I am currently working my way through a alarm 14 problem and will hopefully get that resolved this week. However in the mean time I would like to get a few things done. My question is this:
How do you run the Altmill without spindle control (spindle in manual mode)? Do I just remove spindle controls in GSender or do I need to change more settings than that?
Also do you need to modify your gcode to remove any spindle commands??
Im new to CNC but not to electronics.
THANK YOU
@TMS4659 I ran my Altmill without a spindle for several months. I used it with a pen holder and with a router. I don’t remember what I did but I’m guessing I left the spindle option empty.
As for the g-code from your CAM software, use anything you want for spindle speed. Without the spindle configured in gSender, they’ll just be ignored.
@Chucky_ott I believe that @TMS4659 is asking how to use a spindle, but not have gSender control its speed. Can you pls confirm that, @TMS4659 ?
@gwilki After re-reading the IP’s post, I think you’re right.
@TMS4659 The VFD documentation shows how to configure the VFD so that you can control the spindle manually from the VFD.
Thank you! I have my spindle operating manually and it spools up just fine. However I still get an alarm 14 when I go to run a file, even the surfacing file. Is there settings in GSender I need to disable other than just deselecting spindle control?
@TMS4659 I don’t know. You could try disconnecting the VFD from the SLB? I’m guessing the manual configuration will still allow you to operate the spindle.
Btw, there’s an article on troubleshooting alarm 14. Have you seen it?
Yes I have extensively went over my machine. I have changed settings, and the new VFD that Sienci labs sent me was not the fix. I suspected the SLB and now after finding a few more examples of it I am pretty sure thats what it is. I get an ALarm 14 whenever I press the run button, or if I press the EStop. I attempted yesterday to run my spindle manually (which works fine) and then run a file but I still get ALARM 14. I just wanted a workaround so I could finish getting my table setup while I wait to hear back from Sienci.
Its a bit disheartening to figure out they have heard of this issue before however, their Tech Support must not be drawing from pooled data because they sent me and another fellow VFDs when they fixed this problem before with SLB.
Yeah, I’ve been seeing several posts here and on Facebook re Alarm 14.
If your spindle is not connected to the SLB and you have configured GSender to not use a spindle but you still get Alarm 14, I’d suspect an SLB issue as well.
@TMS4659 I just took a look at my Altmill. I powered off my VFD and tried to run a job. Got Alarm 14. Disabled “Spindle/Laser Controls”. Got Alarm 14. Set Default Spindle to SLB_Spindle (which essentially sets $395=0) and that allows me to run a file without the SLB controlling the spindle.
YES!! I found that and was coming back to say this, well I wasnt sure if that fixed it or not but you confirmed it. Thank you. I have successfully been running files for the last 2 hours!!
I also just heard back from Sienci Labs and they are getting an SLB out to me ASAP! Overall They have been very responsive to my requests and they were helpful throughout the process. I cant blame Sienci for quality control either as I did not have any issues until I tried to run my first file. If they tested the system before shipping they would not scene any problems. Overall I would just chock it up to some bad luck and a few bad controllers
When I use the diamond drag bit or pen I just unplug the cable from the top of the spindle, no errors or hunting for a way to disable in software.