Controlling VFD, J-Tech Laser and IoT

I'm planning to convert to a VFD/Spindle setup in the near future. I currently use Blackbox to control an IOT that controls my router on/off in "CnC mode" and use the same output from the Blackbox pin via a switch to control the J-Tech in "Laser Mode". (yes, I have macros that change my grbl settings when going from mode to mode.)

This is how I am wired in laser mode: docs:blackbox:4-wire-laser.png [OpenBuilds Documentation]
This is how I am wired in CnC mode: docs:blackbox:iotrelay.png [OpenBuilds Documentation]

The switch controls the red wire coming off of the PWM pin on the output of the Blackbox and either sends the signal to the laser's controller or to the IoT input.

Now, my questions are:

1. If I switch to a VFD and want to control on/off/RPM via grbl/Blackbox, I know I will need to rewire that connector to the 2 outside pins. I want to control a vacuum with the IoT so I can move that over to the coolant control and turn on and off with M8/M9. What pins would I hook my laser to control it in laser mode and not turn the spindle on??
2. Would I be able to leave the laser wire connected to the PWM pin AND connect the spindle to the grnd/0-10v output on the same connector?? Are both of these controlled by the M3/M5 commands?
3. What grbl command is used to activate the "relay" output next to the toolhead control and what is the output of that connection?? I MAY be able to rewrite my postscript compiler to turn that relay on and off BUT would I lose the ability to control the laser's power when doing a variable burn like I do today using the PWM pin??
4. Another suggestion I haven't thought about already??

Totally different question. I noticed when researching this, there is a footnote in the header of the IoT and Laser Blackbox configuration pages that says to "Remove the Relay Mode jumper to prevent the relay from clicking on/off rapidly during laser operations". Yes my Blackbox clicks when I use the laser and this would solve that problem but what does that jumper control?? On the Plasma setup page the instructions say to move the jumper to the M3/M5 position so I know it does something.

OK, that's it for now. Thanks in advance!

 

I have no idea how I missed the relay portion of the instructions. Sorry about that!

So I’m clear, I would be able to use pin 1&2 for laser and pin 1&4 for the VFD and both would be controlled by the M3/M5 command? I currently have a 3 position switch that I would need to swap for 2 2 position switches so I could shut off the control lead of whatever I’m not currently using?

 

Thanks again Peter!! At least I didn’t break something this time.

 

I could use the relay or coolant output if I didn't want to control spindle speed from grbl and that's what I may end up ultimately doing. Using an on/off to the VFD would require controlling the spindle speed directly on the VFD, which is doable.

The laser requires the PWM pin to vary the intensity for doing projects like pictures and graphics. If I just send an on/off, I lose that ability from what I understand.

Once I convert to spindle, I actually plan to use the coolant or relay output to control the IoT to control my dust collection and water cooler.

Since I'm already adjusting the speed of my router directly on the router, I may just hit the easy button and control my spindle speed directly on the VFD and use the coolant output like you're using it.

Thanks!!

 

Based on how I believe the BlackBox operates, I would think that you could wire the IoT to either the coolant or relay output. You would just need to make sure that your post processor was turning coolant on for router and make sure the coolant statement is removed for laser work.