About a month ago the fuse in the bit runner blew after two years. I didn’t know that is what happened until it was answered in a now closed question. Today the fuse blew again. I did replace it again, but I have a question. Before replacing it, I disconnected it and plugged the router directly to a power plug. Everything worked fine. My question is what is the advantage to using the bit runner over just plugging in the router, other than turning it on with the router switch instead of the pendant that comes with bit runner. Don’t know why the fuse blew again, but don’t want to keep needing to do so if it’s not necessary. Thanks
The whole point of the BitRunner is really just to turn the router on and off based on the gcode being read by CM. That’s really all it does but I find it to be a very useful add on.
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I understand that, but you still turn it on manually by pressing the button on the pendant that came with the bit runner. This seems the same as turning it on by the switch on the router. I guess I would prefer to use the pendant, but the real issue is why is the fuse blowing? There are no electrical issues in the house with any and the power to the machine is turned off at the power strip at all times except when in use.
I leave my button on all the time. One step I don’t have to do. The power to the BitRunner goes off when you power down your machine.
I use the button to disengage the bitrunner 99% of the time when I change the bit just as added safety. So, the point about using that vs the router switch is well taken.
One risk when doing that though is forgetting to re-engage the button after the bit change. I would like to say I have never done that😂
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You are right on the safety aspect. If a failure occurs in the Bitrunner it fails off. But for safety if there was an errant signal sent it may possibly turn on. I haven’t rolled cats eyes yet
Oof, this again? You’d need a good multimeter that can store your peak amperage to know that there’s “nothing wrong” with your router. Amperage peaks at startup for a millisecond, and many meters are too slow to catch it. Filament fuses will pop at the first surge, which is important for protecting delicate electronics. You could be pulling elevated amps if your router’s brushes are worn. I make it a point to dismantle the motor housing and clean out all of the carbon dust with quick dry electrical cleaner any time i need to replace brushes. Hope this helps.
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UzerNaim Scott
Thanks for the info. I don’t have a multimeter but I did check the brushes. They look good and there was no carbon build up. The new brushes are 1/2" long and the existing were worn down about 1/8". Didn’t think I needed to change them, but I did to see if this effects the life of the fuse.
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