I believe I have the device all setup correctly and can run thru a project without the spindle working, but I can’t get the VFD (65mm-vfd-spindle) to control the spindle.
The VFD powers on, but the button on the front doesn’t do anything. No red light when depressed.
Also, I’ve read there should be a green light on the inside of the VFD case when it’s on, but I don’t see any green light.
Currently, the VFD displays 173.5 or 173.6 flashing. I can JOG the spindle to 20. The lights on the front that are lit are the FWD light and the V light.
I’m not sure if I fried something in setup of maybe the device is misconfigured. I’m sorry if this is obvious but I’ve not seen an issue on the boards that helped me.
Make sure you are using the correct post processor for your machine. Also during the “Setup” that you picked your machine and that you have a spindle.
When CC writes out the .c2d file (gcode encrypted inside) they add the commands that will turn on your spindle and set the speed. So picking the correct post processor and setup process is critical to get things to work.
Even though the machine is used you can still contact support and they will help you if it is C3D equipment. You can email them support@carbide3d.com or look on the website to call them. Good Luck
When I do the setup, I pick Shapeoko 3 HDZ, which fits the description of the machine. I download the config. I enable bitsetter. Then choose VFD spindle. AFAIK, that’s it?
When I do the carbide create work, I simply have Shapeoko 3 set. I don’t see any other additional setting.
On my Shapeoko 3 xxl HDZ I’ve also tried the MDI feature, which I think only shows up if you have the VFD setting on, but it doesn’t spin the router up.
With the button on the front of the VFD latched in the depressed position and your Shapeoko powered on you should have a fairly bright red light around the button. If you don’t, check the connections and wiring between the Shapeoko PCB and the VFD. In the past I’ve had a loose solder joint on the Shapeoko PCB at a pin connecting to that harness.
Ok this may sound dumb and simplistic, but remember, I’m new. The machine I have has a bitrunner on it as well. I just realized that based on Ed’s post that my VFD technically isn’t connected to the board on the Shapeoko. Now I’m more confused than ever. It seems they are incompatible, but then why would the guy I bought it from have both?
The normal way to run a VFD is to connect it to the controller and based on the desired speed have the controller output a voltage which causes the VFD to run the spindle at that speed.
If that’s not the case, then usually one manually uses the VFD interface to turn the spindle on and off and set the speed.
In my experience folks who have both a VFD spindle and a BitRunner keep the latter as a backup.
That makes sense. I should have gotten a bit better tutorial upon purchase :).
I just reconfigured the setup and plugged the VFD into the router board and now I get a red light (duh…rookie mistake), but I think something is still wrong. I loaded a real simple carbide file, and ran it with a z of minus about an inch to make sure things worked and the spindle never came up. The VFD just has 5 dashes, like it’s waiting for a configuration.
Usually a GFCI trips and keeps the VFD from working.
The folks at support should be able to assist — they’ll probably need photos showing how everything is hooked up if it’s a Carbide 3D VFD — if it’s not, then you’ll need to determine who made it and consult their documentation/support.
Variable speed devices like VFD and some variable speed lathes I have had trip the GFCI. The reason is when the variable speed devices change speed the electricity voltages change while the speed stabilizes. The GFCI is constantly monitoring for changes between the neutral, hot and ground. So if a VFD works on GFCI good but usually it will trip the GFCI because the GFCI is detecting exactly what it is intended to do. I have a single outlet in my shop that I run my Jet 1642 VFD lathe on because it will trip the 120v GFCI. All my other outlets are GFCI protected in my shop. Either with the first outlet being GFCI or the breaker is a GFCI. On 120vac circuits I prefer to put the first outlet as a GFCI because GFCI circuit breakers take up two spaces in my shop panel. In my house all my outlets for 120vac are GFCI/ArcFault. Current code requires those for code compliance. The shop only requires GFCI. Plus any outdoor circuit require GFCI due to water conducts and standing a pool of water can get you a nasty shock if plugging in appliances or tools. The GFCI senses the rise in voltage/amperage and shuts the outlet/breaker off protecting you.
I’m waiting on a reply for support but I noticed when I turned on my vfd, it read Poff, then the spindle started up and went to about 130 RPMs and stayed there until I hit the end button under the VFDP is the Poff display a fault warning of some kind?
anyone have a spare??? 