Plasmacam detected but fail to initialize

[unns_boy]

My new DHC2 was detected by the software (running on P4 pc) using Autodetect feature and the communication mode was automatically set to ECP. It pass the LED test and the panel buttons were diagnosed successfully, but when I tried to initialize the machine the X and Y motors did not move to the back-left corner, instead the z motor moved to the very top (did not stop immediately) and cracking sound from the motor was heard for 1 to 2 seconds, the a pop-up window appeared saying 'severe communication problems due to noise or bad hardware'. I use a dedicated earth rod for the grate, a 600VA UPS and a 1.5m parallel port printer cable (not bundled or routed with the power cables). Pcam panel was set to 230V. Please help.

[steelbyneal]

I have had a problem with the gantry not being properly set square with the frame rails. The zero switch was against the back rail on the left side but not on the opposite side. Apparently something was put on top of the gantry and the down pressure moved the gantry on one side. Try this first . It took me a bit to get it lined back up without taking everything apart.

Neal

[geo4932]

The parallel cable could have a bad shield, you might be too close to a source of EMI including being too close to an electrical service panel, the parallel port might not have a good ground shield. Try connecting a ground wire from the case of the computer to the control box.

[unns_boy]

I pry open the parallel cable connectors and found that it is not a screen cable, so no ground wire connected between the two connectors! I bought new cable and two pieces of ferrite core today and it works but sometimes the problem still happen. What else can I do to minimize the EMI further more. I am 40ft away from the nearest electrical service panel. I am thinking of buying a EMI or RFI filter for my power supply. Do they help? Are they the same anyway? Thanks a lot.

[geo4932]

You can try plugging the machine and the computer into a battery UPS. Also make sure the table is earth grounded.

[kick-n-safari]

same **** here..should i just put it outside in middle of the parking lot as to avoid noise??????? what a joke.. my shop could be full of EMI..WTF for the price, ya think they could of built a better design that can manage EMI...or tell you that if you are going to buy our machine, you will need a seperate building just for the machine only with no other equipment in the same building as the machine...

[AmesMFG]

Kick n Safari!

Don't get insulted, but is your job devoted to spreading ignorance?

And why are you still talking about price?

Bro, I did not pay that much for my new pcam...you would know this if you bought one.... you are sounding more like some dumb **** sales guy from competing CNC company.

By the way, you do not need to put your machine in another building if you have other machines that emits EMI...I have three welders that emit plenty of EMI and have not had a single freaking problem! All it takes, is the same $7 double shielded cable that is recommended in the instructions for your machine, instead of the lower quality ones that are in stock at Fry's. You would know this if you had a machine.

Kick N Safari, stop being such an ignoramus and take a look at the fact that you are replying to a post from 2010.

I have not seen you post any questions regarding your problems...just plenty of diarrhea of the mouth. Do yourself a favor....Post a pic of your machine and your set up, call plasmacam or see if one of us owners can help you out. If you are really from Ca, I will come to your shop, tell you exactly what you are doing wrong, and if you are still suffering from total incompetence, I will take your machine off of your hands and make twice as much money as I am now.


- Richard

[ChristinaP]

Try a diagnostics test