How to Use XBox 360 Controller with Mach3 CNC Software

[@gizmobowen]

Just getting into CNC use and trying to learn Mach3. Really glad I've found your channel. Your videos are very helpful. Thank you.

[@WoodomainJeremyBroun]

As a total beginner to CNC and realizing I have a huge learning curve, your tutorials stand out for me - I like you straight forward calm delivery and the speed that allows beginners to absorb what you are saying. I have just ordered an Xbox 360 for my machine in the UK. I do already have a Playstation 3 controller but I would prefer to pay the £20 which is nothing and follow your instructions to set up the Xbox one. Its functionality seems perfect certainly for hobbyists.

[@andrecreary8734]

Can use the mach 3 to make pcb

[@kev1r]

Thank you so much. It took me ten minutes to install my Xbox wireless controller after watching this video and I'm well chuffed.

[@kevinhartman1863]

Dude you killed it with that Beat In outtro, well done sir, well done!

[@AlBundy160]

Thank you for your instructions on how to do this. It's great. I had run my cnc for three years with my xbox controller based on Lee Davis' addin and this video. My cnc initially had only one motor on the y axis and the xbox controller worked great. I upgraded my cnc to add auto squaring which meant I added a second y motor and limit switch on the A axis and slaved the A-motor to the y axis in mach3. The Y with slaved A system worked great with the up/down arrows on the keyboard, but when I tried to jog the Y axis with the xbox controller, the Y-axis works and the A-axis only traveled in one direction. The solution was to remove the Lee Davis addin, use Screen4 to set unused mach3 hotkey keyboard keys to the mach3 buttons that don't already have hotkeys and that you want to use from the xbox controller. Then use antimicro to connect the xbox controller to all the keyboard keys you want to use from the xbox controller. It worked great for me. This should work for mach4 also because it makes the xbox controller a keyboard extension, but I haven't tried it. By the way, Lee Davis graciously responded to my plea for help, but so much had changed with windows, that he couldn't help.

[@marknichols7861]

The XBoxShilling Plugin is a great alternative to the one you used in the video. It allowed me to use the Logitech F310 Wired Controller with ease, where the standalone XBox360 Plugin wasn't working at all. Thanks for video - it got me going on using a controller.

[@larrycollar1322]

An excellent description of how to connect an Xbox 360 controller to Mach3 software. Thank you for posting this for us. This configuration works exceptionally well but there is one thing you should be aware of. First, the Chinese copies of the Xbox controller for sale on eBay and other discount online retailers will not work for this purpose. At least the unit I bought wouldn't work. You will know there is a problem when during configuration of the Xbox plugin Mach3 does not automatically recognize that there is a controller connected to the computer. The second clue comes when you try to manually enter the vendor ID and the product ID. Mach3 will let you enter these values in the appropriate boxes but doesn't retain them once you exit the configuration mode. It just wouldn't work no matter what I did. Plug in a genuine Microsoft Xbox controller and bam, everything starts to work just like it did in the video.

[@milescmiller]

Your channel is amazing. Thank you so much for what you do. I've learned so much from you man, definitely got the like and subscribe!

[@baird1fa]

watching this video in 2021, I love the CRT monitor with the phase scrolling on the screen. very nice video thanks.

[@geniuscrash66]

'Beat it' on a CNC machine fantastic

[@avnitechs]

great explanation how about feed rate percentage

[@clarkstevens2711]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video it was very helpful and you did not go so fast that I could not understand like most people do good job

[@richardwherry5515]

Thanks Gurubrew, I am definitely going to do that, the micro stepping function for the z-axis is a very useful feature, very cool video.

[@paulolson4073]

Way cool. Worked perfectly on my XP unit. Love the incremental speed control. I have a cordless Xbox controller and I really enjoy being un-tethered. Thanks yet again.

[@IH1940HAY]

Steve, Excellent YT on setting up the Xbox Controller, you covered all the details. Especially like the variable speed capability. HH

[@josephke20]

thanks for this, bought a cheap controller for $5, had it running in 10min legend

[@themainproblem]

I had a small amount of progress tonight. The genuine Xbox 360 controller as well as the clone controlled the Sherline using the Joystick plug-in but not the Xbox plug-in.....at least not yet. I installed the Microsoft Xbox driver that you recommended below and XP responded properly when commanded with the genuine controller. Both controllers came up with the exception of the indicator light on the clone. I had to push the button on that one.

[@waynemcmurtry]

i just Purchase a 1325 cnc router. It looks like your videos are going to be very helpful.. Thank You!!

