The 4th Axis Driver card enables 4th axis (rotary) functionality to the Shark CNC machines. By installing this motor driver board into the HD Control box, users can unlock the potential for intricate and precise rotary machining operations, opening up new creative opportunities in their CNC projects. The following instructions walk through installing the 4th axis driver card into the HD Control box.
If you have the Mini 4th axis with an HD 5 series CNC machine, there will also be instructions for removing the 4th axis driver card from the Hub box, to install into the HD Control box.
Tools Needed:
3/16 socket
Phillips head screwdriver
Hot glue gun (optional)
Parts List:
4th Axis driver card
Ribbon Cable
Thermal compound soft packet
2x Jack screw (4/40 x 5/16 x 3/16)
2x Mounting screws (4/40 x ΒΌ Phillips head)
1. Disconnect the power cable from the back of the HD Control box.
2. Unfasten the three Phillips head screws located on both the left and right sides of the HD Control box.
3. Remove the Control box cover.
4. Peel off the "Optional Accessory Port" label from the back of the HD Control box.
5. Tear open the Thermal compound packet at the notch.
6. Apply a small, pea-sized amount of the Thermal compound in the white square on the underside of the 4th Axis driver card.
7. Use the packet to spread the Thermal compound evenly over the designated area.
8. Position the driver card into the Expansion Port slot on the heat sink, beside the Z-axis driver card, ensuring the Serial connections protrude from the back of the HD Control box.
9. Secure the driver card to the HD Control box case using the two Jack screws.
10. Fasten the driver card to the heat sink using the two mounting screws.
11. Connect the Ribbon cable from the 4th axis driver card to the vacant Motor 4 position on the main electronics board.
a. You can use hot glue to secure the ribbon cable in place.
12. Replace the Control box cover.
13. Securely attach the cover to the case using the six Phillips head screws.
Mini 4th Axis driver card transplant
If you have a Mini 4th axis accessory, an HD series CNC machine, and a Spindle kit with the Digital Interface cable, you'll need to move the driver card from the Mini 4th axis hub to the HD control box to make everything work together. Here are the steps to remove the driver card from the Mini 4th axis hub and install it into the HD control box.
Tools Needed:
3/16 socket
Phillips head screwdriver
Exacto knife or box cutter
1. Underneath the Mini 4th axis hub, unscrew the four Phillips head screws.
2. Remove the hub's lid.
3. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the driver card. If necessary, you can use an Exacto knife or box cutter to gently separate any glue from the connector.
4. Remove the two jack screws from the back serial connector.
5. Remove the driver card from the heat sink by unscrewing the two Phillips head screws.
6. Reassemble the top and bottom of the Mini 4th axis hub together, and put it aside for now.
7. Now, refer to the initial steps outlined in the article on installing the driver card into the HD Control Box, and follow them accordingly.