Initialization Issues with Shapeoko XXl Z-Plus

Hi Guys,

First of all, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and are doing well (all things considered). I’ve just setup my CNC and have an issue when trying to initialize. I’ve searched the forums and found some similar issues but it appears those were not Z-Plus machines. When I try to initialize i get a loud grinding sound and the Z carriage jerks erratically whilst going down about an inch or so then it stops and throws an “unable to home” error.
I’ve double checked the wiring and everything is plugged in correctly and nothing seems to be loose. Any thoughts on this issue? I can share a video of it if that helps with a diagnosis.

Thanks in advance

Does the Z go up first or down?

Hi Neil,

It just creeps down. no upward movement. And it (z motor) hums petty loudly when i kill the power and turn it back on

Should go up.
Do you know how to get your $$ grbl settings?
What’s your $3 setting?

Unfamiliar with grbl but I will look into that and confirm

my $3 = 2 from the log window

Change it to $3=6

Just type $3=6 in the MDI

did it, no change though still moving downwards. linked a video if that helps.Shapeoko trials

It does. That looks like a wiring issue. Power off. Check the Z stepper connector at the board and any other connectors.
Mane sure to check the actual pins in the plastic housing.

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Double check our configuration. Make sure the Z-plus is selected.

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found this upon closer inspection. the Z stepper wiring has the green and black leads reversed. I assume this isn’t on purpose right?

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I did, thanks Guy. Appreciate you weighing in on this

fixed the crossed wires and that took care of it, Appreciate your help Neil. Thank you

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Great! Everything working now?

Yes it is…now the fun begins :sunglasses:

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