ERROR GRBL Alarm 4: Probe fail. The probe is not in the expected initial state before starting probe cycle. 3XXL

[byGeorge901 (George Moseley)]

I’m 3/4 of the way through a job and I need to change bits. I inserted a new bit and the router was moved over the BitZero on my 3 XXL. The Z axis when down about an inch and stopped. The error “GRBL Alarm 4: Probe fail. The probe is not in the expected initial state before starting probe cycle.” popped up on the screen. I clicked “Initialize machine” and the “busy” indicator popped up and nothing else happened. Eventually I turned the machine off. Now when I turn the machine on and click “Initialize machine”, I get the same error every time.

I thought I would save the last couple of toolpaths separately and bypass the BitZero. When I go into settings in Carbide Motion and uncheck the BitZero option, I get a message that the XYZ home will be reset. I really don’t want to do that because this wood was not cheap and I’m not sure if I can perfectly reset my home position.

Any suggestions???

[RichM (Rich Morris)]

Is your BitZero in contact with its magnet?

[byGeorge901 (George Moseley)]

Well !

I am always calling the BitZero and BitSetter the wrong things. I read about the BitZero’s magnet touching things being a problem in a lot of posts but I kept thinking “who hasn’t lost the magnet that came with that?” You are right. The BitZero’s magnet was touching the BitZero. Problem solved. You just drastically reduced my stress level.

Thank you!!!

[RichM (Rich Morris)]

Went through the same thing, so it sounded familiar. I do on occasion learn something… sometimes I even remember it. LOL