In modern CNC systems, flexibility in connecting control interfaces is becoming increasingly important. Machine operators often need to position the CNC pendant controller in different locations around the machine to improve visibility, accessibility, and safety during operation.
CNC pendant wiring
Traditional direct wiring between the CNC controller and the pendant interface can introduce several limitations. Longer cable runs may affect signal quality, and industrial environments often contain electrical noise generated by motors, drives, and other equipment. These factors can reduce communication reliability and make system integration more complicated.
To address these challenges, we developed PoCANpendant, a compact CAN bus adapter designed to extend the connection between a CNC controller and a pendant device. By using the robust and widely adopted CAN communication protocol, PoCANpendant enables reliable data transmission over longer distances while improving resistance to electrical interference. Side benefit is also that now only 4 wires are needed instead of 21 wires previously needed.
Extending CNC Pendant Connectivity
PoCANpendant is designed to connect a PoPendant1 device with the PoKeys57CNC controller through a CAN bus interface. Instead of relying on a direct cable connection between the controller and the pendant, the adapter allows communication to be routed through a CAN network.
The device acts as a bridge between the pendant interface and the CNC controller. It features a standard DB-25 connector for the pendant interface and a CAN bus connector for communication with the PoKeys57CNC controller. This design allows the pendant to be positioned farther from the controller while maintaining stable and reliable communication.
CAN bus technology is widely used in industrial applications because of its reliability, robustness, and strong resistance to electromagnetic interference. These characteristics make it particularly suitable for CNC environments where multiple electrical systems operate simultaneously and stable communication is essential.
Simple Integration into CNC Systems
PoCANpendant was designed with simplicity and ease of integration in mind. Installation requires only a few basic steps. The pendant controller is first connected to the adapter via the DB-25 connector. The adapter is then connected to the CAN bus interface on the PoKeys57CNC device.
Once the hardware connections are established, CAN communication can be enabled in the PoKeys configuration software. The system automatically detects devices connected to the CAN network, which makes the setup process straightforward and user-friendly.
The adapter supports standard CNC pendant functions such as axis selection, step size selection, and manual pulse generator (MPG) operation. The device periodically sends information about encoder movement and input states through CAN messages, ensuring responsive and reliable communication between the pendant and the CNC controller.
Another advantage of CAN bus communication is the ability to connect multiple devices to the same communication network. This allows additional peripherals to be integrated into the system while maintaining a clean and organized wiring structure.
Built for Reliability
Industrial environments require communication systems that remain stable even in demanding conditions. By using CAN communication, PoCANpendant offers improved noise immunity and reliable data transfer even when longer cable distances are required.
The device also includes status LEDs for quick diagnostics and system monitoring. A red LED indicates the presence of power, while a green LED reflects the operational state of the device. These indicators allow users and technicians to quickly verify that the device is operating correctly during installation and daily use.
With its simple integration, robust communication protocol, and compatibility with PoKeys CNC systems, PoCANpendant provides a practical and reliable solution for extending CNC pendant connectivity. It is an ideal addition to modern CNC setups where flexibility, reliability, and ease of integration are key requirements.
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