Interface touch problems

Usually EMI in the environment around it.

Take it away from your workshop.
Make sure you are on Firmware v1.51.
Power it up using a USB cable.
During the Boot process, when the big logo appears on screen, press and hold the MODE button on the left side until you hear a beep. This is a device test mode where you can test it just like the factory does.

NB make sure you are on Firmware v1.51 first as thats the version we added the Mode button code described above to allow customers to also run the Device Test. docs:interface:firmware-update-control [OpenBuilds Documentation]

Taking it away from your workshop for this test tells you if a nearby spindle, faulty earthing, fluorescent lights, etc in the workshop is causing interference: docs:blackbox:faq-emi [OpenBuilds Documentation]

If it tests out fine away from the shop, we know the hardware is good. If you fail the test, contact the store via Support and they will be happy to get a new one out to you

 

We'll help you work the problem if it is that. But lets try that initial tests first. That will tell us which of the two issues it is first.

 

I almost doubt it directly related - but what if you take the magnet and hand-hold it against the back, but move away from the machine? Does that make a difference? (May be conducting some interference from the frame to the Interface via the mount?)

That said, we'd really still like to make sure the hardware is good by performing that test above ^ - before we start chasing interference issues: What if it is the hardware and we could have had the store send out a new one already. Please first try that - away from the shop - it will give us the confidence that a) the hardware is good (or bad) and then b) yes we have to try to find interference.

You can repeat the QA test with the magnet on the back too - away from the shop - just to cement any observations.
It guides you through testing each button in turn...

 

Good stuff, that mode will allow you to trace things as you move forward.

I will say we've tested loads of different magnets, both the "car mount" type we recommend, bare neodyniums, etc over the years - never seen a magnet itself cause issues like that. But do keep us posted

 

Add a grounding wire to that point? See if you can earth out any interference coming from there? Further up the stack, something is generating interference, do take a look around - flourescent lights from the 80s/90s, VFD spindles, any other electrical transformers or similar?

 

So, long story short, something from the machine frame is conducting some EMI to it.

Mount the magnet to the table, a shelf, or something else non-conductive - not on the machine itself. What machine is it? Running a VFD?

We could send a replacement, but as you confirmed the test away from that area is perfect. You will need to address whatever is the source of interference in that area. We had seen one guy who had a chaffed through electrical cable in his garage floor that conducted up his body if he stood on the floor, went away if he sat on a plastic chair. Another guy's subpanel didn't have an earth so all the electrical devices were not earthed. Then of course Chinese VFDs are a good known source of interference too. Tell us whats around

 

Usually EMI in the environment around it.

Take it away from your workshop.
Make sure you are on Firmware v1.51.
Power it up using a USB cable.
During the Boot process, when the big logo appears on screen, press and hold the MODE button on the left side until you hear a beep. This is a device test mode where you can test it just like the factory does. See docs:interface:device-test-mode [OpenBuilds Documentation]

NB make sure you are on Firmware v1.51 first as thats the version we added the Mode button code described above to allow customers to also run the Device Test. docs:interface:firmware-update-control [OpenBuilds Documentation]

Taking it away from your workshop for this test tells you if a nearby spindle, faulty earthing, fluorescent lights, etc in the workshop is causing interference: docs:blackbox:faq-emi [OpenBuilds Documentation]

If it tests out fine away from the shop, we know the hardware is good. If you fail the test, contact the store via Support and they will be happy to get a new one out to you

 

As per my original reply:

 

Its ordinarily not too sensitive, so it would be worthwhile to locate possible cause.

You mention PSU (good gut feeling there) : we do sometimes see PSUs with bad Earthing or noise cause that (our Meanwells are bulletproof, but we can make a working lab machine here do the instability thing by swopping in a $20 power brick in place of the Meanwell)

What PSU do they supply?

A replacement unit would only apply if it was flaky on USB power / test mode. This one seems fine, but affected by something connected

 

Sorry to hear that. Check around if you can find a Meanwell LRS350-24 locally perhaps?

 

No need to move anything, can just plug in the USB cable and go

Looks a bit overpriced compared to https://www.digikey.it/en/products/detail/mean-well-usa-inc/LRS-350-24/7705034 (but no stock, just checking typical price) - I know its a long shot - but the Lab PSU test was promising enough that I think its worth a shot (after you eliminate the DC-DC Converters as possible noise sources)

 

Sometimes too much grounding can create Ground loops too - not sure how different your machine is from our stock setups, but our standard kits does not Ground the chassis etc for example - not real need for that.