new alpha limit switch issues

[jlechner]

Hello, Anyone have any issues when setting up machine for first time? I am trying to run a simple square profile cut and after spindle start up( im attempting to do a 3d offset) it reads line 208 limit switch error. I have done the files in vectric, and all files keep coming up with this error??? The x,y and z are all zeroed properly. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!

[srwtlc]

Hi Jim,

Can you provide a bit more information about the type of machine you have and the file. Is the file cutting larger than your machine is capable of? Has the tool moved anywhere by the time you have gotten the error? Are you starting this file from table base zero or somewhere else on the table when choosing 3D offset?

Maybe attaching the file(s) would be helpful.

[jlechner]

scott,
Its a brand new 48-96 apha with a 4hp spindle. Im at x0 y0 lower left of table. the file is just a simple 12 x 12 square drawn in vetric with a .25 profile pass. ( I was going to start very simple to ensure Iwas doing everything correctly) In the fp I was using the 3d offset to "air cut" the file. Machine doest even move from 0,0....???? My proximity switches are very close to this end of th table, so im not sure what issue I now currently have. RPM is set at 12000. Any help would be greatly appreaciated!!

[adrianm]

Set the Z zero to be a couple of inches off the bed and run the file that way rather than using the 3D offset.

There are possibilities of getting things wrong with specifying a 3D offset and running the file with an "air cut" z will eliminate that as a problem.

Double check that you have the X,Y origin set to the lower left in VCarve/Aspire as well.

[Brian Harnett]

Use the K keyboard command to manually move away from the switches and re zero and run it again it may be as simple as the switches are too close to your current zero. I don't even use mine anymore.

[srwtlc]

It may just be that your file has a move that will take it beyond the limits, like a slight minus or -.125 because of the .25 profile pass where your rectangle starts on 0,0.

You can just move away from 0,0 and try again in 3D as 2D and 3D offset consider the current location as 0,0 and 0 for the Z in 3D offset.

If it's not actually tripping the prox switch (you say it doesn't go anywhere), I'm guessing that you have file limit checking 'On' under 'VL'. Turn that off and it may run as long as you have enough distance before hitting the prox/limit switch. Another thing to look at in 'VL', is the soft limits set for your table. If you can go a bit beyond the defaults safely, adjust these accordingly and if turned on and you have a file that is within those limits, it will run. If it's beyond, it won't and you'll get the warning.

Best to set your hard limits further away from table base coordinates. Mine is the same size as yours and I have approx. -1.5 for the Y and -3.5 for the X. If you change the targets, be sure to run setup again to set the offsets for the C3 homing routine or do it manually (editing the my_variables.sbc)

[jlechner]

Thanks all to replied !! After numerous hours on the phone with the great support staff at shop bot, they determined that I had a bad control board. Next day aired me one, after install only a few minor tweaks and I had my new alpha up and cutting!!!! It is great to feel "the Love" from all fellow shopbotters!! looking forward to the new machine!! will keep updating

[gerryv]

I just learned a lot from the feedback too. Thanks