Hi everyone, I recently started my first project and did my first cut. Everything seemed to work as it should. When I went to run my second G-code, I didn't re-home my machine first, I attempted to go to the XYZ workpiece Zero and it plunged into my workpiece. I aborted the job and now, my Z axis does not move correctly. I have checked all wiring and nothing seems out of place, disconnected etc. When I attempt to home the machine I get an Alarm 9: Homing Fail, could not find limit switch within search distance, Defined as 1.5* max_travel on search and 5* pulloff on locate phases. I haven't changed any settings, so not sure why this happened. The only thing that was recently changed was a new version of the Grbl was downloaded and installed, but that was done before I did the first cut job. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
"new version of the Grbl was downloaded and installed" That was your problem that led to the crash. Every time grbl resets, you need to rehome. Your issue now is that since Z isnt moving correctly, it doesnt hit the limit switch on time. Look for loose/broken wires and check that you can move the Z by hand by turning the leadscrew. Make sure you unplug the Z motor before doing so. Look for any binding. Curious as to what controller you're using that needed to update grbl. That doesnt make much sense to me.
He probably means OpenBuildsCONTROL? it is easy to miss that the GRBL ecosystem is 2 distinct parts, GRBL on the controller itself (firmware), and 'the GUI' (software) for which you have a number of choices, OpenBuildsCONTROL being one of them.
Best to confirm - Easel has been pushing new "grbl" (their fork) versions on people with a similar prompt (not good) which breaks things
Forgive my newbie terminology. It was the most recent release of Openbuilds Control that I installed. I'm using an Openbuilds black box, with Lead 1010 (complete package). I posted a video on the FB Openbuilds group page also showing what it is doing. I have checked the wiring multiple times and can find nothing wrong, not connected correctly etc. The Z-axis moves freely by hand and does not appear to be binding although that's what it sounds like to me.
Did you check the wiring with a multimeter to verify there's no breaks within the sleeve? You can also try swapping the x motor connection with the z connection at the blackbox, then use the X jog buttons to see if you can get it it move. That would help narrow things down for us. Regardless of what software you use, just remember you need to home after every restart.
Have not checked with a multimeter yet. I swapped the x motor connection with the z connection at the black box, and you are correct, now the issue is the same when jogging the X motor. So that means there is an issue in the 4 conductor wire from the motor to the black box..? Or could there be an issue with the actual motor itself or the black box ? or the settings/firmware of the black box? I know the wiring is the simplest solution. But, if there was an issue with the black box itself, wouldn't that also show up using this testing method? I'll be testing the connections with my multimeter next... hahaha.
Probably. This is more common than any other issue. That's why we keep mentioning it here and on FB The problem followed to a different driver and a different motor so , no. But your can plug the x motor into the Z connection at the box. Then use Z buttons to jog if you want to.
Yes, it moved fine when I had them swapped. I did find a suspicious looking plug on the black box end of the Z-motor 4 conductor wire. I may just order a new wire and 2 plugs and replace the whole thing, (shouldn't have to since this is only the second time I've done anything on this machine) Oh well.)
Sharmstr, the plug was the issue!! I swapped the plug on the Z motor connection at the black box with one from where you connect the probe to the spindle and problem is solved. Wire appears to be fine.. (for now). I'll have to order a few of these 4 wire connectors to keep around and replace the bad one I found. I truly appreciate all the help, guidance and input from everyone! Now, back to my project!!
Very likely the connector is fine, but it is possible for a little human error to sneak in, and accidentally insert the wire under (instead of into) the little cage that moves up when you tighten it. With it on the bench, open and close the terminal screw while looking into the wire end, you'll see it move. Then re-assemble your wire making sure to a) insert them into the wire cages (not underneath) b) tightened properly c) not pinching insulation d) stripped just far enough - too much exposed wire can cause shorts
Hi Peter, I did check that, it appears that the plastic inside where one of the wires goes in is deformed. When tightening and loosening that particular screw, the "cage" that should clamp the wire does NOT move at all. So, I think I just got a defective one. I'm going to see if I can scrape the excess plastic away with an xacto blade to get the "cage" freed up and moving again. If I can't, I'll probably just order some to have on hand.
