Centroid Community CNC Support Forum

Here's a quick video of the z-axis running great, and the contactor firing manually...

To me, your Z axis brake is configured as output 9 in the PLC:
;----------------------------------------------------------------
; ALLIN1DC PLC Output Definitions
; Logic 1 = OUTPUT ON (Green), 0 = OUTPUT OFF (Red)
;----------------------------------------------------------------
NoFaultOut IS OUT1 ;SPST Type
Lube IS OUT2 ;SPST Type
Flood IS OUT3 ;SPST Type
MistOrClamp IS OUT4 ;SPST Type Can be configured for Mist or Clamp
InverterResetOut IS OUT5 ;SPST Type
WorkLightOut IS OUT6 ;SPST Type
SpindleEnableOut IS OUT7 ;SPST Type
SpindleDirectionOut IS OUT8 ;SPDT Type


What you need to understand is how it works. You can put a meter across the contacts in continuity mode so you can make sure it is working.
When you start the control, the contacts are OPEN.
When you command a Z axis move, whether it to Jog, Home, MDI, the contact immediately closes (releasing the brake) and STAYS that way UNLESS the control faults OR you press the Estop.

The purpose of a Z axis brake is so that the Z does not fall when the servo motor is not energized and being held by the control.

SO put your meter on output 9 contacts and make sure it is functioning properly per the above.
There is a fuse on the outputs on All in One DC. you can check that if output is not functioning.

ALSO When playing with CTRL ALT f to cycle the output MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LEAVE IT OFF. There should be NO line under the LED. You left it OFF in your video. When you do that, it will not function. Press CTRL ALT f until there is NO line under the LED. That is the NORMAL state.

THANKS FOR THE VIDEO!
Marty

martyscncgarage wrote: ↑Wed Sep 23, 2020 10:04 am
ALSO When playing with CTRL ALT f to cycle the output MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LEAVE IT OFF. There should be NO line under the LED. You left it OFF in your video. When you do that, it will not function. Press CTRL ALT f until there is NO line under the LED. That is the NORMAL state.

AH!! I'll bet THIS is my issue. I know for a fact I left it off after bench testing, because I didn't want the z to drop! I'll make the change around lunchtime, and see if that helps. Thank you guys SOOOOO much for sharing all of your knowledge!

-Ben

bencarlson wrote: ↑Wed Sep 23, 2020 10:39 am

martyscncgarage wrote: ↑Wed Sep 23, 2020 10:04 am
ALSO When playing with CTRL ALT f to cycle the output MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LEAVE IT OFF. There should be NO line under the LED. You left it OFF in your video. When you do that, it will not function. Press CTRL ALT f until there is NO line under the LED. That is the NORMAL state.

AH!! I'll bet THIS is my issue. I know for a fact I left it off after bench testing, because I didn't want the z to drop! I'll make the change around lunchtime, and see if that helps. Thank you guys SOOOOO much for sharing all of your knowledge!

-Ben

Hope it cures your problem.
When you are all done, the best thanks you can give is to post in the Success Stories forum. Pictures, overview of the machine, a video of it doing its thing, cutting a part and pan to the control. And let the world know what you think of the control and the help you recieved!

Marty

Well, that was the issue - my brake was enabled the whole time when I was trying to tune it. Sigh.



I'll post another video once I have the belt back on and have it turned and cutting. Thank you all for the help!!

-Ben

Great! Now you see the value of posting a video and photos. Helps us "SEE" what you "SEE"...even though you don't see it!

Well, it seems to be working great now! Unfortunately, I loaded the wrong endmill, so the finish is terrible, but it worked!

Looks good.
Don't worry about the Z drop during Estop. It's the split second it takes for your brake contactor to open. You have a closed loop control, so the control knows where Z is when you resume.

Marty