Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

CNC xPRO Driver

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

  1. Darus

    Darus New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2015
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    I need the default xpro setting now, as I did not take them down and with the above setting, none of the nema's will work. :(
     
  2. Bernd

    Bernd New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    1
  3. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2013
    Messages:
    2,742
    Likes Received:
    2,407
    Hey guys,
    We have been experimenting with as many of the GRBL control software(s) out there that we can find to get an idea of what is out there in the way of control software.
    To date the two that we have found to work the best (for us at least) so far are;
    We have not tried them all as of yet and there are more out there that look promising.
    Hope this helps
    Mark
     
  4. Darus

    Darus New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2015
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    Great I was able to get thing running again, with Grlbl Panel but all the commands go into Queue then I have to action them? Is there away to disable the Queue as before I was able to move the axis in real time?
     
  5. Bernd

    Bernd New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    1
    I have the same problem with the queue.
     
  6. Darus

    Darus New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2015
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    I'm still having the same issue, I don't have any switches hooked up for start/resume, hold , abort/ reset. I wonder if one is being tripped some how?
     
  7. Darus

    Darus New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2015
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    I was able to get it to work by changing $14=1 (auto start, bool) then soft resetting Grlb. Using Grbl Controller 3.4.6.
    I had set $14=0 before which was queue things up.
     
  8. John Meikrantz

    John Meikrantz Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2014
    Messages:
    169
    Likes Received:
    56
    Yes, that will do it. In newer versions of GRBL (0.9i) they've done away with the auto start option all together, so there is no more $14.

    -- John
     
    GrayUK likes this.
  9. Bernd

    Bernd New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    1
    yepp, that solved the problem....Thanks a lot !!
     
    GrayUK likes this.
  10. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2013
    Messages:
    2,742
    Likes Received:
    2,407
    GrayUK likes this.
  11. Darus

    Darus New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2015
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    I have run into the same issue with Nema 23 chattering at anything under 50 feed rate, have you been able to resolve this issue? I also ordered some heat sinks as well.
     
  12. Macchp

    Macchp New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2014
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    5
    @Darus: Not yet, I have this "macro stepping kind of move" at 100 feed rate and below.
    This week-end I installed the heat sinks, and I was able to push up the max feed rate from 7500 to 8500 without any stall or strange alarm as I got before. This is already quite an improvement in the performance. Tried 9000, but got back the stall during long movement, say from Y1000 to Y0.
    I haven't pushed up the current pot yet, so I cannot say if this will help with the chattering too.
     
  13. Serge E.

    Serge E. Journeyman
    Builder

    Joined:
    May 6, 2014
    Messages:
    730
    Likes Received:
    251
    Just a passing note, I also had to change from a 12v power supply to a 24v to get things running 'smoothly' with my NEMA23. Then, looking at the specs for them, it did say "24-48v". Running the specs through the Stepper+ calculator, it was suggesting something like 80v for them ! So I am not sure why I was trying to run them at only 12v ...

    As for the pots, also check the steppers' running temperature ... If they get way too hot to the touch, you are running them hard - too much amps being a possibility so tune respective pots down. But you have to balance with losing torque, don't tune the pots too low.
     
  14. Darus

    Darus New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2015
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    Currently I'm using 24v 10amps power supply, I do recall seeing a post where to stop chatter they replaced the power supply. I did a test calibration drawing and measured the chips temps which run from 37c to 57c. I'll try turning down the pots and see if that helps.
     
  15. Serge E.

    Serge E. Journeyman
    Builder

    Joined:
    May 6, 2014
    Messages:
    730
    Likes Received:
    251
    The spec sheet on the driver IC used says : If the die temperature exceeds approximately 150°C, the device will be disabled until the temperature drops to a safe level. Any tendency of the device to enter TSD is an indication of either excessive power dissipation, insufficient heatsinking, or too high an ambient temperature.

    Using a no touch temperature sensor from a couple of inches away, before installing the heatsinks, if memory serves me right, I had a measurement approaching about 60° C when stuttering (thermal shutdown - TSD). So I am not sure where they measure the 150° C, must be internal (?) although the 'die' is the chip casing - what the heatsink makes contact with (right ?) At the time, my garage WAS near 0 ° C as well.

    Since tweaking the pots and adding the heatsinks, I believe temperature is always below 40 ° C. I would have to check again during a weekend as the weekdays are just not long enough lately.
     
  16. Josh B

    Josh B Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2014
    Messages:
    116
    Likes Received:
    42
    So frustrated! Finally got my Ox built and now I can't get the controller to work...uggghhh. I built the standard Ox with all the components from the Openbuilds store, the controller is the xPro V2 purchased from Sparks. I'm trying to use GRBL Controller 3.6.1. My steps for connection are connect to board, connect to laptop, start up GRBL controller, select COM 5 and baud rate 115200 and then open port. The drop down menu for the port selection lists only COM 5, is that correct?
    When I open the port get -
    -(CTRL-X)
    -No data from COM port after connect. Expecting GRBL version string.

    I read a post where someone had the same issue but I didn't see where they listed there solution. I'm using my laptop (HP EliteBook 8740) running Windows 7 Pro (64 bit).
    The first thing I did was to swap out the USB, I've now tried three different cords. I thought about trying to re-flash using XLoader, but that failed as well.

    Any ideas? Do I need to download any drivers to run this board on my laptop? I do recall the first time I plugged the board into my laptop, I received a message that the hardware failed to load? I thought maybe that was my usb, could it have been the controller? I haven't seen that message since, and I have plugged this thing in at least a hundred times.

    Josh

    UPDATE: It's alive! Got it figured out, guess I just needed to ask the question first. Found a new driver for my usb port.
     
