outputs |
2 relay outputs of NO type with capacity of 30 VDC / 3 A max. |
| Digital inputs |
- 8 opto-isolated inputs for 24V signal levels |
| Maximum STEP signal frequency | 250 kHz (optional 125 kHz) |
| STEP pulse width | 2 μs (optional 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/enkoder input (x4) frequecny | ≤ 10k steps/sec |
| Number of analog inputs | 1 |
| Analog input range | 0 – 5 V |
| Charge pump outputs | 2 |
| Charge pump frequency | 12,5 kHz or 5 kHz |
| Power supply | 15 - 28 VDC / 250 mA |
| Mounting | DIN rail |
| Dimensions | 142 mm x 105 mm x 43 mm |
| Weight | ~ 470 g |
NOTE: Shown specifications are subject to change without prior notice
* PWM output signal can be assigned to the output pins 1-14 (O1-O14)
DOWNLOAD
| Document | Description |
 ISO-USB-BOX Users manual |
ISO-USB-BOX user manual |
| USB-BOX THC control |
Plasma torch height control using ISO-USB-BOX motion controller - NEW NOTE: ISO-USB-BOX motion controller uses the same manual for THC control as USB-MC motion controller. ISO-USB-BOX 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 |
| ISO-USB-BOX 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 |
|
| USB driver instalation quide |
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 ISO-USB-BOX motion controller. Since the firmware version from June 2019. (Firmware v1.19 & Plugin v1.16) motion controllers ISO-USB-BOX, USB-MC and USB-MC-INT use the same Mach3 plugin
| Date | Plugin version | Description |
| October 2022. |  usbmc_drv_pl1.19_fw1.22.zip |
Firmware v1.22 & Plugin v1.19 - Correction: incorrect Probing target point when machine coordinates view is active |
| June 2022. | usbmc_drv_v1.11.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_1.21.zip |
Firmware v1.21 & Plugin v1.17 |
| June 2019. | usbmc_drv_1.191.zip |
Firmware v1.19 & Plugin v1.16 |
| 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 |
