C6 Variable Speed Control Board The C6 Variable Speed Control Board allows your CNC control system to control spindle speed using step and direction signals, similar to how an axis motor is controlled. The board converts the incoming step/frequency signal into a 0–10VDC analog output, which is commonly used by VFDs and spindle drives for speed control. This is a useful board when you want your CNC software to control spindle speed automatically instead of manually adjusting speed at the VFD or motor controller. The C6 also includes onboard relays that can be used for spindle direction and drive enable/disable functions, depending on your wiring setup. Best for: CNC routers, CNC mills, VFD spindle control, Mach-style spindle setups, AC motor speed control through a compatible inverter/VFD, and compatible DC motor controllers that use a speed potentiometer. Why Choose the C6? Converts step/frequency to 0–10V analog: Lets your CNC controller command spindle speed through a standard analog speed signal. Designed for VFD spindle control: Many VFDs accept 0–10VDC input for external speed control, making this board useful for CNC spindle automation. Uses step and direction style control: Allows the spindle to be configured in software like an angular axis. Built-in relays: Includes two onboard relays that can be used for clockwise/counterclockwise direction control or start/stop and direction control. Optoisolated output signals: Helps protect the CNC controller from electrical noise and ground issues from VFDs or motor drives. RJ45 connector: Allows faster wiring with a standard RJ45 cable when used with compatible CNC4PC boards. Works with many CNC control setups: Can be used directly with CNC4PC products, parallel port setups, and other compatible CNC control products. Can replace some speed potentiometers: In certain compatible DC motor controllers, the C6 can replace the manual potentiometer used for speed control. Main Features Frequency/step input signal 0–10VDC analog speed output Designed for compatible VFD and spindle drive speed control Two onboard electromechanical relays Relays can be used for CW/CCW direction or start/stop and direction control Optoisolated analog, clockwise, and counterclockwise output signals TTL +5VDC or +3.3VDC signal compatibility RJ45 connector for compatible board-to-board wiring Fine-tuning potentiometer for adjusting the 0–10V analog output Can be used with many compatible DC motor controllers by replacing the speed potentiometer circuit How It Works Most VFDs and inverters control AC motor speed by changing output frequency. Many of these drives can accept an external 0–10VDC analog signal to control speed. For example, around 5V typically commands about 50% speed, while 10V commands full speed, depending on the VFD settings. The C6 takes the step/frequency signal from your CNC control system and converts it into this 0–10VDC analog signal. This allows spindle speed to be commanded directly from your CNC software instead of adjusted manually. Technical Specifications Specification Value Analog Output 0–10VDC On-State Input Voltage 2–5VDC Minimum On-State Input Current 16mA Maximum Off-State Voltage 0.8V Maximum Operating Frequency 50kHz Minimum On-State Pulse Width 3µs Signal Type Active High External Power 12VDC @ 200mA Dimensions 105mm L × 75mm W × 22mm D Relay Specifications Relay Rating Maximum Current AC Load 7A @ 240VAC / 10A @ 125VAC DC Load 15A @ 24VDC / 10A @ 28VDC RJ45 Pinout RJ45 Pin Function 1 GND 2 Not Used 3 Relay 1 4 Relay 2 5 Step 6 Not Used 7 Not Used 8 Not Used Customer-Friendly Explanation The C6 is the board that helps your CNC controller communicate with a spindle drive or compatible motor controller. Your CNC control system sends a step/frequency signal, and the C6 turns that into the 0–10V signal that many VFDs use for speed control. If your goal is to control spindle speed from your CNC software instead of manually turning a knob or adjusting the VFD, this board is built for that job. Common Uses VFD spindle speed control CNC router spindle automation CNC mill spindle control Step/direction spindle control setups Mach-style spindle output configuration AC motor speed control through compatible VFDs Replacing the speed potentiometer on compatible DC motor controllers CNC control box upgrades and retrofits Official Documentation, Setup Video & Wiring Downloads Review these C6 setup resources before connecting the variable speed control board to your CNC controller, Ethernet SmoothStepper ESS, VFD, KBIC speed controller, FC250 controller, or compatible DC motor control system. These links help with Mach4 configuration, 0–10V analog output wiring, step/frequency spindle setup, and C6 Rev. 6 documentation. Watch Mach4 C6 + ESS Configuration Video View C6 User's Manual Rev. 6.6 View C6 User Manual Rev. 6.2 View KBIC Analog Output Wiring Sample View C6 to FC250 110V Wiring PDF View C2 Lathe C6 Control Mods Text File Visual wiring reference: The KBIC wiring sample shows an example of C6 analog output wiring with a KBIC speed controller. Documentation may include C6 setup instructions, Mach4 and Ethernet SmoothStepper ESS configuration notes, KBIC analog output wiring, FC250 connection examples, C2 lathe control modifications, and Rev. 6 manual details. Always verify your CNC controller output, step/frequency setup, VFD or motor controller requirements, wiring, power supply, and safety requirements before powering the system. Important Compatibility Notes This board is not a VFD and is not a motor driver. It converts a frequency/step signal into a 0–10VDC analog speed signal. Your VFD or motor controller must support external analog speed control. The C6 requires an external power supply. A voltmeter is required for fine tuning the analog output during setup. For Mach-style setup, the spindle is typically configured like an angular axis using step and direction signals. The manual notes that the board requires a 25kHz input signal to deliver 10VDC output. Always read your VFD manual and verify all wiring before connecting this board to a spindle drive. C6 Variable Speed Control Buying Guidance Choose the C6 if your CNC control system needs step/frequency-to-0–10V spindle speed control for a compatible VFD, inverter, or DC motor speed controller. It is especially useful for Mach-style control systems, Ethernet SmoothStepper ESS setups, and CNC control box retrofits where spindle speed should be commanded directly from CNC software. Before ordering, confirm that your controller can provide the required step/frequency signal, your spindle drive or motor controller accepts an external 0–10V analog command, and your setup can be configured for external speed, run, and direction control. The C6 is the interface board; correct wiring, software configuration, analog output tuning, and drive parameter setup are still required. Need help with spindle speed control? If you are not sure whether the C6 will work with your CNC controller, VFD, or motor controller, contact us before ordering. We can help you check whether your setup supports step/frequency input and 0–10V analog speed control.
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