Greetings from my shop to yours! So I was one of the original SLB purchasers and have had mine since March. It’s still in the box, unopened and I need to get it installed on my 30x30 LongMill. On purpose, I wanted to wait to make sure any “bugs” were worked out prior to install. It’s been a few months, so I think I’m good to go. I have updated to the latest version of GSender and have that working fine. Are there any suggestions, concerns or anything that I should be aware of before doing the install? Obviously, I will follow the great instructions provided and have watched the videos.
As always, I am very appreciative of this forum and the help provided.
Take care!
Jake
I’m sure you will do great Jake. My conversion was on a 48 x 30 MK2 so not exactly the same. I had to adjust down the x-axis speed and acceleration a tad as my machine wouldn’t support the default x-axis speeds (x would stall and mis-steps, so lost its known location). Could be because of the mass of my spindle, not sure. Also remember so change to grbl-Hal and there will be a little learning curve with the new firmware options. It is a great up-grade when all is said and done.
Back up both your firmware & g-sender settings before installing the SLB
If you have a Mark 1x 30x30, once you’ve installed the SLB, open g-sender, choose your CNC & in the firmware settings lower the X,Y Feed speed settings by a 1/3 till your comfortable with the machine movements then adjust to suit.
I found following the Sienci guide made the process straightforward & flawless with the exception that it was geared more for the Mk2. Hence reducing some of the axis feed speeds.
When done check your firmware settings against your firmware backup file (its a text file so easy to read) & make sure your limits ect are same.
Do some “dry” test runs to ensure hard & soft stops working & your happy with feed speeds.
I’ve also configured my Mk1 & SLB with the independent 4th Axis Vortex & have no regrets period with either.
Thanks to @jpnharris and @Rusty_golfer for your time. I have a MK2 and should have the time to devote to it this weekend. I am currently building a mobile lumber rack for off cuts and rough cut lumber less than 5’ long. Should finish it tomorrow or Saturday morning. Again, thank you gentlemen!
Jake
Hi Jake,
I have a MK2, 30X30 CNC. The first thing you want to do before disconnecting the LB is go into Firmware and write down all of the EEPROM changes that you made to gSender. Second, after disconnecting each plug on the LB, put it into the SLB until all is connected. Third, go into the Firmware of the latest gsender for the SLB and change all EEPROMs to match what you had written down from the LB. Fourth, click on ‘Connect to Machine’, go to the bottom of prompt and choose grbl/HAL. Lastly, run the machine through its paces in all directions to see if it works OK (I used Garrett’s ‘break-in’ gcode.) You are done! Oh, if you figure out how to program the three buttons on the E-Stop, can you clue me in?
Thanks!
Thanks @Condor00 ! I appreciate you taking the time to respond! While Sienci gave great instructions, your response is exactly what I was looking for. Short, sweet and to the point. Honestly, my machine has been operating at superb levels for months, I’m hesitant to change it. I think I’m going to drag my father in law over (he is a retired machinist) and have him help me switch out to the SLB. Gives him something to do, and me someone to talk to besides myself. Once again, very appreciative of your time Michael. This thread is exactly why I purchased my LongMill. The folks here are amazing.
PS. I’m thinking of controlling some LED shop lights I’m going to install above my table. I also bought a relay to control my dust collection. Not sure if I will wire that into the magical 3 buttons or not. I will advise.