stutter and jerking shopbot

[Innerspace]

We have had our shopbot for about 6 years - we have never had a problem until the past week where the machine just stutters and random times.

We have adjusted the jog rates and ramping values but they do not consistently solve the issue. We have a dedicated power line, a dedicated computer with nothing running but the shopbot software.

I have checked every connection and everything is good - I am at the point of total frustration.

I do not know if I should go and buy a new computer? Do you know of any other troubleshoots to try? I did see your post about the speed test but there is no Diagnostic folder in my ShopBot3 directory and there is no file by that name in my whole computer. I even uninstalled ShopBot and reinstalled to make sure it was done correctly.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Brady Watson]

Josh,
It sounds like you might have some communication issues which could be a bad USB to serial converter. What model tool are you running? PRT Alpha or Standard?

The other possibility that comes to mind is that your move speeds are really aggressive for the work that you are doing - making ramping not as effective as it could be in an ideal speed range.

Can you provide more information?

-Brady

[ken_rychlik]

There is not a diagnostic folder really.

Open up the sb3 like you are running your bot. Then type in U T and this will pop up the utilities and test. The speed test is on that page.

Kenneth

[Gary Campbell]

Josh...
The "Diagnostics" folder is located in: C:\ShopBot, along with the "shopBot 3" folder and others

[ken_rychlik]

So, does that mean I was "wrong" Gary? :cool:

Kenneth

[jerry_stanek]

Is your PC hooked up to the internet. Mine did an upgrade and started running some apps while I was cutting and the shopbot started to stutter.

[Brady Watson]

This tool could be a 3G PRT Standard...so there will probably not be a Diagnostics folder if he is running v3.4.27 - hence the request for more information on the tool.

What model is it? Is it a Standard (red/black label motors) or an Alpha (violet/black label motors) ???

-B

[Gary Campbell]

Kenneth...
Not if Josh has the older software installed as Brady notes above! :)

[Innerspace]

PC is running Windows XP - about 1 GB of RAM. The PC is not hooked up to the Internet. Nothing is installed on the PC but Shopbot which was a very old version until I just updated to 3.547 PRT after the stuttering began.

Every connection has been checked several times making sure that there is a good contact.

Do you think it is just about upgrading the computer?

[gc3]

PC is running Windows XP - about 1 GB of RAM. The PC is not hooked up to the Internet. Nothing is installed on the PC but Shopbot which was a very old version until I just updated to 3.547 PRT after the stuttering began.

Every connection has been checked several times making sure that there is a good contact.

Do you think it is just about upgrading the computer?

OK, so here goes...

I have a older PR machine that I could not run/jog faster than 3.5xy 1.5z.

Similar control software 3.4.27, pre 4G and I had the same problems...like a train coming off the track, man that sound makes you run for cover...smack that space bar HARD!

Upgraded to a new computer 4gb ram plus some crazy intel processor.....

Now I can run the "old girl" as fast as she can go with no problems...

xy jog 6IPS, z 3.0IPS

I ran a file yesterday...15"x55" a door panel...lots of Z detail and I carved it at the speeds of 5.5xy z 3.0 and it did not miss a beat...

Get a new control computer...

but hey, what do I know, only had the bot for just over a year...:eek: but she still makes the chips!

G

[gene]

Your computer may be checking for automatic updates. That is what was causing mine to do the same things you discribe

[Innerspace]

It is Windows XP SP1 - Automatic Updates are not enabled.

[Brady Watson]

I don't think that you need a new computer. My advice would be to install the latest control software, which is 3.6.18 - older versions have issues that are resolved in the newer software.

BE SURE - and this may be your problem right now!!! - to re-install the firmware EVERY time you change the control software version. Failing to do this WILL result in stuttering and goofy movements.

Type UI into SB3 and follow the instructions.

-B

[Innerspace]

Why did support tell me to only load 3.547?

I am going to try your advice.

Thanks.

[Innerspace]

How do you know what version the control board is?

The ShopBot support page says 3.6.18 is only for control boards that are 4th generation?

[zeykr]

4G boards use Gecko controllers.
If support told you to use 3.547 it's probably because you have an older control box.

[frankwilliams]

Silly question, but did you do the "firmware upgrade" after you installed the new control software? This got me once and caused a similar problem with my shopbot. Just a thought.

[gerryv]

Thanks Brady!

I just did a software update so I'll have to figure out the what and how re: the firmware. Is it done before or after the software update install? I'm assuming it's downloadable as well?

[jerry_stanek]

The firmware install is under the utilities button on your SB3 software

[Brady Watson]

Gerald,
You do the firmware update after you install the new version of SB3. You just type in the UI command and follow the instructions. It is easy.

Josh,
Did you get things working? You never stated what ShopBot model you are running. Is it a Standard? Alpha? ????

-B

[Innerspace]

I think it is the standard. How do I tell?

My past few days have been horrible!

I have a new machine and the shopbot is running fine until it gets to the far end of the table and then starts stuttering.

The shopbot3 program also keeps saying that I am going out of the X limit.

Is anyone local to North Hollywood, CA?

[Brady Watson]

If your motors have a RED on them & the control box looks like an ATX computer case, it is a Standard. If it has VIOLET on them & you have a bare aluminum control box, it is an Alpha.

Check your VL settings.

Are we to assume you got the communication issue resolved or ???

-B

[Innerspace]

There is red on the motor and the control box does look like an ATX computer case.

I have no idea what the problem is, it seems like it is working and then just goes berserk!

[Brady Watson]

Realize that ShopBot made 3 distinct drive systems around the time your tool was built. The PRT 3G, PRT 4G, PRT Alpha which is why it has been so confusing for us to diagnose your issue here on the board.

OK - so next question: Does your control board inside the control box look like this:

http://www.shopbottools.com/images/Products/Prt_Upgrade_9_06%20009.jpg

If it doesn't look like the above pic, then you have a PRT Standard (3G/3rd generation)

AND if you have a PRT 3G Standard machine you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT use software newer than v3.4.27

Go to: ShopBot Support Download Page (http://www.shopbottools.com/controlsoftware.htm)

Pull down THIS version & install it:

Windows Version for both PRT CNC Routers and Plasma Cutter

ShopBot Control Software Version 3.4.27PRT LATEST UPDATE 10/04/06 10MB

THEN install the firmware by typing in the UI command in SB3.

You should be all hucky duck and back in the wonderful world of CNC.

-B

[gerryv]

Much appreciated Brady, thanks kindly.

[Innerspace]

I have not removed the board from the case but the connections look and are exactly like the one you posted.

[ken_rychlik]

The connections are the same for both boards.

Does it have the four black boxes on the board like the one posted?

Kenneth

[Innerspace]

Im not at the shop now but I think that it has a grey metal box where those black boxes are.

[Brady Watson]

You need to pull the side cover off of the control box to correctly identify it or use a flashlight back where your motor cables go in & see if the motor drivers look similar to the pic I posted or if they just look like smaller processor chips. I'd opt for opening it up - and then blow it out with compressed air - as I am sure it is filthy.

-B

[Innerspace]

Its definitely the older version.

Still does not work after I have done everything suggested.

Thank you all for the help.

[russ]

Josh,

I've got one more suggestion. I had a similar issue and on my Aten usb port setting in windows I needed to change my advanced settings on the flow control from none to hardware. Now I can jog at 10ips on a PRS standard. Also I seem to get a smooth run at ramp speed of .05