Still getting occasional Comm error...

[anothernewbie]

we tried running our 120x60 shopbot on two of our older computers and we would get comm errors fairly often. We did have a usb 2.0 hub for them and talked with shopbot many times. We tried running it on a laptop and it seemed to run fine. So it seemed to be a computer problem, but we need the laptop for something else. So we bought a new desktop, although better we are still getting the occasional comm error.

Its a windows 7 -64 bit 4gigs of ddr3 ram etc.. here is the exact computer

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1277077&CatId=2627

we have the power setting off, network unplugged, windows update disabled and every program we know of running in the background turned off?

we have 77% efficiency from the speed test,(we do however need to switch back to the 10ft cable, currently using 16ft). not using usb hub definitely increases comm returns/ freezing

we have a humidifier running at 45-50% humidity. I've attached pictures of our grounding.

we have the z- zero plate mounted on the spindle could this be a problem?
any programs running in the background that we may not know about?
thanks!:confused:


\ shopbot_wiring1.jpg{shopbot_wiring1.jpg}
\ shopbot_wiring2.jpg{shopbot_wiring2.jpg}
\ shopbot_wiring3.jpg{shopbot_wiring3.jpg}

I read the forum instructions on posting, if this doesn't work please let me know.

[anothernewbie]

pictures of wiring

[jhedlund58]

is your anti-virus software running.... i was reluctant to do so myself as dedicated machine is a relative term. norton was effecting me... wouldn't give the error during a cut, but got one after completion. i removed it entirely and haven't had any problem since.

[anothernewbie]

Jeff thanks for the reply,
we have Zone Alarm installed but always shut it down beforehand.. We also shutdown Microsoft security essentials from the task manager

[michael_schwartz]

If you haven't done so you might want to try running a bare wire through your dust hose.

That is also a very long run of hose. You could reduce this by replacing as much of it as possible with metal ducting. This would reduce friction loss as well.

If you were to air cut for an extended time period, say several hours or more would you experience the same com issues? If so this may rule out static to some extent. I wouldn't rule it out completely.

You could also go through and disable un necessary windows services. I have not done this with windows 7, only XP. I did had to go back and turn a couple back on that turned out to be essential. Expect to have to do some troubleshooting if you mess with these settings.

http://www.blackviper.com/2010/12/17/black-vipers-windows-7-service-pack-1-service-configurations/

[2Egress Sound & Design]

I too had tons of comm errors.
I had a huge run of hose with a wire in it and it didn't change. I eventually went to metal ducting and just the necessary length of hose with a wire bare running through it to just the ducting. Took ground wire to metal ducting through hose inside to the clip at the router end.
Grounded ducting to dust collector chassis and havent had an issue yet. it is truly amazing how much that hose can generate even with a wire running through it.

So... just run a hose to the ceiling long enough for movement of machine, run metal ducting from hose connection on ceiling to dust collector. The metal round 5" ducting is cheap and its a lot less drag.
Attach a wire to the clip at router hose connection and then run a wire from ducting to dust collector. Just make sure its conductive the whole length. the metal ducting is a great grounding area.

That worked for me fine, I am in Canada and the humidity levels change here drastically over the seasons.

Best of luck!

[Bob Eustace]

Relatively new to CNC and had zero com problems until we decided use an external monitor. Problem was speakers in the thing! Binned it and no more problems. Also have a white board where we note anything we change as "old" people have shocking memories! Only hazard is we are sunk if the grandkids decide to draw on the board!

[jhedlund58]

i have plastic hose and grounded with 8 gage wire through the center... not sure if 8 is better than 10 or 12 or 14... what i had and what i used... i m running a laptop win7 stripped to the bones.

hope u fix your problem

[anothernewbie]

Thanks for the replies,

I looked over the Black Viper instructions and see the settings to change but am not sure where to go to change things?
Do i go to "run" or is there a program to disable/set options?

[gc3]

put your arm against that dc pipe when everything is running...see if the hairs on your arm rise, if so static may still be a part of the problem

[michael_schwartz]

Here is another consideration.

Since you mentioned you had better results with the laptop, I am wondering if your using a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) with the desktop. Getting a UPS can help out in a shop environment since there are plenty of things to mess with the quality of AC current. They also keep the control PC on in the event of a power failure so you can write down the current line of code.

Everything related to the control PC, including your USB2.0 hub, and LCD should be on a dedicated circuit.

[garyc]

Irwin...
Some observations. They may or may not be the cure, but could help solve your comm problems. Try one at a time to isolate the problem.

1) Get rid of the long cable and put the hub back on. Period. You have no chance without it. Reinstall the USB drivers after you have rerouted the cables. Make sure that the ShopBot shows up as (on) a port in the Device Manager

2) Using a file that has caused problems, remove dust collector hose, dust foot etc. from the machine and rerun. Or remove it after a problem shows up and leave it off for the day.

3) Press [CNTRL] + [SHIFT] + [ESC] to open task manager. Services tab. Note all that are running. IF more than 10 or 11 services are running, you can trim down some more. Do this by accessing [Administrative tools] > [Services]

4) UNINSTALL the antivirus software. Disable the services for windows update, system restore etc. in the serices section. Dont rely on soft switches for this.

5) When running watch the ZZero input light (1) and see if it flickers rapidly when tool is cutting. If not, there should be no problem. Clip ground clip to plate to isolate.

6) I have noticed that 64 bit OS seem to have more difficulty maintaining comm. There is no official proof for this.

7) Using a laptop isolates the ground. If this cures your problem there may be a ground potential difference in your shop electrical system. Try an outlet on another circuit with your PC to test. You can also test with a 3 to 2 prong adapter on the PC. Make sure the short ground wire touches nothing.

[srwtlc]

Erwin,

Not sure what OS you're running, but the easiest way to get there would be to type in the Windows Run or Search box, Services.msc and hit enter.

Cross posted with Gary.

[bleeth]

Regarding Gary's item 3: Try (Control), (Alt), (Delete) to open task manager.

[cowboy1296]

run/services.msc

[rebajm]

Good suggestions Gary. There are, however, a couple of potential problems with #7 though. Your PC will ground itself though the monitor, so you should use a multi-outlet power tap plugged into the 3 to 2 prong adapter. I would not now depend on the USB cable to provide sole the ground connection between the ShopBot control box and your PC. Take and connect a 12 or 10 gauge piece of stranded wire no longer than your USB cable between your control box ground and the wire (or in some cases a screw tab) on the adaptor. I did this months ago and have not had a comm error since. This fix is temporary though, I plan to mount a dedicated PC outlet on the control box. As a retired electrician from a major company, I had to deal with all kinds of grounding issues, not only to protect equipment, but more importantly, lives.

[anothernewbie]

Thanks for all the replies, I hope to start implementing them and hope it works out.

Is there a good long "benchmark" file that would be good to test with?
Thanks,

[kubotaman]

I had the problem prior to installing a bare cable in my dust collector hose. The hose was only about ten feet long, then connected to the dust collector, but gave me big problems when cutting MDF which is known to give off a lot of static due to the dryness. One day I forgot to connect the ground clip to my dust collector cable which is right next to my Bot. When I went to connect it, I was knocked on my keester! Believe me there is a lot of static involved! Hard to believe but it is true. Just a suggestion as stated before.

[joeb]

We had the same problem. Went to Best Buy & spent 129.00 on a Rocketfish power manager & noise filter and have not had a problem since. You'll find them in the Home Theater area.