Why is my Z axis stalling all the time?

[slowtwitch]

I found this some time ago and completely forgot about it. Look who else uses the secret Mikini stepper driver..

[mcphill]

Awesome find! That manual should help.

[SWATH]

I started another small batch of wood parts to cut and was hoping the Z axis issues have been resolved in light of adding a smooth stepper. No such luck. While the smooth stepper definitely makes things smoother, the Z was still glichy. Luckily I sort of expected it so I sat with my hand on the e-stop so I didn't ruin any parts. I yanked out the Z driver and put in the X driver I got from Slowtwitch. I used the X because he said he was having issues with his Z losing steps. I ran the machine for awhile and no more hiccups! It was definitely a bad driver. I actually felt comfortable leaving the machine for a few minutes and not having the worry I would come back to a smoking ER collet chuck and a disfigured vice.

Thanks again Pete, you saved the day!

I'm going to use these drivers for as long as I can then upgrade to something much better like the Kelings digital drives or those closed loop hybrid servo/stepper drive/motor combos I linked to. I'll Probably just go with the Z first though because of cost.

[mcphill]

Good deal! I have not had the chance to play with my new driver yet...