Can't Reference All Axes
Background Test
To get the most out of your machine, the first thing that you need to do is reference the axes. This process causes the machine to move to the end of its axes and triggers a limit switch (for example, a momentary switch, a proximity sensor, hard stop to indexing, etc.). Until power is lost or there is a crash, the machine stores this location allowing full travel within the its envelope.
Referencing is not the same as setting your work coordinate offset (origin). After referencing the machine, you still need to set or reset your origin.
Machine | Reference Type | Image |
|---|---|---|
1100M, 770M, 15L, 8L, xsTECH, PCNC 1100, PCNC 770, PCNC 440 | Momentary switch | |
24R | Proximity sensor | |
1100MX, 770MX, 1300PL (X- and Y-axis) | Hard stop to index | This is system is built into the servos |
1300PL (Z-axis) | Momentary switch |
Tools
Flat-bladed screwdriver
Small flat-bladed screwdriver
Metric hex wench set
Needle-nose pliers
Phillips screwdriver
Channellocks
Digital multimeter
Table of Contents
Reset the machine in PathPilot
Reason: The machine software must be reset.
From the PathPilot interface, on the Main tab, select Reset.
Reference your machine: select Ref Z, Ref Y, and Ref X
Inspect the limit switches and their connections
Reason: A limit switch is defective or disconnected.
Disable the limit switches (stuck on a limit switch)
Reason: The machine is stuck on a limit switch.
From the PathPilot interface, on the Status tab, examine the axes' Limits LEDs.
Identify which axis is ‘stuck’ on a limit switch, indicated by a green light next to the axis letter.
On the Settings tab, clear the Limit Switches checkbox. Then, on the dialog box, select OK.
From the PathPilot interface, select Reset.
Jog the axis away from the limit switch that it's on.
From the PathPilot interface, on the Settings tab, select the Limit Switches checkbox to re-enable the limit switches.
Reference the machines axes to prevent the machine from getting stuck again.
Note - To check the condition of the 1300PL Z-axis Limit Switches, you will need to remove the torch head, and torch mount, and torch mount plate.
Adjust the limit switch flag
Reason: The machine crashed into the end of travel before referencing, the limit switch flag is improperly adjusted.
Manually release the axis (servo motors only)
Reason: The axis is wedged at on end on an axis bumper.
Never manually release the Z-axis on a machine. If you do, the head will fall.
Power off the machine.
Locate the motor couple of the axis that is producing the error and turn it by hand away from the end of travel.
Power on the machine and take it out of reset.
Try to reference the axis that was faulting.