Please help

[jeff]

I recently got a used shopbot and finally got the software straight and it is moving.. however, when i try to jog it in x and y, it is shaking and seems to skip unevenly.. I measured both ends and both are even, can it still be out of square? are the gears too tight? I appreciate any advice. Thanks

[jerry_stanek]

What jog speed are you attempting

[jeff]

Hey Jerry.. It is set on 3.50 ..i am assuming default setting? Gettin a little frustrated. I can see the potential, but the learning process is a monster.. I am completely ignorant of this stuff right now.. Used to doing it by hand!
Thanks!

Jeff

[david_white]

what model bot prs, pr, ect what version is the software what kind of computer where are you located . don't give up.

[jeff]

it's a 2005 prt standard with version 3.4.27 prt software.. I'm in Mississippi.. Using windows XP and a laptop.. Thanks David. I'm trying not to give up! I am excited about getting it to work.. I've had it almost a week now.. and REALLY want to get it going!

[gc3]

check all connections , mechanical and electrical
make sure pinions are tight
reinstall firmware
try a usb/serial adapter to your computer from control bx
have a older pr and can jog at 5.00 with no problems

Gene Crain
www.plantasymaderas.com (http://www.plantasymaderas.com)

[rb99]

Sounds like one motor is not working.

RIB

[jeff]

thanks all.. I will do some checking and try some of your advice. Thanks again

[kartracer63]

Jeff,

I bought a BT48 Shopbot buddy. I received my machine about a month ago. I'm just now feeling pretty comfortable creating files and toolpaths for even the simplest signs. I'm just now figuring out router speeds and feed rates. It'll take some time to figure out your machine and the software.
I was lucky enough to buy a new machine and not inherit somebody else's machine that may need a little tune-up. I've not asked many questions here yet. But, I've read a ton of older posts and have talked with Bill P. a couple times.
There are a lot of very smart and helpful people here and it's an amazing machine when you figure things out.
But, whatever you do... do give up on it. It's way too much fun, even doing simple starter projects.

Eric Erickson

[jeff]

Thanks for the encouragement Eric! I am excited, but am willing to take my time and learn. Everyone on here has been great! hope I can return the favor one day!

[jeff]

ok, all motors seem to be working. the measurements between the 2 x rails are even all the way down, as well as the y rails. it sounds like it is grinding a bit and catching..
I'm lost.. completely exhausted trying to figure it out! I tried to upload a video, but it is too big of a file.. I'll keep trying..

[rb99]

Pull the motors away from the rack so the gantry and router can move freely.

Move the x and y from one end to the other by hand and see if there is binding anywhere.

Also you can see if the motors are running, and check of the gears or pinions are on tight.

RIB

[myxpykalix]

Jeff upload a video to youtube and come back to this thread and post the link so we can see.

If your camera has the ability to get closeup and you can follow it, try to get video of the gears under the rails.

Also check with shopbot to confirm what your "unit values" should be (VU) because that might be causing some "skipping".

possibly the rails could be wore out in the center causing the carriage to dip and the pinion gears skip a notch somewhere?

Run your carriage back and forth several times to see if you can replicate a pattern of shaking or problem to a section of the table.

Logic tells me if the carriage runs fine on the left end of the table but shakes on the right end then you need to check out the table and not the carriage.
Again a video would help possibly because some of the more technically proficient guys can spot things that you or I may not be able to.

A video tip- if you have a tripod, use it. There is nothing more useless then shaky video.
If you don't have a tripod take a small chair and brace your elbow and shoulder on top sitting on the floor while you are shooting the underside of the gearing.

[curtiss]

Does it shake or vibrate the same way with just one motor running/ attached on the x ?

You can make a long "digital caliper" by attaching a caliper to some metal angle stock to make sure your rails are parallel.

Harmonic vibration can build up & happen to almost any machine or structure. Floors tend to vibrate from walking on a 26-27' span which architects try to stay away from.

[chipster]

Jeff, is it possible that one of the motors is wired to run backwards?

It's happened before.

[jeff]

ok all new shopbot friends.... I made sure the table was completely square, reinstalled firmware, checked the glide without the motors and all looked great.. then I ran the motors away from the track and bingo.. one x motor is running smooth.. the other x and the y motor look to be skipping and not smooth... Does this mean I need new motors? or part of one??? or other possible fixes? Thanks for all the help so far! I think I see the light!

