CSMIO/IP-M - 4-axis Motion Controller (STEP/DIR), Ethernet

About the CSMIO/IP-M - 4-axis Motion CNC Controller

How does it work?

In short – CNC control software (simCNC, Mach3, Mach4) installed on a PC is the brain and CSMIO/IP-M CNC controller is the heart of the entire control system. Control software (simCNC, Mach3, Mach4) changes g-codes into motion trajectory and sends it through the network connection to the CSMIO/IP-M. Basing on the trajectory the CNC controller generates an accurate step/dir signal for all axes. This division of tasks makes the PC is less loaded than if using a classic parallel LPT port.

What are the main advantages of the CSMIO/IP-M ethernet motion controller?

Operation Stability provided by connection with PC via Ethernet – its physical layer is galvanically isolated, used protocols provide reliable and fast transmission even in a tough industrial environment). Practically any other interfaces do not provide continuity and reliability of transmission on such high-level as ETHERNET. That is why it is currently the worldwide standard for high-speed digital communication.

Easy installation – one of the biggest advantages of CSMIO/IP-M CNC controller is the simplicity of installation. It does not require any external electronics for correct operation.

Inputs/outputs signals are optically isolated, filtered, protected against short circuit, overheating, etc. All signals are adapted to industry 24 V standard. The device is enclosed in a compact housing, mounted on a DIN-rail, which makes mechanical and electronic installation in a control cabinet takes less time and is even easier.

CSMIO/IP-M controller works with simCNC and Mach3/Mach4 software because of its low price, popularity and enormous capability to adapt to specific requirements. As for the control signal, the choice is the popular step/direction (step/dir) standard. This way you can control both – stepper motor drives and the most modern servo drives. Thanks to the frequency of stop signal that reaches up to 125KHz you can apply adequate stepper division in stepper motors the same reducing resonance and significantly improving the performance of a propulsion system. It also provides the full advantage of encoders with an average number of pulses per rotation (10.000 p/rev) and a large number of pulses per rotation using only small electronic ratio.

The main advantages of the CSMIO/IP-M CNC controller

Step/dir signal – after the first run of a CNC machine equipped with the CSMIO/IP-M controller you will notice how smooth and precise is the work of your motors. It’s thanks to high-quality step/dir signal and data buffer which stores a small part of trajectory sent by control software (simCNC, Mach3, Mach4).

Data buffer – the mentioned trajectory buffer provides uninterrupted operation of a CNC machine, even in case of temporary problems with network connection or software control.

Slave axis support – this CNC controller provides one slave axis support (without gantry geometry correction).

Safety system – a very important advantage of the CSMIO/IP-M controller is its own safety system. It constantly watches over the safety of a user and a machine. It consists of many independent algorithms and watchdogs which react very fast in case of forbidden or alarm situations. RESET support for axis drives. Support of FAULT signals from servo drives (immediate stop of a machine in case of any axis accident).

Solid aluminum housing - dissipates heat and protects electronic circuits very well. Readable led controls on a front panel which make it easier to install and simplify diagnostics in case of any problems with switches or another external device that cooperate with CSMIO/IP-M ethernet motion controller.

VB macros – you can control all digital and analog signals using VisualBasic macros.

Industry standard – CSMIO/IP-M controller is adapted to worldwide standards applied by servo and stepper drives manufacturers, including:

• step/dir outputs supported by differential line transmitters DS26C31 (RS422 standard compliant)
• opto-isolated 24 V DC digital outputs supported by specialized systems with protection against short-circuit and overload.
• opto-isolated 24 V DC digital inputs
• 0-10 V analog inputs used to connect potentiometers of spindle rotation speed correction and axis feed rate.
• 0-10 V analog outputs used i.e. for VFD control.

Expansion modules

You can expand CSMIO/IP-M controller features using CSMIO-MPG expansion module for manual axes operation and handwheel encoder. It provides very smooth control of machine motion, automatic switching between speed and position modes.

Attention:

CSMIO-ENC and CSMIO-IO are not supported by CSMIO/IP-M controller.

The housing of the CSMIO/IP-M ethernet motion controller and all the expansion modules is adapted to DIN 35 mm rail mounting.

Main and Special Features

Who is recommended to use the CSMIO/IP-M controller?

CSMIO/IP-M is for those who need an accurate and reliable controller as his bigger brother CSMIO/IP-S spending much less money. However, at the stage of designing a control system, they must be aware of what kind of functions are supported by the CSMIO/IP-M and what are their needs.

CSMIO/P-M is recommended to users/companies who:

- retrofit original CNC machines that require a lower number of digital signals for basic signals support such as switches, E-Stop, Servo Alarm, Servo On, Servo Reset, or signals necessary to control a spindle (VFD).

- build new milling machines or any size routers that reach satisfactory speed and accuracy. For example, the CSMIO/IP-M controller allows achieving a frequency of 0.002 mm and max. speed of axis up to 15m/min. For most users, these are parameters that exceed their expectations from a CNC motion controller which is so inexpensive.

- build plasma and laser cutters. In this field, the CSMIO/IP-M control is unquestionably successful. It’s because of its good price and capabilities fully sufficient to handle this kind of machines.

CNC control system based on the CSMIO/IP-M controller can be extended using the additional module: CSMIO-MPG

CSMIO/IP-M CNC controller can be successfully used with milling machines, lathes that don’t require threading function, routers, plasma or laser cutters.

What is included in the box?

In the CSMIO/IP-M ethernet motion controller set you will get:

• CNC CSMIO/IP-M Controller
• Ethernet connection wire
• 1 x Phoenix 3 pin power plug
• CD with an electronic version of the user guide and software
• 1 x DB25 -> Terminal Block adapter
• 1 x DB25 + 1xDB9 -> Terminal Block adapter
• 2 x DB25 connection tape (flat cable)
• 1 x DB9 connection tape (flat cable)

Control software

The device works with simCNC software by CS-Lab and Mach3/Mach4 software by ArtSoft. The software requires a software license. You can purchase the simCNC software licenses in our online store.

Firmware and Updates

CSMIO Firmware (plugin) version 2.910 (and earlier) is for Mach3 .

In the DOWNLOAD section, you will also find the new firmware v. 3.0 and its updates incl. CSMIO/IP plugin for simCNC and Mach4. CSMIO/IP controllers without FP4 sign (the sign printed on a front panel of CSMIO controllers) can’t be used with the v. 3.0 and newer.

All of CS-LAB’s controllers have a bootloader on board, so there is no risk of damaging the device after the firmware update fails. The update is done using intuitive Firmware Update Utility, it does not require knowledge about the hardware. If a firmware update is available, you can download it from our website.

*CSMIO controllers were designed to work with simCNC, Mach3/Mach4 software. We do not guarantee proper work with third-party plugins/add-ons/etc.