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CNC xPRO Driver

Discussion in 'Other Builds' started by Spark Concepts, May 25, 2014.

  1. Spark Concepts

    Spark Concepts Journeyman
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    Hi Bernd, Very odd behavior you are seeing. I have tried to replicate this with some of our stock boards and am having no luck - what OS are you using? Either way I would suggest you try to reflash GRBL to the board.
    There is a nice little hex loader you can use called Xloader (download here-> http://xloader.russemotto.com/). Attached is our latest stock hex file for GRBL 0.9g with Variable Speed Spindle control. Just point Xloader to the hex file, set Device as "Arduino Uno", and select your comm port -> verify baud as 115200 -> push Upload.

    You should also verify that your board is showing up in you Device Manager - should be under PORTS (COM & LPT) -> USB Serial Port (COM #)

    ** uploading .hex file are not allowed - the extension has been changed to .txt, once saved just change it back to .hex

    Let me know,
    Mike
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Bernd

    Bernd New
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    Mike, thanks for the reply, I have tried the above steps, no success, the Xloader just keeps saying "uploading", but nothing happens:

    upload_2015-3-20_19-25-19.png
     
  3. Serge E.

    Serge E. Journeyman
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    Have you tried using a different computer (with a known working COM port) ? If the controller still does not respond, it's probably at fault (or the cable if you used the same cable).

    Or, try connecting something else (known to be working) to that COM port ? If it still works, it is not the port (neither the cable if you used the same one).

    Check the cable as it is often the last thing we check when it should be the first.

    These are often the easiest and quickest tests, but the last to be done in frustration.
     
  4. Spark Concepts

    Spark Concepts Journeyman
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    Gonna second Serge's suggestion of the different computer and USB cable. The good news is that we load and test all firmware here at the shop so it is very unlikely to be a hardware issue - likely just a comms issue -> the bad news is sometimes those are the hardest issues to troubleshoot :banghead:
     
  5. Bernd

    Bernd New
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    So, tried different hardware at the various USB ports (external HD), no problems.... same issue. I have even tried different USB cables (went to my neighbor and got one from his USB HD). no success....

    Don't know what to do anymore, any help appreciated ...... I have tried that Xloader again like recommended by Mike, same story, it hangs up....
     
  6. Joey Selzler

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    Has anyone tried using this board with Nema 24 stepper motors?
     
  7. Izzy

    Izzy New
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    Hello again
    I got the same problem But I like to tried some od things and when I tried to load the firmware grbl 0.9 9600 baud rate and it works dont know how but it works but did not have all the new features when finish.
     
  8. Ronald van Arkel

    Staff Member Builder Resident Builder

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    Hello guys, are these boards still made o_O? They seems to be out of stock for a month and a half now at the OpenBuilds partsstore (US). If not, I'll better take them down from my site and go with the TinyG (Don't get me wrong, I like the xPRO). Would be happy to get some headsup :thumbsup:.

    @Joey Selzler, I see people using them for the OX and it's connected to 4 NEMA23 motors, but would cool the board well at the backside as it uses the PCB to cool.
     
    #188 Ronald van Arkel, Mar 21, 2015
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2015
  9. Bernd

    Bernd New
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    After testing all and every single setting, different USB cables, different computers, hrs of Baud rate changing, software de-install and re-install, trying to upload the provided firmware......NOTHING....


    Still the same issue.

    Can someone please send me details on how to return the board or whom to contact? I have read some good things about the board, but stumbled across some posts where users have similar / identical problems. If the board would have worked before I, at least, would have had a starting point, but no, it did not. If it was tested before shipped, like mentioned by Mike, then i assume it was damaged during transport, although, the package wasn't badly damaged. I don't know if the cold, when it was shipped, could have damaged it.

    Question: would TinyG or another board / controller.... be more recommended or did I juts got a bad example of the Xpro board ?

    Nevertheless, I want to return and not waste anymore time with it. I am out of ideas (perhaps I could try changing the baud rate at midnight with full moon and when standing on one leg...etc......)


    Thanks,

    a very frustrated customer......



    any help comments and tips would be appreciated.....
     
  10. Ronald van Arkel

    Staff Member Builder Resident Builder

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    Hello Bernd,

    Where did you buy the xPRO? Here on OpenBuilds? If so contact the Part Store as there isn't any RMA information on this link: http://openbuildspartstore.com/shipping-returns/ .

    Seems like something went wrong with the firmware or it was just a dud CPU. One thing that doesn't help is to try to get help on defective parts trough this forum if you bought it here.

    Personally I like the TinyG better as it's in a further development state than the xPRO, it also has a less compact, less clouded, layout, less focused on cheap builds with an ATX PSU (I would not use 12v). The support group , as in customers that are using it, is also much larger.

    As a side note, I'm an official distributor of OpenBuilds products (for Mexico). I try to stick with the xPRO as I would like to have the same products as OpenBuilds US, but seeing the availability and thus the size of the support group, I might start to see if I can be a distributor of the TinyG or build my own controllers.