[michael_schwartz]

1. Make sure your machine is level.

2. If you haven't check that your rails are aligned, and that the gantry moves smoothly up and down the machine. Make sure the bearings stay seated the entire way. Adjust your rails/bearings if you have to.

3. Make sure you have the X axis motors setup on the correct side, and wired to the correct driver. Sounds like one could be running backwards.

4. Grease the rails, pinion gears, and racks.

5. Make sure the pinion gears on the motor are fully engaging the racks.

6. Verify that both your x axis motors are working.

7. Make sure your machine is fully grounded, and ground to something other than the control box as such to isolate it as much as possible.

8. Troubleshoot your usb/serial connection, and if your using USB, install a dedicated USB 2.0 card to run only the bot. A dedicated card can solve many issues. Connecting a USB 2.0 hub to the card, and then connecting the bot to the hub, is also advised. Make sure your not using a very long USB cable, use the shortest cable you can.

Run the USB troubleshooting program found in the shopbot diagnostics folder and check the efficiency of the connection. Make sure you have no other software or devices that may be interfering or hogging USB resources.

From this you can determine if you are having USB problems. Don't go any further until the connection is running fast enough.

Windows XP Pro is recommended by Shopbot XP Home has been known to cause problems in the past. There is some difference in how XP Pro handles USB connections.

A computer thats really slow could theoretically be causing problms as well. You don't need much though to run the bot, I run mine from a reconditioned Pentium IV I bought of lease for $150.00, and it came with a licensed copy of XP Pro.

9. Set your unit values (VU) to the correct values for your machine, and insure the software is setup correctly as well. Verify everything is setup correctly before going any further. Call Shopbot if your not sure.

One last thing, make sure your control software and firmware are up to date.

10. Hopefully you should be up and running at this point, if not I would contact Shopbot.

[scottbot]

Jeff,
I drive my Bot with a laptop too. I don't have Internet access, wired or wireless, in my shop.
If I don't turn off the wireless receiver on my laptop when I'm using it to drive the Bot the Bot will shudder and crash around like crazy. Turn off the wireless and all is good.

I hope this helps.

Scott

[jeff]

Ok, I spoke with Frank at shopbot. He had me swith the 2 x wires on the control box and apparantly, I have 2 bad drivers for y and one x.. Therefore I have to send it in to either fix or I have to upgrade to version 4. Meaning that I am out another $1500 plus... very discouraging.. I thought I was starting slow with the machine and my business, but now I'm hit again.. thanks all for your advice.. I welcome any other that you have plus word of encouragement will make me feel better too!

Jeff

[michael_schwartz]

Don't get discouraged, your almost up and running.

Upgrading to the 4G board and drivers will improve the performance of your machine, so you will be better off than you would have been otherwise. The money is well spent for the 4g control box.

Be careful about moving a motor while it is connected to the control box. Its ok to lightly push the gantry an inch or so against the end stops, but be careful about moving it.

Your not alone, we all know how stressful it feels to have an assembled shopbot in our shop that is 95% ready to cut but that isn't quite there yet. Your further along than you think.

[myxpykalix]

Jeff,

If it is any consolation think of how many times Dr Frankenstein had to work till his creation came to life?

And it took God 6 days to create the earth, so it might take you a few more days till your creation is up and running...no big deal.

perspective is a real b*tch, ain't it? lol

I hope you get going soon. You are going to have fun.

[jeff]

you guys are the best! and jack, yes perspective is a b-tch! Anyway, after talking with the previous owner, we found that he was able to run it at a speed under what i was trying to run it.. I have to run it at less than 2 for it to work.. which is fine by me at the moment.. I have some opportunities later this year that may bring in some money and I may upgrade to 4 at that time! so, I haven't cut yet, but Alleluiah! It is working and prayers do work here! You all are great! Thanks for your help! hopefully I can learn enough to help someone one day! Thanks again!
Jeff

[rej]

before you upgrade, post in the for sale section that you need some drivers.
some of the guys have them around.
i got a deal from a friend for 250.00.
i didn't really have the extra 1500.00 laying around, so he bailed me out.
good luck.

[michael_schwartz]

You may be able to find a used control box as well, from somebody who has upgraded there machine to 4G.

[jerry_stanek]

You won't be sorry if you get the 4g.

[jeff]

Thanks guys! I def want to upgrade! I now have to catch up on the things I let get behind while I was workin on the machine that's supposed to help me get ahead! Not long now though! Thanks for all the help!

Jeff