I have the Shapeoko 5 Pro with the VFD Spindle. I run the machine 2-3 times a week and today it decided to not turn on the spindle once prompted to at job start. The machine goes through the normal sequence, but once the tool is measured after the start button is clicked, it measures the tool before going to the “normal” location for spindle turn on/ramp up. Once it sits there for a second it goes about starting the job but the spindle does not turn on.
From the VFD manual operation panel (not sure what to call it) I can click the “jog” button and the spindle turns on with no problem. I have tried the following with no success:
Unplug all power cords
Unplug all connections to the machine, spindle, etc.
Blew out all connections (nothing seemed wrong or interferring but saw to do it online)
Unplugged all connections and power for 15 minutes
Verified that both lights on the black motherboard/main power source were on, the red light on the VFD was on, machine was working as intended.
Does anyone potentially know how to go about fixing this? Where to start? If possible I need this fixed ASAP as it’s for an outstanding order.
Thank you to whomever reads this and whoever helps!
I would recommend contacting C3D support ASAP. They’re very aware of issues with the VFD Spindles. I’m on my fourth one for my SO5 Pro and hopefully it’s the last one.
If you’re comfortable opening up the VFD control box, you can check the version of the control/power supply board that’s in there. It’s silk screened on the board. You have to take the side panel with the 6 pin connector off to see it.
If you have v1.1, there’s a known problem with that and they’ll send you a v1.2 board with a link to a YouTube video on how to swap it out. It’s not too difficult to do the swap.
Double check that you used the Shapeoko post processor. If the gcode does not tell the spindle to turn on and you can manually turn it on it is likely working. You could also look at the gcode to see if you get the spindle start command. Look for M3, M4 M3 turns clockwise, M4 turns counter clockwise and M5 stops the router. If you dont have pro I think in the preview in CM you can see the gcode.