    Just my 0.02 ;).
     
  11. Spark Concepts

    Spark Concepts Journeyman
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    Bernd - Sorry to hear you are still having issues - if you could send us an email at [email protected] we can start an RMA for you. If we can get some information from you tonight we can have a replacement in the mail tomorrow morning.

    puntoMX - xPROs are not going anywhere ;). We have a re-supply shipment headed to OB this week and the next production run of the xPROs is currently being manufactured. On a side note - what is the logic for using a 24V supply over a 12V and how is a skilled pcb layout a bad thing??
     
  12. Bernd

    Bernd New
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    Michael,
    I really appreciate the quick response, and the willingness to take care of this issue, like a reputable company does.

    I do understand that a 100% quality check is difficult, and after storing and shipping and handling, sensitive electronics products can be damaged.

    I have send you an email with my contact info and postal address.

    Thanks,

    Bernd
     
  13. Ronald van Arkel

    Staff Member Builder Resident Builder

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    Hi Michael, thank you for the reply, so RMAs for that board go directly to you, that´s cool. Does this also include non-US customers?

    I'll be ordering 5 boards directly before they run out on OB, I hope it's not 5 boards you are shipping ;)! Well, you know that the driver IC DRV8825 you use is made for a higher voltage than 12, it can actually handle up to 45v and has 32 regulation levels so why not use that? I would always recommend a 24vDC PSU for a more agile response even with NEMA17s. Now, I might be missing something there as I'm out of "industrial" electronics for 15 years. Personally I like a PCB that has all Inputs on one side and all outputs on the other side, also trying to give more PCB copper area to the drivers. Like I said, TinyG has some advantages over the xPRO but I do encourage the development of the board and soon I'll give it a special place on my forum for support in Spanish as well (first I'll need to get my hand on one for testing and giving feedback to customers). They come with every kit I sell, ( translated to this: http://openbuilds.com.mx/tienda_de_openbuilds_mexico/electronica/controlador-de-pasos-usb-cnc-xpro/ ). Keep up the good work!
     
  14. Spark Concepts

    Spark Concepts Journeyman
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    Bernd - there's really no other way we would want to do business. Thanks for the quick response.

    I hate to say it but I am looking forward to getting this board back and tearing it down to see whats going on. I'm really at a loss - to program the boards we have to go through 2 separate process (bootloader and hex upload) that verify the chip and then we do a final bench test on the units (all done on different PCs to speed things up). Sure has me scratching my head...
     
  15. Spark Concepts

    Spark Concepts Journeyman
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    puntoMX - ah, I see where your coming from, you will get a more agile response with a 24V supply but with tons of ATXs laying around I had a hard time justifying the additional expense.
    Typically yes - we haven't had to cross this bridge with any of our international distributors yet. Bernd is actually our first RMA that wasnt caused by reverse voltage or improper flashing...
    I would agree with your input and outputs in some situations - we didnt think it was right here as the board would have ended up being 5-6 inches wide and people gotta put it somewhere... xpros use a 2oz copper board to increase copper.
    Really nice looking site and I love the mod-ed Routy! Original Routy was my first build
     
  16. Bernd

    Bernd New
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    Michael,
    I am curious too, please keep in touch as soon as you have found the problems on my board.

    Voltage was connected the right way ( I have double checked before I plugged it in)
    There was connection from computer to the board,
    There was connection from board to step motors (at start up I heard a click sound at the motors),
    I have tried to flash the firmware after your instruction (with the *.hex file you have provided and one I have downloaded (0.9 GRBL *.hex file).

    Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.


    Thanks.
     
  17. Bernd

    Bernd New
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    Both computers I have tested it on are Windows 7 machines and downloaded a driver (USB _ serial).
    Should I have tested with an XP computer ??
     
  18. Spark Concepts

    Spark Concepts Journeyman
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    Bernd - I will definitely keep you posted - replacement board went out this morning. Windows 7 should be fine - we run with an Vista, Win 7, and Windows 8 boxes - 7 plays a little nicer with the AVR programmer and the other two are just used to pipeline testing. If you have an XP machine it wouldn't hurt to try.
     
  19. Bernd

    Bernd New
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    Mike, thanks for all your help here. I do not have a XP machine on hand. I will keep you updated as soon as I have received the board.


    Thanks,


    Bernd
     
  20. Ronald van Arkel

    Staff Member Builder Resident Builder

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    Or, just run the program as Administrator and XP compatibility mode. The easiest way to do that is to make a short cut to the program and edit the shortcut properties. Windows 10 should use the same drivers, digitally signed, as windows 8.x. I would never use the MicroSoft drivers packed in an update or shipped with Windows. Most of the time you can even force older drivers, from an older OS, onto a new OS as well. I don't see any difference in USB access between windows Vista up to 10 but I´ll ask around to confirm.
     
  21. Macchp

    Macchp New
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    As requested, here an update after some cuts, mainly ply 4mm thick.

    I did find the RC spindle working pretty well with 24V PSU, quite strong, getting a bit more than warm, but still touchable without hurting the fingers. Max cut duration without pause has been 20 min.