[@jrsydvl7218]

For those of you guys with an aftermarket controller, You'll have to get the Vendor and Product ID from the device manager. Hit properties->hardware->properties->details and there is a drilldown for property. Locate Hardware ID, mine happen to be E6F and 401, now plug the values into the fields in the mach3's xbox 360 plugin screen just right of the OK button and you should be golden.

[@chuckpar2206]

thank you! I purchased a generic xbox controller from the local Game Stop. I followed GuruBrew (excellent) instructions but had no luck until I noticed your comment.

[@edclayton99]

Thanks for making these videos, this is great information and you explained it very well! You rock!

[@deanrichards9541]

Great Video and description. Worked for me first time. Just one thing, could you please explain how you set the "A" button to micro jog. I cant find any instructions on how to do this and is a great function. Thanks, Dean

[@PorscheMonster]

Very insightful! Thanks for sharing!

[@jerrymace7801]

Very informative and great work! I've subscribed so keep the videos coming. Thanks!

[@Rocky5738]

Fantastic video great help on setting up mine thank you cheers from Australia

[@TheZoomoftheWell]

Nice! Great work! Thanks for Beat it!

[@JunkWorkshop]

Just beat it 🤙🏻 Thank you for sharing “brew “

[@lloydcole5787]

so cool. great help here as always!!

[@lucyandsimonallsop6145]

Awesome video, but i cant get my xbox controller to drive all axis simultaneously do i need a parallel port instead of usb cable?

[@chrisleech1565]

Still an effective tutorial. Thanks buddy!

[@lennyc624]

I hooked mine up today and it works but for some reason my axis controls are not proportional like yours is. Any clue why that is?

[@skysurferuk]

Thanks for sharing, most useful.

[@refineddreed1091]

I'm impressed.keep going

[@tripives1858]

How did you extrapolate motor speed with the frequency of each musical note? I assume that if you move all three axis simultaneously at different speeds you'll have chords too. Wow! So cool!

[@rok1475]

Is your machine a commercial model or a DIY? I am interested in the bellows on your Z axis

[@28trooper]

Great work ! Thanks for sharing ,you covered all the details Excellent video..

[@GuruBrew]

thanks!

[@RajkumarSingh-IND]

that was really cool. thanks Guru

[@tomw1796]

Hi, this is Tom, I like your videos very much and I learnd a lot from you how to set up my cnc. Now I have a question, how did you programm the micro steps on the xbox controller? Thanks and Geetings

[@EZ_shop]

Very cool! Any guesses on whether it will work with a wireless controller?

[@GuruBrew]

I actually started out by selecting a brand new shinny XBox controller but was never successful are getting it to be 100% compatible. I have heard of others using it but personally gave up and went to the wired version. Steve

[@MrCarsen55]

@@GuruBrew Hi Steve, hope you can help me with this. Hi all, A while ago I converted Mach3 to run from metric to SAE. Everything works ok, I re-calibrated the motors, no problems running programs or jogging from the keyboard but I can only get the xbox controller to jog at 5% full speed. I tried so many things before asking for help that I,m at a loss right now. Tried removing and reactivate the xbox controller in the plugins, tried disabling and re-enabling the xbox controller in the peripherals of windows etc. Before , when I was in metrics, it would jog at the same speed as if you use the arrows on the keyboard but not anymore. Has anyone run in that situation before? If so what was your solution? Thanks for taking the time.

[@michaelwood5519]

Does the Xbox controller need to be from a certain year? I'm going to hook one up to my lathe and mill.

[@Alejandra.Chavez.Lizardi]

That end was amazing, how did you do that?

[@viktorkunov3969]

Which version/revision of mach3 were you using in that video?

[@akasickform]

Awesome! Just about to restart my machine after a watercooling upgrade.. Just wondering how you set up for playing music on the steppers?! Good stuff

[@clydeparks1134]

Howdy-I followed your directions to the letter but when I tried to jog the machine the Y axis racked severely ( gantry style Y/A), in General Conf. my setting are "home slave with main axis" and furthermore, my X axis started moving on it's own and the only way to stop it was by hitting the E Stop button. I have the ESS smoothstepper board installed and I thought maybe that was it but the instructions stated that the smooth stepper was covered. Any help on your part would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

[@isabelosaavedra]

Very Nice. What software are your using for video recording ?

[@GuruBrew]

Thanks ... Tech Smith Camtasia, Screen Recorder.

[@TheCjCore]

Great and informative channel, I use mach 3 on my machine thanks to you. Got one question. After setting up my baby and installing and configuring this plug-in to my liking I found that my machine does not do what your does which is diagonal moves with the controller, only one axis at a time. I had the "disable diagonal moves" box unticked as a default in config. During normal operation (cycle) everything is business as usual only on controller it does so. Any ideas??

