Can I just unplug the y axis and just use the y2 output without having to build a switch for 4th axis action?
why unplug Y? 4th axis implies you have 4, XYZ and A (on the Y2 socket), so leaving Y plugged in as usual is fine, it will hold position until told to move.
Okay, I just hooked up the y2 axis and each stepper moved when I jogged it so I was wondering. Also can I swap the x and y axis in the software? In the y axis i only have 4 inches tops in length but if I could swap I could have more length.
it is possible but tricky to swap axes. why? much easier to change the setup parameters, you can save the settins in a file and restore whichever set of settings you need in a few seconds. 4 inches? sounds more like a Z axis, are we talking about the same things? and you did flash the XYZA version of the firmware to the BlackBox X32, right? https://i0.wp.com/toolguyd.com/blog...-3D-Shapeoko-3-XL-CNC-Z-Y-X-axis-basics-1.jpg The A rotary axis would be parallel to the X axis
I guess I was thinking that because the y/a axis moved with the y axis when jogged that it was always going to.
It will, until you actually set it up as a 4th. Wizards and Tools > Firmware flashing tool > BlackBox X32 tab > Machine Style > 4-axes. Wire A to Y2. Wire both Ys to Y1
Now this thing is for all purposes bricked. The tool reverse light is on, coolant light is on and nothing will connect to my device.
Updated to 4 axis and now I don't get any movement at all. tried to go back to original 3 axis firmware but no luck. shows I have triggered limit switches but i don't have any installed.
one last thing, when I turn on the blackbox the stepper motors seem engaged and don't move freely but when I turn off the box they turn freely by hand.
Remember to load a machine profile (or last good Backup). Fresh install of firmware needs to know what machine you have
Did you select Custom before or after flashing the 4-axes firmware? If the last time was before, do it again. After reflashing (with the And Erase Settings option) its blank empty and needs a profile. Custom will do as a base to start building from. Don't forget the Save and Reset when prompted steps
Exactly. No profile yet... Profile sets Limit and probe pin inversions too. In short 1) put aside the Interface, setting up a new machine is way easier with a full computer in front of you (once machine is properly set up and you have the CAD/CAM workflow under your belt, you can bring it back in, for now, PC is easier) 2) flash 4-axes firmware (which you have done. The A-axis buttons and DROs show up in CONTROL in your screenshot above so all good up to here) 3) load a machine profile (CONTROL > GRBL Settings tab > Select machine from the list > Save and reset when prompted) - nearest similar machine or Custom 4) Now start building out your custom machines custom settings on the Grbl Settings tab (trial and error, reading the Grbl Wiki etc. Couple days of tweaking) 5) when its working all happy, take a Backup using the Backup Settings button on the Toolbar on the Grbl Settings tab
a- axis shows up. my machine is a 3040 with nema 17s should I still use custom? Also I never had this kind of trouble when I first set this up.
Victory is yours. Saving was the step I was missing. Thanks for putting up with my panic button responses.
