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VXC Step Motor Controller
Velmex offers several VXC Micro-stepping Motor Controllers to drive the performance of the motors available for Velmex products using bipolar stepper motors.
tab=0Overviewtab=1Featurestab=2Model / Seriestab=3Specificationstab=4Options / Accessoriestab=5Downloadstab=6Examplestab=7Troubleshooting / FAQs
Velmex VXC™ - A Smarter, More Efficient Motor Controller
The Velmex VXC™ Controller is a high-integration micro-stepping plug-in-and-run, motor controller/drive. The high performance VXC can control all Velmex motor-driven positioning products efficiently and effectively.
Simple, easy control for precise positioning of Velmex slides, stages and tables is achieved with an integrated microcontroller that directly controls motor phase switching and all other interface functions. The VXC offers simultaneous coordination of up to 4 axis.
Based off of the proven reliability of Velmex VXM™ Controller, this high performance proven design is a dependable and cost effective solution for high precision positioning requirements. This smart, effective micro-stepping drive is 4 times faster than the VXM Controller and has memory to store up to 13 programs for standalone use. It has many enhanced functions including integrated sensing, braking and troubleshooting detection capabilities.
Like the VXM Controller, it can be used with a PC, Tablet, Laptop or PLC or can run standalone.
See Limits for information on the use of limit switches.
Velmex VXC™ Controller Features
The VXC™ Complete Motor Control Solution Controller has the same plug-in and run attribute of the VXM Controller while having numerous additional features which make it a smarter, more logical controller for precision positioning control.
Four versions of Velmex VXC Controller/Drive can direct up to four axis with simultaneous coordinated motion or move each axis one-at-a-time.
VXC™ Motor Controller Configurations
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VXC-1 – A single-axis programmable control and driver for one motor. |
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VXC-2 – Controller for two motors (2 axes), each one-at-a-time or simultaneously. |
| No picture available | VXC-3 – Controller System for three motors (3 axes), each one-at-a-time or simultaneously. |
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VXC-4 – Controller System for four motors (4 axes), each one-at-a-time or simultaneously. |
For obsolete Controllers and Readouts see the Controls Archive
VXC™ Specifications
| Dimensions | |||
| Model | Weight (without power supply and cables) | Dimensions (H x W x D) | |
| VXC-1 | |
1.3 lbs. (.57 kg.) | 1.50" X 3.9" X 4.12" (38.1mm X 99.1mm X 104.6mm) |
| VXC-2 | |
2.6 lbs. (1.14 kg.) | 3" X 3.9" X 4.12" (76.2mm X 99.1mm X 104.6mm) |
| VXC-3 | 3.9 lbs. (1.71 kg.) | 4.50" X 3.9" X 4.12" (114.3mm X 99.1mm X 104.6mm) |
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| VXC-4 | |
5.2 lbs. (2.28 kg.) | 6.00" X 3.9" X 4.12" (152.4mm X 99.1mm X 104.6mm) |
| Electrical Requirements | |||
| AC Power Supply | 100-240VAC 1.5A 47-63Hz | IEC/EN/UL 62368-1, EN55032 and CISPR/FCC Class B, CoC Tier 2 and DOE Level VIcompliant | |
| VXC Controller Power | 24VDC 3A | ||
| Operating Temperature | 35 - 95 F (2 - 35 C) | ||
| Relative Humidity | 10% - 90% (non-condensing) | ||
| Motor Compatibility | NEMA 11 to NEMA 34 | Half-step/Micro-step hybrid stepping motors | |
| Number of axis | up to 4 | ||
| Motor Drive | Type: Bipolar, 31.25 kHz PWM | Output: 3A RMS, 8A peak | |
| Steps per revolution | 400 with 1.8° (200 step) motor, | 800 with .9° (400 step) motor | |
| Program Storage | 13 programs | ||
| Interface | USB-2.0 or RS422 (Configuratable to RS232) | ||
| Auxiliary inputs/outputs | 4 in/2 out | ||
| Speed Range (pulses/sec) | 1 to 6000 | ||
| Default Baud Rate | 57,600 | ||
| Maximum Baud Rate | 57,600 | ||
| Program language | ASCII Characters | Labview, Matlab, Python | |
| Programmable or Stand alone operation | Yes | ||
VXC Controller (Shown with power supply)
VXC Serial Number
VXC Controllers have serial numbers which can be located on the back of the device. 
