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« on: July 21, 2017, 03:07:37 AM »
Hello,
First let me say that I am new to the CNC world. Took a class at a makerspace 3 months ago, have watched videos and read forums. I understand the basics and am able to successfully create code using V-Carve Pro. I have run several jobs with some success, but there is something wrong with the Z axis. It does not plunge to the right depth consistently. One job may run perfectly, the next job the x, y, and z all move in the right direction, but the z just floats over the surface of the material and never plunges, the next job the z depth starts correctly then loses depth throughout the job. After every job, it will return to the perfect zero starting point so I have been told it can't be a missing steps issue. The physical machine seems to be working fine with everything moving smoothly. The router is secure, the bit is placed appropriately and secure. Here is what I am using and what steps we have taken so far (all unsuccessful).
We have a Zenbot 4896 with a Hitachi m12vc. Using a Gecko g540 4-axis control box. We are running Mach 3 - settings are preconfigured by Zenbot. All code is generated through Vectric's V-Carve pro. We are running Mach 3 on an HP desktop with no other software on the machine and it is not connected to the internet. Running Windows 7 Profeesional service Pack 1, Intel core 2 CPU, 1.86 GHz, 4GB, 32 bit. It does have an integrated video card, however Shaun at Zenbot checked with ArtSoft and was told that shouldn't be an issue (I do understand ArtSoft advertises use of a non-integrated video card and I have read on several forums that one should ensure it is non-integrated).
The first job upon start up seems to run okay and then every job after gets wonky with the Z depth. We have tried multiple g code files to ensure it wasn't one particular file. Today we ran a new gcode 3 times one right after the other. Simple script text using a 60 degree v-bit. Boards were all level, table is level. First run it seemed perfect. Second run it was much shallower in some places, barely skimming the surface in others, Third run was deeper than the second, but not as deep as the first. Yesterday we ran a different code twice. First run seemed correct, second run barely skimmed surface in some areas, but mostly just hovered over the material running the correct path.
We have:
re-installed Mach 3 at least 3 times
double checked all of the cable connections
ensured table and material are level
used different electrical outlets as our entire garage is wired at 15 amp all on same circuit
re-installed V-carve pro, updated to version 9 yesterday
tried different g code files
During one of our very first runs, we tripped the circuit breaker right in the middle of a job. Not sure if that could have caused any damage to the Gecko processor?
We are using a surge protector (not sure if that could have any impact, but we are desperately trying anything)
Have ordered a different desktop with a non-integrated video card and a new parallel port cable but can't test those until they arrive.
I do not understand most of the settings in Mach, but if I am told what and how to check something, I can do that easily.
I am attaching photos of today's and yesterday's runs.
Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU SO MUCH
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