DWC Engineering Reference Library
DWC MK3DRV Controller Reference
PlanetCNC integrated driver controller platform used on DWC1824 CNC systems
Used On DWC Machines
MK3DRV controller platform assignment.
| Machine | Controller | Status |
|---|---|---|
| DWC1824 | PlanetCNC MK3DRV | Current DWC1824 controller platform |
DWC Controller Matrix: DWC1824 uses MK3DRV. DWC2440 uses MK3/4. Current DWC2636, DWC3648, DWC4848, and DWC5100 systems use MK3.
MK3DRV Board Overview
Integrated controller and motor driver board used on DWC1824 systems.
Integrated Driver Design: The MK3DRV combines the motion controller and motor drivers into a single board. Unlike MK3 and MK3/4 systems that use external motor drivers, the MK3DRV drives the motors directly from the controller.
MK3DRV Motor Terminal Reference
Integrated motor driver terminal reference.
| Terminal | Function | DWC1824 Wire Color |
|---|---|---|
| 2A | Motor winding terminal | Green |
| 2B | Motor winding terminal | Black |
| GND | Shield ground | Bare shield / drain wire |
| 1B | Motor winding terminal | White |
| 1A | Motor winding terminal | Red |
DWC1824 Standard: Red → 1A, White → 1B, Bare Shield → GND, Black → 2B, Green → 2A.
DWC1824 Motor Cable Standard
Belden 5402FE 4-conductor shielded motor cable mapping.
| Wire Color | MK3DRV Terminal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red | 1A | Motor winding lead |
| White | 1B | Motor winding lead |
| Bare / Shield | GND | Shield drain / noise suppression |
| Black | 2B | Motor winding lead |
| Green | 2A | Motor winding lead |
Shielding Note: The bare shield drain wire is connected to the MK3DRV GND shield terminal. This conductor is used for electrical noise suppression and is not part of the motor winding.
MK3DRV Input Terminal Reference
Input terminal reference for DWC1824 systems.
| Terminal | Function | Typical DWC1824 Use |
|---|---|---|
| Input 2 | Input terminal | Touch plate / touch sensor reference |
| Input 1 | Input terminal | Machine-specific / Optional Input |
| Spindle Index | Spindle index input | Reserved |
| E-Stop | Emergency stop input | Emergency stop circuit reference |
| GND | Ground | Input common |
DWC1824 Note: Input assignments may vary by option package and customer configuration.
MK3DRV Output Terminal Reference
Output terminal reference for DWC1824 systems.
| Terminal | Function | Typical DWC1824 Use |
|---|---|---|
| Output 6 | Output terminal | Machine-specific output |
| Output 2 | Output terminal | Laser PWM |
| Output 1 | Output terminal | Router / Vacuum relay reference |
| GND | Ground | Output common |
| 5V | Logic power reference | Output connector reference |
Service Note: Verify actual relay wiring before using output commands on a machine.
MK3DRV Limit Terminal Reference
Limit switch terminal reference.
| Terminal | Function | DWC1824 Note |
|---|---|---|
| Limit 4 | Limit switch input | Optional / machine-specific |
| Limit 3 | Limit switch input | Optional / machine-specific |
| Limit 2 | Limit switch input | Optional / machine-specific |
| Limit 1 | Limit switch input | Optional / machine-specific |
| 24V | Sensor power reference | Limit connector reference |
DWC1824 Note: Most DWC1824 systems are operated without standard limit switches. Optional limit switch kits may be installed on customer systems.
MK3DRV EXT Terminal Reference
Expansion terminal reference.
| Signal | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CLK | Clock | Expansion reference |
| MISO | SPI MISO | Expansion reference |
| SCL | I2C clock | Expansion reference |
| TX | Serial transmit | Expansion reference |
| +5V | Logic power reference | Expansion reference |
| SSEL | SPI select | Expansion reference |
| MOSI | SPI MOSI | Expansion reference |
| SDA | I2C data | Expansion reference |
| RX | Serial receive | Expansion reference |
| GND | Ground reference | Expansion reference |
Reserved for controller expansion and accessory communication.
DWC1824 Controller Architecture
Integrated controller and driver architecture.
PlanetCNC MK3DRV
Controller and integrated drivers
Controller and integrated drivers
Motor Terminals
Direct motor cable connections
Direct motor cable connections
DWC1824 Motors
X, Y, Z, optional A rotary
X, Y, Z, optional A rotary
Design Difference: MK3DRV integrates motor drivers directly onto the controller. MK3 and MK3/4 systems use separate external motor drivers.
DWC1824 Operational Notes
Machine-specific notes related to the MK3DRV platform.
| Item | DWC1824 Note | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 110V / 15A machine | Machine electrical requirement |
| Software | VCarve Desktop included | DWC1824 software package |
| Rotary Axis | Optional rotary axis | See Rotary Axis Reference |
| Touch Plate | Supported | Input reference / touch sensor setup |
| Limit Switches | Optional | Does not come standard / Limit Switch Kit available from BuildItTV LLC |
| Controller | PlanetCNC MK3DRV | This reference page |
Official Documentation & Resources
Manufacturer resources and DWC support references.
DWC / OmniControl / CAD-CAM
⚠ Always disconnect power before servicing controller wiring, motor connections, limit switches, or relay outputs. Improper wiring may result in controller damage, machine damage, or personal injury.