Hey all,
New to the CNC space and just got a Shapeoko 3 locally.
We’re having trouble with the controller disconnecting after 30-60 minutes of cutting, and wanted to get a little bit of feedback from the community before we start buying special cables, isolators, humidifiers or a new hand router in attempts to chase down the electrical gremlin.
Support is being helpful with information, but due to the fact that we did not get the machine from an authorized dealer, I don’t think they’ll foot the bill for any replacement/upgrade parts to fix the issue.
The original support response included the following tips:
- arrange the AC cable for the router so that it doesn’t cross or be near any of the other cables < Done, and moved to different circuits.
- if you’re using a laptop, ensure that it is plugged in, preferably to a grounded outlet using a 3 prong plug if possible < Done, and we have tried two different laptops
- if you’re using a USB extension cable or unpowered USB hub, please directly connect the machine using a shorter than 6 foot USB cable — if your cable doesn’t have a toroid (metal cylinder often molded into the end of the cable) and you have a cable which has that feature, try it, if not consider adding one or getting a cable which has that feature < We’ve cycled through a few USB cables, but none with tyroids.
- try a different USB port, esp. if you have the option to switch from USB3 to USB2 — if using a laptop try a good-quality powered USB hub — some laptops undervolt the USB ports to save power. < Added a powered hub and changed laptops
- if your router power cable doesn’t have a toroid, try adding one (note that what seems to be a toroid on a Dewalt DWP611 is actually an anti-theft device on all the ones I’ve seen) < Not done
- if possible, connect the router and the machine through a different circuit < done
- if you have a surge protector, please connect the machine through it < Done, and tried a UPS as well
- check the ambient humidity, if low, consider a humidifier < Live in a very dry climate, don’t have authorization to start messing with humidity levels in the space.
- if using dust collection, ensure that your dust hose does not allow static build-up, or is properly grounded < Not sure where how to verify/establish ground on the shopvac. Any recommendations? The device still disconnects eventually without the shopvac running, but seems to run for longer before doing so.
- Connect the machine with a galvanic isolator such as this one: (link) < Have not tried, would cost about ~$40
In another support email, it was suggested that I replace the carbon brushes on the router. I wouldn’t have a clue how to go about this, but my understanding is that the DeWalt router we have installed is new.
At this point, we have tried everything that could be done for free, and it’s time to start spending money on fixes. To those of you who have run into this problem, which of the paid fixes resolved your issue? Don’t want to spend any more than necessary as this is a makerspace machine.
Voltage from power supply and to microcontroller(s) was nice and clean at idle, while jogging, with router running, when switching router off, with dust collector/shopvac running, and while all of the above were happening simultaneously.