Defective Controller on Shapeoko 3 XXL?

Help & Support
1

Hello,

I recently purchased and setup a Shapeoko 3 XXL. I followed the instructions very closely. I’m having trouble with the Z axis. I can jog the other two axis’ but the Z doesn’t move. The belt is moderately tensioned, not too tight not too loose. I’m inclined to think this is the controller and not the motor as I tried swapping the X and Z connections on controller, once I did this I could then Jog the Z axis but not the X axis. Which narrows down the problem to the board, or so I would assume.

I’m new to this so I’ve already spent hours trying to find a similar situation documented online, but I haven’t found any solutions, besides adjusting the current which I’m not ready to do yet. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

2

Hi gaslight,

We found a bunch of reasons but they do not seems to be applicable to your situation.
To be safe, can you verify the following ?

  • Make sure the axis move freely and the excentrics are not too tight. (HERE)
  • Verify the set-screw on the pulley that connect to the motor (HERE)

If the Z axis motor is moving when connected in the X axis output it might not be the case but it’s safe to verify first.

Do you have the limits connected for the Z axis ?

:slight_smile:

3

Hi Dia,

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I double checked the items you mentioned and everything seems to be in proper order. I have the limited connected but I haven’t been able to do the homing procedure due to the one axis not operating.

I’m stumped .

4

Hi gaslight,

Try to remove the switch from the controller as maybe the switch give a limit feedback (that just a try).
If that’s not helping it would be possible that the board is defective but we will ask Carbide3D aboutit.

:slight_smile:

5

I believe that you have either a bad stepper motor driver, or a bad wiring extension (it’s also possible that the latter did in the former)

Please test this by swapping the Z-axis wiring extension to the X-axis stepper driver and motor, and then connecting the Z-axis stepper driver and motor using the X-axis wiring extension — if the X-axis fails to move, it’s the cable, if the Z-axis doesn’t it’s the stepper driver, if both stop moving, we’ll replace both — please let us know.

6

Hi Will,

I just tried swapping the X and Z at the end of the extension near the motors and it had the same result as swapping them on the controller. The Z begins to work but the X does not. I’m assuming we can rule out a defective extension cable?

7

Just wondering if there were any more solutions to try or what the next step was if the controller is defective?

Thanks!

8

Hi Scott,

We did a follow up with Carbide3D this morning.
They should get in touch with you very soon.

All the best,

9

Thanks! Looking forward to getting it up and running.

10

Hi Scott,

According to Carbide3D the issue would be the controller board.
They will be sending a replacement to you today.

All the best