Jaxen CNC Milling Machine
| Model | Grizzly G0619 See Manual (CNC Fusion stepper + ballscrew conversion) |
| Status | Operational. Runs UCCNC ,but not user-friendly |
| Usage Restrictions | Members with Training |
| Training | Mandatory |
| User certification required | YES |
| Hackable | NO |
| Owner | Vancouver Hack Space (donated by Chris / ccudahy ) |
| If it Breaks | Notify champion, put up an Out of Order sign |
| Loan Status | Donated — VHS purchased for $1; Chris / ccudahy retains first refusal if disposed |
| Arrival Date | August 29th, 2020 |
| Location | CNC Area |
| Champion | AndroidLX |
Specifications
Gecko G540 stepper controller (see Gecko G540 Manual) (parallel port → LinuxCNC PC)Integrated PC, stepper PSU, and controller in enclosure- AXBB-E (CNCdrive) controller with UCCNC. See information below
- CNC mill controller installed in Wall panel. See information below.
- Includes R8 tooling
- New Base: King Industrial base purchased
- Original Base: Wood 93 × 61 cm footprint, 93 cm tall (engine hoist fits underneath)
- Weight: ~200 kg
- Modified with CNC Fusion stepper + ballscrew kit (original parts retained)
Training
- Mandatory training required before use
- Must first complete training and certification on the 6040 CNC Mill "Loratron"
- Certification must be recorded before using Jaxen
Speeds & Feeds
- Use the CNC PC’s cutting speed calculator to determine correct RPM and feed rates
- Always set both cutting speed and feed rate properly to avoid tool damage and poor results
Maintenance Log
| Date | Who | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2016/2017 | Chris (donor) | Disassembled after poor cut quality; discovered defective saddle, replaced with new Grizzly part, controller box rebuilt. |
| Jul 4, 202X | AndroidLX | Significant modifications performed. Machine confirmed to run UCCNC, noted as “not particularly user-friendly.” |
History
- Donation terms: Purchased by VHS for $1; donor retains first right of repurchase if disposed
- Donation date: August 29, 2020
- Arrival location: Workshop
- King Industrial Stand purchased for mill ~$300-$400(KMS Tools)
- Most of Tooling that came with machine seems to have gone missing:
Mill and original stand as donated by Chris
CNC mill controller setup
1. Power Supplies
There are four Mean Well power supplies:
- NDR-480-48 (x2): Provide 48V, 10A DC to the stepper/servo drivers (blue modules marked Motor Z/A and Motor X/Y).
- These deliver the high-power DC that actually runs the motors.
- MDR-60-24: Provides 24V DC for control electronics (like relays, sensors, and logic boards).
- MDR-60-5: Provides 5V DC for logic-level components (controller board, encoders, or optoisolators).
Hookup:
- AC mains (100–240V) enters at the bottom (L/N/Earth).
- DC outputs (+V and –V) run to the motor drivers and controller boards.
2. Motor Drivers
The blue modules marked X, Y, A, and black module Z, are stepper/servo motor drivers.
- Function: Convert low-level step/direction/enable signals from the controller into high-power pulses for the motors.
- Each axis has its own driver.
- Wiring:
- Signal side (green connectors): Receives Step (Red), Dir (White), Ena (Green) from the motion controller.
- Power side: Fed by 48V from the NDR-480 supplies.
- Motor outputs: Four heavy wires going to each motor coil.
- Rotary encoder inputs: see Motor (XY) Rotary Encoder Pinouts below
Motor (XY) Rotary Encoder Pinout
| Pin # | Pin Label | Description | Encoder Wire Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EB+ | Encoder B phase input + | Yellow |
| 2 | EB- | Encoder B phase input - | Green |
| 3 | EA+ | Encoder A phase input + | Black |
| 4 | EA- | Encoder A phase input - | Blue |
| 5 | VCC | Encoder voltage (+5V) | Red |
| 6 | EGND | Encoder ground (0V) | White |
NOTE: Disconnected encoder wires will damage the driver and/or encoder.