    Instead, what I'm struggling with, is the chattering of the steppers.
    I'm using Nema 23 2,8A 1/8 step, and at low feed speed they are not moving smoothly.
    Very precise, but chattering. Especially the double Y axes.
    If I pump the current trimmer up on the xPro, I get chips overheating (mainly X ). Ruined already a couple of works because X stopped while Y continued moving.
    Decreasing the A on xPro, eliminates overheating, but the chatter is more evident.

    I have already a fan blowing directly on the board, so what I want to do as next trial is to put heat-sinks too. Need to find a way to keep them in place having the board secured vertically and the chips getting pretty warm, though.
     
  22. Tweakie

    Tweakie OpenBuilds Team
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    There is a high temperature adhesive designed for just this purpose but (unless someone else knows) you will have to Google for the trade names of this product.

    Tweakie.
     
  23. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
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  24. Macchp

    Macchp New
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    Thanks, ordered! It should arrive in a couple of days.
     
  25. Bernd

    Bernd New
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    Update:

    After I have received the replacement board, I have installed it last weekend and, after initial adjustments, was able to do some test runs.

    Regarding the controller board, everything runs fine now. I did, however, had some initial trouble with the start-up, which, turned out, was caused by the software(Grbl Controller).

    Now, after using exclusively the Universal G-Code Sender, it seems like everything is running fine. I do have the slight suspicion that some of the trouble with the first board was caused by the initial usage of the wrong software (Grbl Controller).


    Mike please keep me updated on your findings at the board.


    Now, the only “problem” is some noise / sluggishness, in the Y axis. After doing some reading here, I assume this can be caused by not enough current supply to the motors. I am going to try to adjust the pots tonight.


    Thank you all for your help and any further help / tips for a “rookie” would be appreciated.
     
  26. Wes123

    Wes123 New
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    I just got my Ox up and running but I am having a few problems with my xpro board that I am hoping someone can help me with.

    First, I am trying to integrate a spindle and laser but I cannot get any output from the spindle enable and direction ports. I am using the M03/M3 spindle on g code command and I get 0 volts (checked with a multimeter) from the spindle enable port. I also do not get any output from the coolant enable port using the M07M7 and M08/M8 commands.

    Second, I am not getting smooth movements at low speeds. The movement is quite jerky and seems to move in small pulses. I see that other people have had the same issue. I have added heatsinks as recommended in another post. I am also running 2 fans, one pushing air across the board and the other pulling air out of my enclosure. Neither the fans or the heatsinks had any effect on smoothness of the movements. I checked the temperature with a non-contact thermometer and the board/chip set seems to be running pretty cool. Also, the problem is constant, even at startup.

    I am using a 24 volt power supply and tried both universal g code sender and grblcontroller. I use Yosemite on a mac but also tried on a windows 8 computer with the same result. I am running grbl 0.9.

    Thank you for any help that you can provide!
     
  27. Darus

    Darus New
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    Could some one post there Grbl v0.9 setting for the OX? I don't know where to start in dialing in the X PRO board.
    Thanks.
     
  28. Macchp

    Macchp New
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    I'm using the following. It works, not perfect though, as you can see from my previous posts.
    Code:
    $0=30 (step pulse, usec)
    $1=255 (step idle delay, msec)
    $2=0 (step port invert mask:00000000)
    $3=6 (dir port invert mask:00000110)
    $4=0 (step enable invert, bool)
    $5=0 (limit pins invert, bool)
    $6=0 (probe pin invert, bool)
    $10=3 (status report mask:00000011)
    $11=0.020 (junction deviation, mm)
    $12=0.002 (arc tolerance, mm)
    $13=0 (report inches, bool)
    $14=1 (auto start, bool)
    $20=0 (soft limits, bool)
    $21=1 (hard limits, bool)
    $22=0 (homing cycle, bool)
    $23=0 (homing dir invert mask:00000000)
    $24=50.000 (homing feed, mm/min)
    $25=1200.000 (homing seek, mm/min)
    $26=250 (homing debounce, msec)
    $27=1.000 (homing pull-off, mm)
    $100=26.670 (x, step/mm)
    $101=26.670 (y, step/mm)
    $102=199.000 (z, step/mm)
    $110=7500.000 (x max rate, mm/min)
    $111=7500.000 (y max rate, mm/min)
    $112=1500.000 (z max rate, mm/min)
    $120=100.000 (x accel, mm/sec^2)
    $121=100.000 (y accel, mm/sec^2)
    $122=100.000 (z accel, mm/sec^2)
    $130=825.000 (x max travel, mm)
    $131=1280.000 (y max travel, mm)
    $132=43.000 (z max travel, mm)
     
  29. Wes123

    Wes123 New
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    I am using almost exactly the same settings as Macchp. If your machine is different the calculator from the link below is very helpful. http://prusaprinters.org/calculator/
     
  30. Darus

    Darus New
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    Great I'll have a look, also do we know the default setting that the xpro is shipped with?
    Thanks
     

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