[@AlejandroSalazar-ry1bu]

Thanks, very nice tutorial.

[@robertwillis4029]

Thanks for the great info but I still have a question. As per your instructions I recently enabled a wireless x-box controller with my DIY cnc running Mach3 and it works great until I power down the program or turn off the computer. When I re open Mach3, I'll need to go back into my X-Box configuration settings and re install my Vendor & Product numbers before the controller works. Do you have any Idea what could cause these numbers to vacate and need to be re entered? Thanks In Advance.

[@tonyd9418]

Awesome love your vids!!

[@jobo2063]

VERY NICE VIDEO. THANKS

[@MrIonutz2008]

What would be better, wired or wireless ? I am planning to buy one and don't know what type. Thank you.

[@Skatstuff]

can you use any other controller beside X-Box Good stuff.

[@rn2it20]

Thanks for the info. Got this working on Windows 7. just fine. Thanks again.

[@masf1977]

Nice video, just one question, How did you set the micro jog? How can you make your axis to go very slow? Thanks in advance. I always follow your videos.

[@karencortese118]

How did you configure the micro steps for setting work zero?

[@dirtyd3359]

Guru, In the configuration of the buttons, you set the 'A' Button to be able to micro adjust the X, Y, and Z Axis. What command di you assign to the 'A' Button in order to do this?

[@DesignThenMake]

hello , how could you made sound with CNC

[@gauravja]

Hi, very nice tutorial you have setup for viewers, really helpful. If you can explain how did you program the 'A' button for micro movements that would be wonderful. The CNC song that you played was superb and your dog was very cute.

[@FlipFlopPilot]

Can you do the same setup with the wirelesss bluetooth version?

[@matthanderson4222]

Does this have to be an official controller or can I use after market

[@robwiacek]

Steve, I noticed you use MC 3...I am using a similar version at school MCX5 and I make guitar templates. So most of my cutting in really only 2 D. What I want to learn is how to take that 2D drawing and make it 3D. I know it can be done as I've seen the teacher in school do it. I think what is done is you extrude the profile and set a thickness to it. On an electric guitar, part of the surface tapers to give your arm some relief. If you look at a Fender Stratocaster on the top of the guitar, there is a bevel of a few inches taking the thickness from 1.75 don to maybe 1.25/ I guess a ball mill is used...but my real problem is how to draw that in MC X5? Can you help? Rob

[@GuruBrew]

You take a 2D shape in a 3D program like Solid Works and extrude it for thickness then you use other tools to shape the belly and leg cutout. I have done this and it takes time to learn all the software to make it happen. I thought about making a video of the process but don't feel I would get many views because it takes more software than the average hobbyist has at their disposal. If you watch my video all about CNC router part #1, I show the raw guitar I made modeled after a 57 Strat. If you are truly committed to doing this, I would suggest getting and learning a good 3D modeling program. Don't try to use Master Cam to draw with, while you can do simple 3D drawing it is not the tool you want to use.

[@robwiacek]

Thanks Guru! I'm committed to getting this done in MC X5. I do have solid works on a laptop, but it won't run on Windows 8. I appreciate your answer! [e-mail] Rob Wiacek

[@maxsmith2320]

have a question , how did the MasterCam worked for you, is it good for router cnc,. and what SolidWorks used for. Thank you

[@javiermonroy2841]

Thanks gracias desde colombia Excellent video.

[@shelby50411]

hi guru i was never able to get mach3 recognize the xbox 360 in windows 7 but i did get it to see the controller in XP..however the controller does not move any of the axis for some reason....is there anyhting i need to do to power on the xbox controller in mach3? mach3 has a green check mark in plugins....so not sure why none of the buttons do anyhting on the controller...controller has a green light on and it is seen in windows xp....i configured the buttons

[@neving.summers7572]

Very educational.

[@dejairsegundo4489]

Good afternoon, I followed his procedure and gave it right , but would like to install the command (reverse run) in control and could not you help me .... Thanks

[@ispaq]

thank you verry mush for this information

[@westphone]

thanks abunch worked for me

[@themainproblem]

Hi Steve, I have been unable to get this plug-in to work using a generic controller. And no I didn't read back in your comment section. :-) Direct X has been installed, the plug-in is installed (both correctly I think.) So tomorrow I go to Walmart and roll the dice on a genuine controller. I'll post the results if there is any. You produce a really nice an entertaining video series.

[@GuruBrew]

Hello, Yip it has been said here by others that generic controllers don't play well with this plugin and the genuine ones will correct the issues. Thanks for the comment. Steve

[@GrahamOrm]

Love it!