VXC™ Controller Options/Accessories
There are a variety of options and accessories available that can be ordered in conjunction with Velmex VXC Controller Systems. They include:
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Power Supply - The universal power supply is standard with all VXC Controllers. It can also be ordered separately. |
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- International compatibile versions of the power supply also available. |
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USB Cable – The USB cable allows the VXC Controller to communicate with the computer. (10 ft. long) Is standard with all VXC Controllers. |
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Joysticks - Direct the VXC Controller with use of a joystick. |
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Power Strip – Convenient power strip for plugging in multiple VROs and VXMs™. |
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I/O Splitter – The I/O Splitter allows both a joystick and the Auxiliary I/O Breakout Module to be connected to the VXC at the same time. |
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Thumb wheel – Thumb wheel program selector switch allows you to easily select and switch between programs loaded in the VXC. |
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Auxiliary I/O Breakout Module – The Breakout Module is a convenient method to interface to the VXCs auxiliary I/O.
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Relay Modules – Relay modules with 2 or 4 outputs function as a dry contact switch. AC or DC versions also available.
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Speed Pot – To control speed at the VXC. |
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Rack Mount Kit – Mounting kits for stacking and racking multiple VXM Controllers. Available for one or two boxes. |
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Cable Adapters – Obsolete motor and limit cables and various adapters are available to connect older Velmex products to current Velmex products. |
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Additional accessories include:
• Serial cables, coordination cables and other lengths of cables, along with cable extensions are available.
For details on Limits which attach to the stages, visit the Limits page.
VXC App
The VXC App is a software package with a simple-to-use interface that coordinates communication between the computer, the VXC Controller axis model and ultimately the stepper motor(s). It makes it easy to set-up and program the VXC to control Velmex motorized positioning systems.
See Software for more information on the VXC App.
VXC™ Downloads
| Software | Description | Version | Downloads |
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| VXC App 2024 | Velmex App for configuration & testing of VXC controller | Build 06.14 |  |
| File Name | Description | Download | View |
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| VXC Users Manual.pdf | Operating Manual: Specifications, features, function, programming details for the VXC Controller | |
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| VXC Brochure.pdf | Overview of the VXC | |
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| VXC-1 - Quick Start.pdf | Instructions: Set-up, connecting and configuring the VXC-1 with a Velmex stage | |
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| VXC-2 - Quick Start.pdf | Instructions: Set-up, connecting and configuring the VXC-2 with a Velmex stage | |
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| VXC-3 - Quick Start.pdf | Instructions: Set-up, connecting and configuring the VXC-3 with a Velmex stage | |
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| VXC-4 - Quick Start.pdf | Instructions: Set-up, connecting and configuring the VXC-4 with a Velmex stage | |
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For .STP files, you may need to right click on the download button and save the "target" or "link".
| "Right Click" to download. |
If you require a specific file format or cannot locate the drawing you require, please contact us.
| Type | File Name | Description | Download | View |
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| - | ||||
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If you require a different format or cannot located the drawing you require, please contact us.
For additional information on obsolete Controllers and Readouts see the Controls Archive
Velmex VXC™ Controllers In Use
These are examples of Velmex products. If you wish a similar product, please contact us with your specific application specifications (travel distance, payload, hours per day in use, resolution, speed range, etc.). You can use the Request Assistance form. |
Pictured in our gallery are examples of various controllers in use on Velmex UniSlides®, BiSlides®, XSlides™ and Rotary Tables. Product and accessory offering is subject to change and availability.
| Example Key Code | Meaning | Example Key Code | Meaning |
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| A | Manually Operated | M | Motorized |
| S | Standard | C | Custom Configuration |
| B | BiSlide | U | UniSlide |
| X | XSlide | R | Rotary Tables |
| T | XY Tables | TT | Turntables |
| E | Elevating Tables | FS | Fun Stuff (Ingenious, Cool, or Just out of the ordinary applications) |
Examples of other Velmex products can be found on the Examples page or in the Examples section for each product.
Many questions can be answered by reviewing the "Features", "Model / Series", "Specifications", "Options / Accessories" and "Technical Documentation" sections for each product line. Additional FAQs about product comparisons, product construction, purchasing and shipping can be found on the company FAQ page.
Troubleshooting
First - always read the Users Manual.
Whenever you have an issue with the VXC Controller controlling the motor(s), check to be sure the motor and limit connections for each axis have the correct ID to properly operate the connected motors.
If the VXC does not appear to be controlling the motors properly, Run VXC Utility App to diagnosis connection.
