My cnc is the Shapeoko 3. I just started having problems with my bit setter. I am using the latest release of Carbide Motion Build: 640 Released: 7-17-2024 I will start my project, and set my zero, and the carriage will progress to the Bit Setter, and successfully set the zero height. Then I will “Run Program” the dialog will ask me to insert the proper bit. I will then hit resume, and the carriage will move to the Bitsetter Location, and will drop down, but will then jam into the Bit Setter. This has started happening, and no matter how many times, I have tried, it continues on each evolution I have reloaded the Carbide Motion Program and went through the load new machine program, resetting the Bitsetter Location, I have checked the connections on the control board and they all appear to be correct and tight connections. I have disabled, and re-enabled the Bit Setter option. Each time I manually push down on the Bit Setter button the red light comes on, but not when I am loading a new tool. The Zero device turns green every time I touch the clip to the base. I have checked the community and do not see any resolution. Is there someting I am missing,
Sounds like the BitSetter is not being triggered. You can power on SO3, Connect but do not initialize. Go to Debug and press the BitSetter Button. You should see it triggered in the Debug mode. The BitSetter and the BitZero are tied together. Make sure your clip/magnet is not grounded. A stray clip/magnet will cause the BitSetter to malfunction. You could also take off your controller cover and check the connections.
Thank you for your response. When I trigger the Bit Setter in Debug, it indicates that it is working, and I have checked the connections in the controller. The only fault I get is when the Bit Setter is going to check the length of the new tool that has been installed. It works correctly when I establish the zero, it moves over to the bit setter, plunges down and works correctly, but when I start program, or start another evolution with a new bit. It just jams the bit into the Bit Setter and stops.
When the bit gets jammed into the BitSetter does the red LED come on?
When I set the zero, and the evolution to set zero on the bit setter, the red led comes on, and then when I hit run program and it ask me to install the required bit, and then I hit resume, it proceeds to the bit setter and when the Z axis drops the bit to the bit setter and jams, the red led does NOT illuminate.
Do you use the BitZero as well? The BitZero and Bitsetter use the same inputs on the control board I believe. I have seen posts from people with similar issues and the BitZero ground clip/magnet was touching the BitZero Base which confuses the Bitsetter. Keep the base and clip separated.
When the bit contacts the BitSetter button does the bit make contact in the center of the button? If it doesn’t it may cause the button to bind on the way down.
Does the button depress smoothly with no sticking / binding? Does the button and bushing that it travels in need cleaned and lubricated?
Can you clamp / hold the BitSetter button down while you wiggle and twist the wires from the BitSetter to the control board connection? All the while watching for an intermittant red LED at the BitSetter?
Again thanks for your responses. I have checked to make sure my bit Zero is not grounded.
When I set up the Bit Setter, I make sure the bit touches very close to the center of the Button.
The Button does not stick, and moves very smoothly, I have removed and cleaned the bushing.
When I hold down on the bit setter button and wiggle the wires to the control board the LED stays red and does not flicker at all. I am wondering if contacting Carbide 3D support might be my next step. I do appreciate any input that might be helpful. I am at a loss.
I think I have found the cause of my problem, I just deleted Carbide Motion 640, and installed Carbide Motion 635, and the problem has been resolved. I’m not sure how I would let the developers know about the bug that appeared on my set-up. But it appears as long as I am using the 635 version, I will be back in business.