[@Lakesidearmorer]

Thank you, You just saved me $100 I was planning to spend for a joy stick

[@proengeleceng6861]

Nice video >>>>>> Thanks

[@pedromorales7443]

the controller can be use with GRBL and Arduino CNC?

[@dwright361]

I tried a wireless Microsft x box brand controller as you described and it crashes Mach 3 . when I activate the plugin in Mach 3 for xbox . I get error triggered and mach closes. I get a 1 upper left green light on the wireless but no action from the CNC. any ideas? I loaded all the files from microsoft you suggested.

[@primerec1]

Thanks for the vid, I'm throwing a CNC kit on the wife's quilting frame, She loves the contoller

[@shaunlal9248]

hello, i could do with some advice, i bought a pc on ebay with full working mach3 registered to the person i bought it from. do you know how to get the licence in the program files in case the pc crashes or breaks down. regards tony

[@Lucas-yg8rn]

Ty so much!

[@knowlzy0791]

So I was using this for awhile, then took it off while someone else was using my machine while I was gone. Now I try to re-install the Plug In and it won't work, it only downloads as a .dll and that won't work. So I tried the .exe file format (the one for offline use) and it just keeps saying I am missing .dll file after .dll file after .dll file. Any suggestions?

[@usernew1764]

i am trying to install and follow all your description and finaly i got a message pop up windows ( error found, Art Code 9991, Attempt recover..) error triggered and it gives me to click on yes or now and by clicking on yest it gives mach3 stop working. what it could be my error.

[@TheFixxxer11]

Hi,, my problem is,ive download the mach3 cnc software, when i install it and went to restart, my computer cannot restart,,its keep going on restart again and again until i have to restore my computer at previous restore point that before the installation take place.. any idea ?

[@MuRaT_C]

Thats Great...!!!! end the sound is very funny. Thanks for this solution...

[@umargul5644]

Great 👍

[@putinscat1208]

Is the XBox controller a specific model?

[@GuruBrew]

The genuine original 360 wired controllers work best (ebay). See the other comments here about using 3rd party and other controllers.

[@putinscat1208]

GuruBrew I got this one from Amazon, Microsoft Xbox 360 Wired Controller. Hopefully it will work.Thanks.

[@putinscat1208]

GuruBrew Guru, so I couldn't get this running on a Windows 7 machine, but was able to run on Windows XP after I downloaded the controller link from the plugin page. Which OS are you using?

[@putinscat1208]

Putins Cat OK, I didn't notice that DirectX Link on the plugin page until I hovered over it. That fixed it on Windows 7, and may have also activated the Shilling DLL as well. Thanks!

[@vodvandorin9454]

Thanks you just saved me a shit load od money so thumbs up to you for this info!!!

[@ctprjcstv3998]

How can I use two handwheels with a mach3 controller?

[@glennedward2201]

I am having an issue where the x axis isn’t moving but on screen it looks like it is. Other than that the controller does everything else I command. Same issue with keyboard commands and x axis. It’s a new to me machine so perhaps it’s in the wiring.

[@JwalkerXD1]

Awesome!

[@mdsutherlin1]

My Xbox 360 Controller is the wired USB like yours. Problem I'm having is it tends to go into sleep mode (green light in upper left position resorts to all 4 lights flashing or sometimes it switches to the upper right). Unplugging/re-plugging the control doesn't seem to work. When this happens, about all I can do is restart the computer. Have you encountered this problem or know of fix?

[@GuruBrew]

I have not heard of the actual controller sleeping. Are you sure it's not the power settings in Windows or BIOS releasing the USB ports? Maybe someone who has experienced this issue can chime in here. thanks

[@mdsutherlin1]

I'm running Windows 8.1 on a Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet. I don't know if this will solve the problem permanently or not, but I was able to go into "Devices and Printers", right click properties for the Xbox 360 Controller, then click properties for the "USB Input Device", click "Change Settings", click "Power Management" tab, then uncheck the box that allows the computer to turn off the device to save power. Hopefully, that will keep the controller from going to sleep. I had previously configured the power management settings for the computer to stay awake when idle, but possibly this device property was behaving independently. If this doesn't work, I'll update the post.

[@mdsutherlin1]

Sorry to say, but the fix I posted above has not solved the problem. I'm not sure where to go next. Since the Surface Pro only has on USB, I'm running the Xbox through a USB hub as well as a UC100 (USB to Parallel Convertor) to the breakout board. I've noticed that when I have the Xbox controller connected directory to the Surface, it doesn't go to sleep. Only seems to happen when hooked up through the hub. Thoughts?