Issues with Equipment
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
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| At Power-up, Green LED flashes rapidly. | Jog, Run, or Stop button is down (low). Release button or input. |
| At Power-up, Red/Green LEDs alternate flash constantly. | Wrong power supply voltage, verify power supply is 24VDC. |
| At Power-up, Red+Yellow/Green LEDs alternate flash constantly. | Internal fuse issue. See Level 3 Faults for more information. |
| VXC sends a "?" and Red LED is on or is flashing. | A Fault has occurred. See Appendix F for information about faults. |
| When motor is commanded to move, the Red LED flashes several times instead. | Motor is not connected or VXC is not set for a motor type, see "setMTmM=" and "setMLH1M=" commands. |
| When pressing a Jog button, the Red LED stays on while button is pressed and motor does not move. | VXC is set to have limit switches connected but they not plugged-in or setting is incorrect, see "setLmMx" command. |
| Red LED blinks on & Green LED blinks off for ½ second when motor is moving. | VXC is near maximum output current. Check that motor setting is correct for motor attached. |
| Motor stops unexpectedly and Red+Green LEDs flash together constantly. | Overcurrent/voltage drop occurred, check that VXC is set to correct motor attached and power connector is tight. |
| Motor has low torque, stalls, makes noise but does not move. | Check that VXC is set to correct motor attached, motor connector is fully mated, and cables where not altered/lengthened. |
| Motor gets very hot (too hot to touch). | Check that VXC is set to correct motor attached and use the 70% or 40% power option when setting the speed. Motor not mounted to a metal surface to dissipate heat. |
| Motor vibrates excessively between 100 and 2000 steps per second. | Wrong motor setting or power is too high for load. Use 40% power (S-x for speed) if light to no load application. |
| Motor vibrates excessively between 2000 and 3000 steps per second. | Wrong motor setting or power is too high for load. Use 70% or 40% power (Sx or S-x for speed) if light to no load application. |
| Motor vibrates excessively between 3000 and 6000 steps per second. | Wrong motor setting or power is too high for load or motor needs dampening. Add motor damper or use 70% or 40% power (Sx or S-x for speed) if light to no load application. |
| Motor stops turning (stalls) when commanded to run at high speed and just makes noise. | Wrong motor setting, power is too high or too low for load, motor torque inadequate for load (see Motor Torque Curves), or motor damper needed. |
| Computer has intermittent connection issues with VXC over USB. | Cable or connectors on USB ends are faulty. Replace USB cable. |
| Unable to communicate with VXC. | Wrong COM port selected on PC, Wrong baud rate, data bits, or stop bits. Missing driver for virtual COM port. Verify COM port by unplugging/plugging in to see what ports changed on PC, Set port to 57600 baud, 8 data, No Parity, 1 Stop. Run VXC Utility App to diagnosis connection. |
Is it possible to control more than one axis with the VXC Controller?
Yes, VXC configurations can control up to 4 motors simultaneously or 1 motor at a time. Additional VXC Controllers can be added to control additional axes, however, the most that can be operated simultaneously is 4.
Is it necessary to connect the VXC Controller to a computer?
In order to program the VXC Controller for your specific application, it should be connected to a PC, Laptop, Tablet or PLC. Once downloaded with a program, it can operate without the computer connection.
Is it necessary to use a driver?
For both the Velmex VXM and the VXC Controllers, a driver is intergrated with the motor controls. If a separate controller was purchased, it would require a driver in order to move and position the Velmex stage.
Will Velmex motorized stages work with other motors and controllers?
Yes, if you have your own motors and controllers, you can use them with Velmex motor-ready products. Like the VXM Controller, the VXC Controller, however, has been specifically designed to optimize stepper motor control. Its a very dependable and low cost solution for high precision positioning requirements. Velmex motorized stages, motors and the VXC Motor Controller come as a complete system, ready to plug in. Click on the "Specifications Tab" above for more details and specifications.
I have my motor and the VXC connected, why won't the motor move?
Check the configuration settings. The VXC needs to be set-up to recognize the specific motor and axis it is controlling. If after configuration, the VXC does not appear to be controlling the motors properly, follow the troubleshooting steps in the VXC Users Manual and run the System Diagnostics.
Does the stepper motor and/or VXC Controller give any indication it is not running properly?
The VXC Controller has a fault indicator LED.
If you have questions about your specific application or want us to design a system using a Velmex VXC Controller, please complete the Request Assistance form or call Velmex to speak to one of our Application Engineers.
