Background: I have a Shapeoko 3 Standard running the latest Carbide software. I just replaced the control board and set up the machine. I was able to initialize the machine and get it running. I’m using a 3/4" bowl bit on walnut. I’ve run this exact file many times in the past with the old control board with no issues.
When running it today I received a “Cutter Stopped Responding” message twice. I decided to disconnect the shop vac and unplug it. I reran the same file and while it went a little further each time, it happened twice again without dust collection.
The CNC is 8 years old and I’ve never had this issue before and my setup is exactly the same. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Sounds like it could be a USB connection. Try a different USB port and/or make sure the cable is plugged in solidly. I like to loop my cable at both ends to keep a little bit of pressure on the connections. That way if there’s any vibration at all the cables stays solidly in place.
There are two major causes for a disconnect. First is static electricity. Moving air will generate static. Some environments that are drier are more susceptible to static generation. The second one is brushes in your router. I have a Dewalt in my SO3 XXL and have only replaced them once in 6 years. The Makita/C3D router uses up brushes relatively fast. The Makita/C3D router brushes have a short wire and when the brushes get about half used up the wire stops the brushes from making good contact. You get electrical noise that will cause disconnects. Just do a quick check of your brushes and it would not hurt to change them. The brushes are relatively cheap.
Power off your Shapeoko and if it connects and homes it is not likely to be a controller issue. If the controller even though new works or not. The usb cable on my original SO3 board was loose at the controller. I used an adhesive wire tie holder and a wire tie to keep it from drooping and solved the few disconnects I have ever had.
Thanks for the reply. I did check all connections and for the last run that failed I had switched USB ports. It may be wise for me to secure them though. Thanks!
Thanks for the reply. Well, this router is over 8 years old ad I’ve never changed the brushes. That’s the first thing I will try. The machine definitely initializes and homes just fine.