Motor (XY) Rotary Encoder Cable Color Mapping
The installed 6-wire cable uses three identical black conductors. They are correctly landed on EA−, EB−, and EGND but should be labeled to avoid confusion.
| Pin # | Signal | Function | “Standard” Color (from prior table) | Jaxen Cable Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EB+ | Encoder B phase input + | Yellow | Green |
| 2 | EB- | Encoder B phase input - | Green | Black (label: EB−) |
| 3 | EA+ | Encoder A phase input + | Black | White |
| 4 | EA- | Encoder A phase input - | Blue | Black (label: EA−) |
| 5 | VCC | Encoder supply +5 V | Red | Red |
| 6 | EGND | Encoder ground (0 V) | White | Black (label: GND) |
Photos of X,Y and A Servo Drivers
HSS57 Hybrid Servo Driver
The HSS57 is a hybrid servo driver used to control the X and Y axis closed-loop stepper motors on the Jaxen CNC mill. It drives the 57HSE2N-D25 motors with encoder feedback, ensuring reliable closed-loop operation.
Device Identification
- Model: HSS57
- Type: Hybrid Servo Driver (closed-loop stepper controller)
- Voltage Range: 24–50 VDC
- Control Interface: Step/Dir inputs
- Feedback: Encoder input (closed-loop control)
This driver is designed for closed-loop stepper motors (sometimes called “servo steppers”). It prevents lost steps by correcting position via encoder feedback.
Connections
Motor (4 terminals)
- A+, A–
- B+, B–
Encoder (6 terminals)
- VCC
- EGND
- EA+, EA–
- EB+, EB–
Control Inputs/Outputs (12 terminals)
- ENA+, ENA– : Enable input
- DIR+, DIR– : Direction input
- PUL+, PUL– : Step pulse input
- ALM+, ALM– : Alarm output (fault status)
Pulse/Rev Table (Microstepping)
DIP switches SW3–SW6 set the resolution (controller pulses per motor revolution): X and Y currenltly set for 10000 Pulses/Rev
| Pulses/Rev | SW3 | SW4 | SW5 | SW6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Default | on | on | on | on |
| 10000 | off | on | off | off |
* Lower values = coarser steps, higher speed * Higher values = finer steps, smoother motion, higher resolution
Key Features
- Closed-loop stepper control with encoder feedback
- Prevents lost steps and provides stall detection
- Alarm output via ALM pins
- Uses standard Step/Dir interface (compatible with AXBB-E controller)
- Optimized for NEMA 23/24 closed-loop stepper motors
Summary The HSS57 Hybrid Servo Driver controls the X and Y axis motors on the Jaxen CNC. Powered by the Mean Well 48V supplies, it accepts step/dir signals from the AXBB-E motion controller and uses encoder feedback to guarantee position accuracy. This closed-loop setup improves reliability compared to open-loop stepper drivers.
Photos of Z Servo Driver
MA860H Stepper Driver (Z axis)
The MA860H is a digital stepper motor driver used to control the Z axis on the Jaxen CNC mill. It is designed for high-torque NEMA 34 stepper motors and provides microstepping, current control, and high-voltage operation.
Device Identification
- Model: MA860H
- Type: 2-phase digital stepper driver
- Voltage Range: 18–80 VAC or 24–110 VDC
- Control Interface: Step/Dir inputs
- Microstepping Resolution: Up to 40,000 pulses/rev
- Peak Current Output: Up to 7.2 A
Connections
Signal Inputs
- DIR+ / DIR– : Direction control input
- PUL+ / PUL– : Step pulse input
- ENA+ / ENA– : Enable input
(Inputs accept +5V to +24V logic.)
Motor Outputs
- A+, A– : Motor phase A
- B+, B– : Motor phase B
Power Supply
- AC ~ terminals : 18–80 VAC input
- DC terminals : 24–110 VDC input
DIP Switch Configuration Your current switch settings: SW1 = 0, SW2 = 0, SW3 = 0, SW4 = 0, SW5 = 0, SW6 = 1, SW7 = 0, SW8 = 0
- Motor Current Setting (SW1-SW3 = 000): 6.0 A RMS / 7.2 A peak maximum current
- Idle Current (SW4 = 0): Half-current hold mode (reduced current when idle)
- Microstep Resolution (SW5-SW8 = 0100): 10,000 pulses/rev (≈ 1/50 microstepping for a 1.8° stepper)
Key Features
- High-voltage, high-current driver for large stepper motors (NEMA 34 class)
- Microstepping up to 1/128 (40,000 pulses/rev)
- Automatic idle current reduction (via SW4)
- Step/Dir/Enable compatible with AXBB-E motion controller
- Used exclusively for the Z axis on the Jaxen CNC
Summary The MA860H powers the Z-axis stepper motor on the Jaxen CNC. It runs at 6.0 A RMS, half-current hold, with 10,000 steps/rev microstepping, providing smooth motion and strong holding torque. It interfaces with the AXBB-E controller via standard Step/Dir signals.
3. Ethernet Motion Controller
The AXBB-E (CNCdrive) is the central brain. Pic below.
- Function: Interfaces between UCCNC on your PC (via Ethernet) and the motor drivers, limit switches, and I/O.
- Ports:
- Port 1 (Isolated Outputs): Sends step/dir/ena signals to the motor drivers.
- Port 2 (Isolated Inputs): Reads signals from limit switches, homing switches, estop, etc.
- Port 3 (Non-Isolated Inputs/Outputs): General-purpose inputs/outputs.
- 24V/5V Power In: Supplied from the Mean Well MDR units.
- Status LEDs show link, power, and I/O states.
AXBB-E Controller and Breakout Board Users Guide
4. UCSB Breakout and I/O Board
The smaller green PCB to connected to left of Ethernet Motion Controller(near orange terminal blocks):
- Expands I/O from the AXBB-E.
- Provides screw terminals for clean connection of inputs (limit switches, probe, estop) and outputs (coolant pump, spindle relay, etc.).
- Optoisolated for noise protection.
Example setup of Ethernet Controller and Breakout I/O Board
5. Motors
Jaxen Mill (Grizzly + King base) uses stepper motors on X, Y, Z. There is a fourth driver 'A', that could run a rotary or 4th axis. These receive power and control via the drivers.
X and Y axis Motors
XY Motor Identification
- Model: 57HSE2N-D25
- Type: Hybrid stepper motor with integrated encoder
- Manufacturer: JSS Motor (as labeled on the tag: “JSS MOTOR NO:201701”)
XY Motor Leads
- The motor side has the usual 4-lead bipolar wiring:
- A+ = Red
- A- = Green
- B+ = Yellow
- B- = Blue
This means it’s a 2-phase, bipolar stepper.
XY Encoder Leads
- The encoder provides feedback for closed-loop control:
- EA+ = Black
- EA- = Blue
- EB+ = Yellow
- EB- = Green
- VCC = Red (supply power for encoder, usually 5 V)
- EGND = White (encoder ground)
Typical Wiring Diagram
This is a standard quadrature encoder setup (channels A and B), giving the controller both position and direction feedback.
XY Typical Specifications (based on 57HSE2N series) While exact numbers vary slightly by supplier, the 57HSE2N-D25 generally matches:
| Attribute | Value (typical) |
|---|---|
| Frame Size | NEMA 23 (57 mm) |
| Step Angle | 1.8° (200 steps/rev) |
| Holding Torque | ~2.0–2.5 Nm (280–350 oz-in) |
| Rated Current | ~4.0–5.0 A/phase |
| Resistance | ~0.5–0.8 Ω/phase |
| Inductance | ~2.5–4.0 mH |
| Encoder Resolution | 1000–2500 PPR (typical, quadrature) |
| Voltage Drive | 48 V DC (as supplied by your Mean Well NDR-480-48 PSU) |
- XY axis are closed-loop stepper motors—sometimes marketed as servo-stepper hybrids—which combine the simplicity of stepper drive with the position assurance of encoder feedback.
Function in Your CNC (Jaxen)
- X Axis Motor: Moves the table left/right (long axis).
- Y Axis Motor: Moves the table front/back (short axis).
- Both motors receive step/dir signals from the CNCdrive AXBB-E motion controller via the blue motor drivers you showed earlier.
The encoders feed back position to the drivers, enabling stall detection and correction, preventing lost steps.
Z Axis Motor not documented
Summary: The 57HSE2N-D25 motors on your Grizzly/Jaxen CNC are NEMA 23 closed-loop stepper motors with encoders. They provide about 2–2.5 Nm torque, run at ~4–5 A/phase, and are driven by your 48 V Mean Well PSU through dedicated stepper drivers. Their integrated encoders make the system far more reliable than open-loop steppers.
7. Limit Switches and RJ-11 Breakout Board
Limit Switch Configuration
Jaxen CNC uses one limit switch per axis (X, Y, Z). Each switch is mounted at the home end of travel for its axis. UCCNC manages the opposite end of travel via soft limits. If any limit switch is triggered during machining, motion stops immediately on all axes.
Physical Layout
- X Axis → Limit switch at the X− end (left side when facing the machine).
- Y Axis → Limit switch at the Y− end (front of the table).
- Z Axis → Limit switch at the Z+ end (top of spindle travel).
