ATC Interface PCB Kit 3/4TTS and BT30

Standard ATC Interface PCB Kit

An OEM-style ATC controller for your DIY tool changer, at a fraction of the cost.

The Standard ATC Interface is our controller board for umbrella-style automatic tool changers on M-series, Series 3 and DIY CNC machines running PathPilot. It communicates natively within PathPilot 2.x, with no proprietary firmware or software to make it work. It uses the ATC files already included with your PathPilot control software, and it keeps working through version updates. Add it to your DIY ATC build and it’s nearly identical to having an OEM-designed ATC.

Installation is USB plug-and-play, and it supports both 3/4" TTS and BT30 configurations.

Want a clearance axis later? Our XC ATC Interface uses the same four mounting-hole positions, so upgrading is a straight board swap with no new brackets and no re-drilling.

What it does

• USB-to-TTL adapter: provides two-way communication between PathPilot and the ATC system through the USB port on your PC or controller.
• Pyboard v1.1: the brain of the ATC system. It takes commands from PathPilot and directs the interface PCB using the files stored on the microSD card. When each task is complete, it reports back to PathPilot.
• Interface PCB: the link between the Pyboard and all the electronics a working ATC needs. It switches the pneumatic solenoids on and off, reads the proximity sensors during tool changes, and controls the stepper driver and motor that rotate the carousel. It also takes input signals from the power drawbar pedal or pushbuttons and from the low-air-pressure sensor.

Interface PCB connections

• 4 pneumatic solenoid outputs: air blast, air cylinder, pneumatic power drawbar, and spindle brake (BT30). All use Darlington drivers with flyback protection.
• 24VDC system power input
• USB-to-TTL connections (RX/TX and 5VDC/GND)
• 1 optoisolated N/C low-air-pressure input
• 2 optoisolated power drawbar inputs, for a pedal or pushbutton
• 2 optoisolated N/O 24VDC NPN proximity sensor inputs, for carousel and home
• 1 optoisolated VFD zero-RPM input
• Step/direction/5V output for the carousel/tray stepper driver
• Separate grounds for noise isolation
• 5.0 mm screw terminals for easy wiring

Built and tested in the USA

This board is designed, built and tested in the USA. We assemble every board by hand. Before it ships, each one is function-tested on our in-house ATC machine simulator, a test stand we designed and built just for these boards. The simulator stands in for both PathPilot and the mill, so we can run full tool-change cycles on the bench without a machine. It works every solenoid output, sensor input and stepper signal. Each board connects through a permanent test harness, so every board goes through the same test the same way.

What’s included

• Standard ATC Interface PCB with Pyboard v1.1
• USB-to-TTL UART adapter with ribbon cable
• microSD card with preconfigured PathPilot ATC files (editable)
• Detailed, easy-to-follow instructions
• Color diagrams for point-to-point wiring
• Parts requirements list
• Read Me files explaining how to edit the ATC files

Required, not included: a microSD-to-USB card adapter

Compatibility

• Umbrella-style ATCs on Tormach M-series, Series 3 and DIY CNC machines running PathPilot 2.x, including the most current PathPilot release
• 3/4" TTS and BT30 tool configurations
• 8, 10 and 12-tool carousel configurations
• Can replace the OEM ATC board. This may require modifying how the PCB is mounted, along with minor changes to the wiring.
• Upgrade path: the XC ATC Interface mounts in the same positions

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Learn as I did with my build series on YouTube EP1-12

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am a hobbyist myself and truly wish to see you succeed in this journey and will do my best to help you succeed.

Product images for reference only actual part or system type may vary in shape, size, color, painted or not, hardware count and type.... just a disclaimer :)

Join Our DIY for Tormach Facebook Page

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Disclaimer: This is an independent aftermarket product. It is not made, sold, endorsed or supported by Tormach, Inc. Tormach, PathPilot, and Rapid Turn are trademarks of Tormach, Inc. and are used here only to describe compatibility. Installing this upgrade modifies your machine and may affect your manufacturer warranty. Install and operate at your own risk, and always follow safe machining practices