Z axis zero point changes. Set z zero using probe om MK2 with SLB and Scienci spindle. It will start at zero and then plunges today by .9". After stopping returned Z to zero and it went down about .9" and showed at zero. Zeroed using paper method and z still goes down but not as much. It then shows zero at the point where the bit bottomed not where it was set. Using Carveco Maker, G sender 1.62. Help please ruined fourth piece this morning. Bit is not slipping.
Has it be working fine for a while and now all of a sudden started doing that?
Could it be that your z axis is drifting due to the weight of the spindle. When I had a Mk2 with a PWN spindle I had to set the z axis stepper with some holding current to prevent it from slipping down due to its weight.
I have been using machine 3 years with Makita router. Never had this happen. Changed to spindle and this started. Used new projects and tried ones previously Carved, it makes no difference.
What is holding current?
@Allen761 If I understand what you are saying, the spindle is dropping and the new lower location still shows Z0. Is that correct ?
To me that would indicate slippage of the spindle, likely due to the weight as @jpnharris stated.
The spindle is substantially heavier than the Makita router … I agree, your spindle is loosing position because the Z holding current is insufficient.
@Allen761 You posted in the UGS category. Since you are using Carveco Maker and gSender - and not UGS, I’ve moved your topic to a more relevant category.
What is the holding current and is it fixable?
@Allen761 Look in the SLB Technical manual under motor holding.
I believe you want to energize Z with $37 and set $212 to around 10%. 10% worked for me but may adjust upward if you find the issue still presists.
THANKS to all of you for your help. Are these changes made in the config section of GSender? I had no idea these manuals were out there. I have been relying on You Tube.
Went to advanced motors. Hold current was set at 35%. Increased to 50%. Is that then proper direction to change. You mentioned 10%
Did you find $37 in config? You need to turn on the z axis for holding if I remember right. percentage doesn’t matter until it is turned on by $37. I would set to the lowest power possible that will stop the drift but not overwork the motor. In the config menu there is a tab (in the upper middle of the page if I remember correctly) that will toggle between “All Config” and “EEPROM” showing the setting mostly in order which I find it easier to navigate to a specific setting. I hope I am remembering right, when I am in this forum I am away from my machine normally.
Had several identical issues with my Altmill. Had to recalibrate Z over and over. Had a fluorescent light above and the ballist was interfering. And Z kept losing calibration afterwards but not as often.
Used to leave the controller on always. Opening the garage doors with a wireless remote seemed to affect the Z axis only.
Think the solution came down to not using my garage door remote with the Altmill controller on. And removing the light.
No issues afterwards….Thus far..
Make sure the zero set point in the file is set to wood surface and not the machine surface