Each switch is wired into the controller as both a homing switch and a limit switch.
Function in UCCNC
- During homing, the axis moves toward the limit switch until it triggers, then backs off to establish machine zero.
- During normal operation, the same switch acts as a hardware limit in that direction.
- The opposite end of travel is protected using software soft limits, defined in UCCNC machine setup.
These limit switches are connected through a dedicated Creltek RJ-11 Sensor Breakout Board v2.1 for safety and homing. This board consolidates up to 8 limit switch inputs into RJ-11 connectors, making wiring cleaner and reducing electrical noise from motors and power electronics.
- Each axis (X, Y, Z) has independent limit switches routed through the breakout board.
- Output signals can be wire-OR’d, allowing multiple switches per axis if needed.
- The breakout board is wired into the AXBB-E motion controller.
- Designed for reliability in CNC environments with high electrical interference.
- Creltek Datasheet: Creltek RJ-11 Sensor Breakout v2.1 Datasheet
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Creltek RJ-11 Sensor Breakout Board v2.1 (by Kevin H. Patterson) |
| Connectors | 8 × RJ-11 jacks (each with power, ground, and signal) |
| Outputs | Active-low, open-collector, capable of sinking >200 mA |
| Pull-ups | Optional on-board 4.7 kΩ pull-up resistors |
| Noise Filtering | Built-in circuitry for robust operation in electrically noisy environments |
| Voltage Support | Native 3.3 V, or 5–18 V with onboard regulator |
| Mounting | Panel-mount capable; designed for professional installation |
8. Spindle Feedback Encoder
The spindle position and speed are monitored using a rotary encoder mounted at the top of the spindle assembly.
Device Identification
- Model: E38S6G5-600Z
- Type: Incremental rotary encoder
- Body size: 38 mm diameter
- Mounting: Solid shaft, direct-coupled to spindle
Specifications
- Resolution: 600 pulses per revolution (P/R)
- Channels: A, B (quadrature) + Z (index pulse, 1 per revolution)
- Supply voltage: 5–24 VDC
- Output type: Line driver / push-pull TTL (depending on wiring)
- Shaft: Solid, 6 mm or 8 mm diameter (variant dependent)
- Output signals: Differential A, B, Z for accurate detection
Function
- Provides real-time spindle speed feedback to the motion controller (AXBB-E).
- Index pulse (Z) can be used for precise synchronization tasks:
- Rigid tapping
- Thread cutting
- Accurate spindle homing
Role in Jaxen CNC The encoder ensures that the control system knows the actual spindle RPM and rotational position. This allows for advanced machining operations where tool motion must be precisely synchronized with spindle rotation.
References
9. Spindle Control Board
10. E-Stop
tbd
11. Tool Offset Sensor
MY20-20-2 CNC Automatic Tool Sensor Gauge
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | MY20-20-2 |
| Type | Automatic tool setter / touch sensor |
| Operating voltage | 24 VDC (nominal, 5–24 V compatible) |
| Contact type | Normally Closed (NC) |
| Construction | Anodized aluminum body, carbide plunger |
| Plunger travel | ~2 mm (spring loaded) |
| Repeatability | ±0.001 mm |
| Output signal | Switch closure (opens on touch) |
| Wiring | 2-wire NC switch: +24 V → sensor → AXBB-E input (I±) |
| Recommended AXBB-E input | Isolated input (e.g. I6+ / I6-) |
| UCCNC configuration | Assign as Probe input |
| Application | Automatic tool length offset, tool change probing |
| Notes | Wire as NC for fail-safe; if cable breaks, UCCNC sees an open input (probe tripped). |
12. PC & UCCNC Software
- UCCNC software (Windows 10) generates the motion control stream.
- Sends commands (steps/directions) over Ethernet to the AXBB-E.
- The AXBB-E translates them into hardware pulses for the drivers.
- Operator inputs (limit switches, estop, spindle control) feed back to UCCNC via the AXBB-E.
Signal Flow Summary
- Mains AC → Power Supplies → Provide 48V (motors), 24V (control), 5V (logic).
- PC running UCCNC → Ethernet → AXBB-E Motion Controller.
- AXBB-E Outputs → Step/Dir/Ena → Motor Drivers (X, Y, Z, A).
- Motor Drivers → High-voltage pulses → Stepper Motors.
- AXBB-E Inputs ← Limit switches, estop, home sensors.
- Optional: Outputs control spindle, coolant, etc.

