    #226 Josh B, Apr 12, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2015
  17. John Meikrantz

    John Meikrantz Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2014
    Messages:
    169
    Likes Received:
    56
    Quick addendum to the GRBL config for the xpro. The TI drivers that are used have a minimum step pulse width of 1.9 usec, so the default GRBL value seems quite high. I have been running mine now at 3 usec, the minimum supported by GRBL. ($0=3).

    Running well, quiet so far. I also had continued problems with one of the driver ICs going into thermal shutdown, and put some new beefier heatsinks on the chips. Seems to be working better than the small aluminum sinks that I was previously using.

    http://www.amazon.com/Cosmos-Copper-Cooling-Heatsinks-cooler/dp/B00637X42A/
     
  18. Josh B

    Josh B Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2014
    Messages:
    116
    Likes Received:
    42
    Trying to get at least a small bit of movement, but I can't get past the error - undefined feed rate. Tried the G01 F200 command with no glory. What the heck am I missing?
     
  19. John Meikrantz

    John Meikrantz Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2014
    Messages:
    169
    Likes Received:
    56
    I had problems with GRBL Controller, and ended up using Universal Gcode Sender instead. Can you try connecting with that?
     
  20. Macchp

    Macchp New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2014
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    5
    I did the same. Used to use the GRBL controller, when moved to Universal Gcode Sender several troubles disappeared.

    @Josh B: Try the F200 command without G01 in front (few times it worked with me).
    Also, check your $110-111-112 parameters.
     
  21. Josh B

    Josh B Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2014
    Messages:
    116
    Likes Received:
    42
    Thanks guys. I tried the UGS as well and had no luck there either. I can get proper movement out of the Z axis, but not X,Y.
    Macchp, my set up is almost identical to yours so I used most of the same parameters that you listed previously. When GRBL controller says "Undefined feed rate", it's referring to $110 and $111 settings, Correct? I guess I don't know if I should be raising them above 7500, or would that be going in the wrong direction?
    I'll give the F200 command a try tonight. Would my current pot adjustment, on the board, have anything to do with it? I have them all at roughly 50%?
     
  22. Macchp

    Macchp New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2014
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    5
    The $110-111 values are used by G0 commands, for fast movement and positioning.
    So, your error message is referring to the Fxxx command.
    My suggestion on the $110-111 was an additional check, for the peace of mind.

    I don't think the electronic gear has anything to do with this error, it should be fixed by the Fxxx command.
     
  23. Josh B

    Josh B Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2014
    Messages:
    116
    Likes Received:
    42
    Okay, that's what I figured but it never hurts to ask. Is it odd that the Z axis will respond but the X and Y will not? Doesn't the Fxxx instruction apply to all of the axes?
    This is just a thought from someone who is not electronics savvy~ if myself, and countless others, have purchased all of the required items, sold by the OpenBuilds store, to build the OX (Standard) CNC machine, why is there a difference in these settings between each individual machine? The power supplied may be different but shouldn't all other pieces be the same, which in my simple mind, would result in the same parameter settings? Wouldn't it make sense that if someone were to get an OX (standard) machine dialed in perfectly, then those parameters would also apply to another OX machine of the same design/material/components? I understand that there will be minor variances, but it seems that there are a lot of big differences.

    Note: I'm not looking for an answer, or any response at all, to my second question. I really am enjoying the "discovery" part of my NEW hobby and I will get it figured out eventually. Similar to when I first discovered R/C airplanes and didn't know squat about them. Now, I know just enough about R/C to be dangerous but, I still can't fly worth a crap! I'm just typing what I'm thinking.
     
    #233 Josh B, Apr 13, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 13, 2015
  24. Josh B

    Josh B Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2014
    Messages:
    116
    Likes Received:
    42
    @Macchp - thanks for the recommendation on the F200 command! After this command was accepted by UGS, I spent an hour just jogging my OX around, in awe. However, why the heck won't it work in GRBL controller? Now, to get a few test codes made up and start the fine tuning.
     
  25. Macchp

    Macchp New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2014
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    5
    Very happy you solved it!

    It should work with GRBL controller too.
    Because sometime GRBL controller got errors/difficulties in interpreting some commands, especially with arcs and circles, I gave up and moved to UGS. Never got any command issue anymore.
     
    Mark Carew likes this.
  26. Josh B

    Josh B Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2014
    Messages:
    116
    Likes Received:
    42
    Awesome, checked the actual distance traveled by all three axes and there true up to 250 mm. I stopped checking at 250 mm because that's all the longer my metric ruler is. A couple times it was off my about .05 mm so I would start over and the discrepancy would be gone. Oh well, it's still more accurate then using an exact-o knife to cut balsa wing ribs. Plus, it's much cooler to have a machine do the work for me!
     
  27. Jake Fry

    Jake Fry New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2014
    Messages:
    11
    Likes Received:
    18
    I'm having a problem trying to set up the SPL output pin to control my spindle. I have it connected exactly as shown in the drawing below, but sending M3 doesn't start the spindle. I checked the voltage between SPL and GND and I'm reading about 0.2V where it should be 5V. Do I have a bad board or am I missing something?


    [​IMG]
     
  28. John Meikrantz

    John Meikrantz Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2014
    Messages:
    169
    Likes Received:
    56
    What version of GRBL are you running?

     
  29. Jake Fry

    Jake Fry New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2014
    Messages:
    11
    Likes Received:
    18
    I'm using GRBL 0.9i
     
  30. John Meikrantz

    John Meikrantz Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2014
    Messages:
    169
    Likes Received:
    56
    I think in 0.9i, instead of enable it uses PWM output, from 0-5v. You might need to send M3 with speed to increase the voltage? What happens if you send M3 S1000? (Max speed, should be 5v).
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice