Z-Axis Troubleshooting

[Aiph5u (Aiph5u (not affiliated with Onefinity))]

Hey SgtSilverBack,

• Z Axis Moving Unexpectedly (Cutting too shallow or too deep)
• Troubleshooting: Rail is getting hung, stuck, grinding, or moving in opposite direction
• Axis moving in opposite direction that told to when jogging

@SgtSilverBack

So that comes down to the controller or the stepper.

This is unlikely. They don’t fail by erratic movements, but usually by failure. The tin-plated Amphenol/Molex contacts used on these machines do not comply to industry standards. They aren’t even suited to be used on the outside of a machine. Typically you know them from ATX power connector on PC mainboards, and don’t ask how many disks failed because of the poor contact. They are made to be connected exactly once and to be used only internally.

Good standard for stepper connectors are Phoenix gold-plated circular connectors. See here:

@Aiph5u

For making your own stepper cables, see here:

• Make your own stepper cables for Buildbotics and Onefinity

For replacing the unreliable Molex/Amphenol stock connectors, see here:

• Retrofitting better, industrial circular connectors and adding shielding and PE wire to the stepper cables on Buildbotics and Onefinity