Only when homing, when my machine reaches the back right corner it starts going crazy and violently racks back and forth in that corner. I’ve made sure the XXL config has been sent and the Y limiter does touch properly. Could it be a loose wire somewhere? Also, when manually moving the machine along the Y, it will disconnect/ connect to my computer. I’m not sure if that is a related issue or not.
Thank you in advance.
There is a basic page on troubleshooting the homing switches at: https://docs.carbide3d.com/software-faq/home-switch-troubleshooting/ There is also a Carbide 3D Answer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7lOLMAcl_0&feature=youtu.be
Please check that the switches are plugged in correctly, work properly — when the machine powers up the homing indicator lights should flicker on/off, then once the controller is booted up you can test the switches by pressing them — the matching light should light while the switch is pressed (closed), and should go off when the switch is released (open).
Please make sure that the machine can mechanically close the appropriate homing switch on an axis before reaching the limit of travel along that axis — if it can’t, it should be possible to adjust a problematic switch’s placement by loosening the hardware in question, pulling it into a better alignment and then tightening it. The machine being out of square can also affect this, squaring up the machine, or more expediently, securing a small block or plate for the homing switches to contact may be necessary.
If that doesn’t help, let us know at support@carbide3d.com and we’ll do our best to help you puzzle things out.
First, welcome to the community. Now, the problem, take a closer look at the limit switches wires connections on the controller board. The pins are very close to each other you might of misplaced one of the wires.
Do Z and X home properly?
Not an issue. That’s normal. Your stepper acts like a generator when you move it by hand and briefly powers the controller. Just move it slower.
Thank you for your responses. I was away for a few days.
I will certainly verify the limit switches on the board. It has been about 8 months so it makes sense to give it a once over anyway.
I think the culprit is rather embarrassing. My router is plugged in about a foot directly behind the homing location, so what may have been happening was the cord would occasionally get pinched on the right side x axis when trying to home, which is just enough distance keep the limit switch from bumping. Doh!
And thank you niel, I’m glad that is normal. It seemed foreign to me.
You guys are great! Thank you!
Yep… the very first time I turned on my Shapeoko the router cable got trapped exactly as you described. In fact the ‘bouncing’ it did to try to reach the limit switch very nearly punctured the insulation - and who knows what electrical damage that might have done when if it went BANG !
That’s one thing that should be put in the Shapeoko construction guide as a warning. There is no guidance on how to safely manage the power cable to the router to prevent it being trapped. I have since loosely cable-tied it to the top of the z-axis and not had a problem since.
@WillAdams. Can this be added that document or the new user guide?
Ask @Julien about adding it to the ebook — FWIW, the checklist ( Machine operating checklist ) has:
- Ensure the work area is clear and all cables and wires run without interference.
In the wiki version I added:
… and that they will not interfere with the machine motion, esp. when homing
yes… but that is just is good generic common sense…
adding something like… “for instance securing the router cable to the top of the z-axis with a cable tie will prevent it getting trapped at either end of travel of the x-axis”
is actually useful … and is better placed in the Carbide 3D documents - as Julien’s excellent guide is likely not known by a new user!
I’m glad I’m not the only one! It really only became an issue when I slide the machine over about 6". It just so happened to align with the outlet. The other thing I’m going to make is a boom for my DC hose. I bought flexible 2.5" hose, but when it reaches the far back of the x axis it has a tendency to tip my dust boot a bit.
These mistakes are exactly why I chose to learn on a hobbyist machine. The Shapeoko has such a great following and support crowd. Thank you all. I’ll try to be a normal contributor as time allows.
This topic was automatically closed 30 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.