# Can't control my new PWNCNC Spindle from the Openbuilds software
**URL:** https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/cant-control-my-new-pwncnc-spindle-from-the-openbuilds-software/3596
**Category:** Assembly Assistance
**Tags:** troubleshooting
**Created:** [December 4, 2025, 9:42pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/cant-control-my-new-pwncnc-spindle-from-the-openbuilds-software/3596 "2025-12-04T21:42:23Z")
**Posts on this page:** 8
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@ForcedCarry182](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/ForcedCarry182)
#### Post date: [December 4, 2025, 9:42pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/cant-control-my-new-pwncnc-spindle-from-the-openbuilds-software/3596/1 "2025-12-04T21:42:23Z")
This is my first time attempting to setup a spindle on a CNC machine and needless to say I am feeling rather lost. I have an Openbuilds Lead 1515 with the blackbox x32 controller. The VFD works as expected in manual mode and can be operated from there in the mean time if I need too. However, I would like to be able to control the VFD through my gcode files.
I connected the system following the [Openbuilds VFD Documentation](https://docs.openbuilds.com/doku.php?id=docs:blackbox-x32:connect-vfd#:~:text=Send%20an%20M3%20S1000%20to,Generic%20VFD%20wiring%20instructions:). I am using the 0-10v power, and have connected both the forward and reverse controls as displayed in the documentation. I set the P0003 to 1 and the P2002 to 21 as instructed on the PWN Guide. When I set the VFD to auto, I do not have any rotation. I have tried M3 S2000 in the console, running a Gcode file created in Vcarve, and a Gcode warm up file. None of these have produced an output.
Should I only be using one of the FWD/REV directions on the wiring and or the VFD Settings?
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### Author:  [@ForcedCarry182](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/ForcedCarry182)
#### Post date: [December 4, 2025, 9:45pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/cant-control-my-new-pwncnc-spindle-from-the-openbuilds-software/3596/2 "2025-12-04T21:45:22Z")
I did make sure the control software was updated to know that there is a VFD spindle and that the max RPM is 24000.
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### Author:  [@Chris](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Chris)
#### Post date: [December 5, 2025, 7:11pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/cant-control-my-new-pwncnc-spindle-from-the-openbuilds-software/3596/3 "2025-12-05T19:11:47Z")
Heres Pwn’s docs. [OpenBuilds](https://support.pwncnc.com/kb/article/317-openbuilds/)
One thing I can think of, when its plugged in did you hit the green run button, and is the switch on the side of the VFD set to auto? doing this it should work, having followed the instructions.
If it doesn’t work, pull the terminal connector, and command 12k rpm, then check the output voltage of the 0-10 port. it should read ~5v. This would ensure its not a controller hardware/software problem.
If this doesnt work, contact support at [support@pwncnc.com](mailto:support@pwncnc.com)
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### Author:  [@ForcedCarry182](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/ForcedCarry182)
#### Post date: [December 8, 2025, 1:51pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/cant-control-my-new-pwncnc-spindle-from-the-openbuilds-software/3596/4 "2025-12-08T13:51:36Z")
Chris,
Thanks for the link to the PWN documentation for openbuilds!
I see that I wired my relays incorrectly. Once I get those fixed I will make sure to measure my voltage and confirm everything is working correctly.
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### Author:  [@ForcedCarry182](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/ForcedCarry182)
#### Post date: [December 9, 2025, 9:32pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/cant-control-my-new-pwncnc-spindle-from-the-openbuilds-software/3596/5 "2025-12-09T21:32:11Z")
I reviewed the documentation and the original support email I recieved told me to use the orange cable when I needed to use the red cable, I rewired with the red cable and the software can now control the spindle.
The spindle does not go all the way down to 0 rpm, it bounces from about 30 rpm to 150. I have seen a couple other forum posts about this issue with openbuilds so I will review those, but if you have any recommendations, I would appreciate them!
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### Author:  [@Chris](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Chris)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2025, 4:57pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/cant-control-my-new-pwncnc-spindle-from-the-openbuilds-software/3596/6 "2025-12-11T16:57:41Z")
There’s a setting on the vfd for ignore below X voltage. Yours needs to be set maybe .1v higher
I don’t recall what that setting is though.
Support would be able to get you that pcode to change
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### Author:  [@ForcedCarry182](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/ForcedCarry182)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2025, 5:32pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/cant-control-my-new-pwncnc-spindle-from-the-openbuilds-software/3596/7 "2025-12-11T17:32:23Z")
Chris, I found the solution in another thread you responded to. ( [PWN Spindle with Openbuilds Blckbox Controller - #5 by Chris](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/pwn-spindle-with-openbuilds-blckbox-controller/1820/5) )
I set the P2.0.13 setting to 0.3 and this solved the RPM issue.
Thank you for the help!
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### Author:  [@Chris](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Chris)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2025, 10:09pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/cant-control-my-new-pwncnc-spindle-from-the-openbuilds-software/3596/8 "2025-12-11T22:09:56Z")
I knew i knew it at one time… i was just drawing a blank for where i mentioned it.
Glad you’re up and running.