Gecko 201 / Stepper / DynaCNC

[gregrnel]

I have a DynaCNC router with steppers, running Mach 3 and have an intermittent problem, not sure if it's the Gecko or not. My Z axis locks up whenever I run a file, I can jog it all day long without missing a beat, but once I run a file, the motor locks up and drops steps. I've tried to adjust the Gecko screw and it doesn't seem to do anything either way. I know it's an electronic problem because I un-coupled the motor from the screw and it does not behave any differently.

Thanks

[dertsap]

sounds like the same problem i get with mach , when it calls up the g43 z move my z locks up , i add g1 and a slow feed of 10 on that line then g0 from there
g1 g43 h1 f10
works for me , don t have any problems after that

[Art Fenerty]

Hi:
As a test, open the config/motor tuning, and slow the Z max velcoity by 1/2 , does it stop locking up? It may be just tuned too fast for itself in Gcode, GCode stresses the motor alot more than jogging due to many immediate reversals. Slow it way down, then gradually increase until it does lock up in code, then slow it by 10% or so..

Art

[gregrnel]

Thanks Art, I tried but still have the problem....any other suggestions?

[ger21]

Did you try lowering the accel?

[gregrnel]

Her ger21, thanks, I also tried that, still has the same behavior. I'm definitely a newbie, but I seem to be a lot more concerned than DynaCNC (Dynamic Plastics) about the fact that after 6 months of ownership, I still do not have a working machine. I guess word of mouth is the best form of advertising.

[dertsap]

is it possible that you have the wrong resistors on your geckos ?

[gregrnel]

The X and Y run beautifully, they all have the same resistors. It was a commercially built table, so I assume they know what they're doing.

is it possible that you have the wrong resistors on your geckos ?

[Torchhead]

1. What speed computer running MACH?
2. What version of MACH?
3. Router or plasma?


The difference with Z is that it is a screw drive VS rack and pinion on X & Y. That means it takes a lot more pulses per inch to move Z.

Good jogging but problems while running indicate so problem the is not mechanical or motor related. Are you jogging at full speed (use the shift key with the jog)? If no lost steps then we need to look at factors that only appear in running conditions.

[gregrnel]

I have a Pentium 2.8 , 1GB RAM , the computer is not connected to the net and has very few programs on it (sheetcam, mach, acrobat reader,and rhino) I'm running Mach v. 1.83.005, it's a router. The jog at full speed with shift held down is smooth.

Also, just wanted to say thanks to all of you pros out there that are willing to help out a feeble newbie. I will definitely return the favor to those when I turn pro.

Thanks

[posix]

try the thing that derstap suggested in first reply and see if it works? if it does then use that because you're wasting time troubleshooting a problem when you could be making things!!!

later on when you're feeling a bit more confident with your setup you could try and trace the issue. good luck!

[Torchhead]

I had an issue with MACH3 in the 1.8X series where the Z move feedrate was honkered (technical term). G00 moves are supposed to use the set velocity of each axis for their moves. It looked like it either picked up the number from one of the other axis (who's feedate was MUCH) higher than Z or some other number. It only did it on Z. Also I was able to narrow down the problem by putting in an G01 and "F" command on each Z move that limited the Feedrate. I did that in the SheetCAM post and it fixed it until I could get the software patched.