[@williamterry3177]

+mdsutherlin1 I would get a old desktop CPU from a friend and forget about using the Surface Pro for the CNC.

[@jawadabuued5416]

thank you very abut this vedio withe my greit from iraq-mr jwad kadhim

[@sarahtruax6598]

I am trying to download the XBox plugin for my cnc from the NewFangled website and it is telling me that the file could harm my computer. I continue on and it says. "The File does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Please install a program or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Programs control panel". This is as far as I can get so uploading the plugin to my Mach folder is a failure. Please advise.

[@inocencioventurajr8171]

Were you able to find a solution to your problem?

[@jjsinacola]

Followed your steps and can't get mine to respond. Running Windows 7 Downloaded and installed DX Setup Downloaded and placed the xbox plugin in the Mach3 Plugin file Double clicked the plugin file Controller has the light in the upper left lit Configured the controller in Mach3 like you have suggested Rebooted machine and still can't get any response. Currently running Mach3 in Demo mode. Any suggestions? Regards, Jim

[@GuruBrew]

If you can configure the plugins page then you are almost there..... Are you sure the reset is not activated? Steve

[@jjsinacola]

well, the reset is flashing like in your demo and when you pressed the B button it reset it, but mine does not stop the flashing Reset butonn in Mach3. Does Mach3 demo make a difference? Thank you for responding Steve! I like watching your video's.

[@jjsinacola]

Even the joy sticks don't cause the axis DRO's to move. Note: CNC machine not attached.

[@jjsinacola]

I have configured the controller in Mach3 as you described in the video, saved the settings, close out of config, closed Mach3, rebooted my computer, opened Mach3 and still cannot get any function to respond. The xbox controller light is lite for connection to controller 1. Tried connecting the controller to other computer USB's with no luck. The xbox controller is brand new. Thanks for any additional suggestions.

[@jjsinacola]

I have configured the controller in Mach3 as you described in the video, saved the settings, close out of config, closed Mach3, rebooted my computer, opened Mach3 and still cannot get any function to respond. The xbox controller light is lite for connection to controller 1. Tried connecting the controller to other computer USB's with no luck. The xbox controller is brand new. Thanks for any additional suggestions.

[@FrankLopezx]

maybe you can help? i set everything up right but i have no control, xbox is in keygrab nd in con fig plug ins both on mach3 folder nd key grab plus mach3 plug in menu i set up btns like urs restarted nd nothing i use uc100usb so keyboard is my main use nd i own a win 8.1 surface pro2, tips?

[@jakecrist6389]

i have the cord one working what do i have to do to go wreless

[@poormansplate]

Can't get it to work on XP or 7 Ifollowed your instruction but no luck Any ideas?

[@talgtalga3767]

Hello..i have some write g code for x and y axis ..to open some plates and screw filling material..i want to use as mini injection molding machine.. i have some parametres to open and close clamping with stepper mator i use mach3 and i dont know the code how to repeat that cylce some my codes as loop?? please needs help ..forexample G1 X50 X-10 x -6 X0 and this is repeat hole cylce till i turn of the program ...please help needs i appreciate it

[@IH1940HAY]

Bought a USB Xbox controller and downloaded the xbox360 controller file from the site you showed. Copied the 360 file from the house PC and installed it plugins Mach3 dir. on the CNC PC which is NEVER on line for security. Rebooted and got an error message "plugin DLL defective, relode" I clicked OK. Then got message "xbox360controller.dll - Defective plugin found.... Ignoring.. Hit OK and it doesn't show up in the Plugin control and Activation list. What to do? Thanks HH

[@GuruBrew]

Try running this file download.microsoft.com/download/0/0/f/00f2a67b-e10b-43b1-8cca-3deb12218f75/Xbox360_32Eng.exe

[@Mrkemalkut]

thanks for the info, watching your video I was able to install the controller but couldn't get my cnc to play beat it how do we do that ;)

[@williamterry3177]

+K Kut Yes!! The Red Button is Reset, but which button is Beat It??? :)

[@gearcnc]

Some Body kno how move 2 or 3 axis at same time in JOG Mode?

[@dsquareddo9283]

Anyone knows if there is plugin for Mach4? Thanks

[@chuckpar2206]

Great video but for those using a generic / aftermarket xbox controller please note comment from Jrsydvl2003 For those of you guys with an aftermarket controller, You'll have to get the Vendor and Product ID from the device manager. Hit properties->hardware->properties->details and there is a drilldown for property. Locate Hardware ID, mine happen to be E6F and 401, now plug the values into the fields in the mach3's xbox 360 plugin screen just right of the OK button and you should be golden.

[@TheWhisleblower]

Trouble is I don't have "config plugins" in my config list