So I think the Z Axis was damaged somehow in transit. I took video and shared it via Google Photos
The Z axis wants to do whatever it wants.
In the video you’ll see me attempt to HOME, not PROBE, the Z axis. Mind you, X and Y are not exhibiting any issues at all. You’ll see the Z axis go from about the middle, to the bottom, then go back up and error out.
Additionally, when using the controller (I’ve used 2 to be sure this is not a controller issue), moving the Z axis up and down doesn’t respond to what it should. Sometime it goes up, sometimes it goes down, even though I’m using the controller and telling it to go in the same direction. Sometimes, while hold the controller to have the Z axis go down, it will do all the way down to the bottom then come back up. I stop, then hit the controller to go down and it goes up.
This is a new product and right now acting like a very expensive paper weight. Really hurts seeing this as like everyone else, waited a long time to get to this point.
This looks like a firmware issue, have you upgraded your machine to 1.09 yet by any chance? I would try that if you have not. If you have Support might have you re-flash the firmware but they will reach out and help you with that. In the meantime I would see if your machine is at the latest version.
Very good question. Yes, machine is running latest firmware. If there are instructions on how to re-flash the same firmware, please point me to it and I can take care of that today.
I had some odd results with one of my Y-rails when I first set up my machine. It also seemed to have a mind of its own. After some debugging, I eventually discovered a single pin inside the connector on the rail was bent up slightly to where it was able to slide over the top of the inserted plug instead of into the appropriate hole. It may be worth a look.
I’ve identified the issue. It is either the Z Coil Cable, or the Z-Cable connecting to the controller from the coil. Luckily I purchased an extended cable from Etsy and figured I’d use it to test. Sure enough, the Z works 100%. At any speed.
Support did get back to me requesting to run some test cut files, which was scary enough as we already saw what happened to my spoilboard. I held off on the test cuts and took video of the default coil cable setup and the 3rd party cable. I’m hoping they will send me replacements cables. We’ll see.
For anyone that wants to see what’s going on, here is the video with the default coil cable:
You will see the Z Axis not only wants to do its own Up/Down, but at slower speeds it sounds like it’s binding, which it isn’t.
Here’s the video with the 3rd party cable showing the Z-axis working perfectly. At any speed.
One item I forgot to mention - I did check the connectors and did not see anything out of the norm. But while going through the machine (checking connections, screws, leveling, etc., I did find what looks to be a missing screw and 2 damaged screws:
I really don’t know how to feel at this point. So many weird issues right out of the box. Extremely frustrated but very hopeful this will all get resolved and I can finally start my adventure into CNC.
Thank you all for your replies!! Wasn’t expecting such a wonderful showing of support. Truly appreciated!
Now i feel a little worried, I’m still waiting on my journeyman, which is fine…but i’m in Australia, so a long way for any "replacements’ to come.
Oh well, guess i just have to trust all will be OK
Great to know nothing is missing. Any thoughts on the 2 screws that look damaged or filled? They are smooth on top so not like a tool was broken in it.
Don’t feel worried. Support not only from the community but from Onefinity as well has been amazing! I hate to say it, but this is my luck at times. Murphy’s Law LOL
Take a small screwdriver or pick and I think you can just remove whatever is stuck in the screw heads. It looks like it could be foam or cardboard. It shouldn’t pose any problems though. I’ve found that when shipping heavier items shippers aren’t as gentile as they should be. But when speed counts careful usually takes a back seat.
