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Original PhlatPrinter and USB-CNC settings

Discussion in 'Trouble Shooting - Support - Help Section' started by 7up, Jan 3, 2012.

  1. 7up

    7up Moderator Staff Member

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    Hi guys, I am writing in regards to using the USB-CNC Controller with my original Phlatty. Maybe it will give you some insight on any future problems you may encounter during your build.

    I have attached the settings file I am currently using and my printer is running good, but I am open to any suggestions you may have to increase performance.

    The only real problems I had was software related and it took me a while to figure out what was happening. I devised a work-around for the following problem...

    In Sketchucam, I was generating code as usual for my P1 (under-slung gantry) and when I loaded the file into USB-CNC it put all my parts in the lower left corner cutting from the bottom going up on the Z axis. To trmedy this, I had to generate the code in SUCAM as an overhead gantry. Problem fixed. The other issue was when I start a cut with a part in the lower right hand corner, or within 3-5 inches to the foam front edge, (the 24" edge of the foam, facing me, if I am in front of my printer) then the foam would get pulled in too far and half of the parts missed the foam.? So I figured that if you select "overhead gantry" in SUCAM then I thinks you must be using a P3 and it sets that initial jog up to the spindle to 6" or whatever it should be, whereas, the initial jog on my P1 is only 3" if I start my foam from the start line. I compensate by lining the foam up with the front edge of my printer.

    To summarize, I am generating code using the "overhead gantry" option and aligning my sheet of foam to the very front edge of my printer instead of the pre-routed "start line".

    The settings file is a variation of your P3 file that I tweaked for my P1. I am using the Easy-CNC driver board along with the MK2 USB-CNC board and an Original PhlatPrinter.

    Backup your current settings file and replace it with this one.

    :doubleup:

    I hope this info saves you some headaches. Attached files CNCUSBController.setting (33.3 KB)Â
     
  2. kram242

    kram242 Administrator Staff Member

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    Buk, this is great! Thank you so much for taking the time to post this information! :doubleup:
    You rock bro :banger:
    Mark and Trish
     
  3. 7up

    7up Moderator Staff Member

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    If any of you guys have your Original Phlatprinter running good on the USB-CNC and the EZ-CNC boards, please post your settings file here. Mine runs good but could use a little more speed.

    Thanks :good:
     
  4. 7up

    7up Moderator Staff Member

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  5. kram242

    kram242 Administrator Staff Member

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    :doubleup:
    Thanks Buk, good one
    Mark and Trish
     
  6. matt_o_70

    matt_o_70 Member

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    It might also be important to specify the 1) step size setting on driver board, 2) the type of drive on the axis and 3) stepper motor torque? I can see where the typical newbie could pick a settings file and not understand that these factors also come into play.

    I am using Probotix driver boards, Which documentation said required the "invert Pulse option to be checked". I also checked the reverse Z axis due to my wiring of the Z axis stepper. So this will depend on your wiring. My steppers are rated @ 130 oz-in.

    For example I built a mostly stock PP and used the standard 1/4 -20 threaded rod and had my stepper driver board set for 1/2 steps. Built in this way I was consistently cutting at 20-25 IPM.

    I have just recently converted my Y axis to belt drive and have changed my driver board step size to 1/8 step regain some of the resolution lost to the belt drive. So far I have started at 60 IPM and have had no problems yet. My X and Z axis are set for 1/2 steps, and the Y is set for 1/8 step. Belt mod on Y axis with drive pulley pitch diameter of 0.955. I have not yet tried to go faster while cutting but it will easily move the gantry now at 150+.



    I lowered my initial speed and acceleration values to try to improve starting torque, but I have no idea if this was necessary.

    Buk - I am curious about your issue generating gcode? I have been using the standard underslung gantry option without issues? Was your issue that the z axis was moving in the opposite direction? Attached files PP BeltModY at eighth steps @ 60IPM.setting (34.8 KB)Â PP Settings @20 IPM.setting (35.7 KB)Â [​IMG]
     
  7. 7up

    7up Moderator Staff Member

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    No, the cut direction was going the wrong way. I have corrected that and am now generating code for an under-slung gantry. Glad you brought that up, I had forgotten about that.
     

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