Stinger II Z axis problem

[mtnc100]

I am getting a Soft Limit Exceeded Z+ error at all times. I can press Z down and the spindle moves down but cannot move it up without getting the error. When I initialize it moves up to the top then bangs up and down until I abort (which I do immediately). My Z box does not have any color in it but shows 6.712 when the z is at the top. When I press the high limit switch I see the red arrow on Z. If I bring the z down below 0 then I can move it back up until I reach 0 then get the error again. I have turned everything off and on and removed and reinstalled the cable to the computer. This was working fine yesterday.


Thanks
Mike

[Jim Becker]

Aside from checking all the physical connections, you can temporarily switch the cable from the X-axis to see if you have normal up and down control via that channel. If so, then something is possibly amiss with the "Channel" on the WinCNC board. Give tech support a call and they can help you through both the troubeshooting and help you reassign the "Channel" if necessary. I had a similar issue as you after moving the machine into my new shop and changing the "Channel" of the Z axis fixed it.

[mtnc100]

Thanks Jim, I have a support request in, just hoping so one would know the answer and get me back up and running.

[Ken Rychlik]

The issue is with the z top switch. Bad switch, wiring, or connection in the control box. On top click view inputs and you should have a lot of boxes. Each switch should turn a port and bit box on or off. With that screen up push the x homing switch and you should see one of them change. Do the same on the top z switch and see if one of them changes. Which one that is assigned is called for in the ini file, but if you don't see a change hitting the z top switch that is the issue.

[mtnc100]

Ken,
Did as you suggested and both the x and z changed. I turned soft limits off and I was able to move it both up and down. I have never looked at these menu items before but brought up the limits menu and that does not look correct. by z it shows off 0.000 -0.120 and off, both the x and y appear correct for my table size. Shouldn't the z be on with a value in it, if so how do I turn it back on?

[Pete marken]

I had a similar issue and it cleared up when I reseated the connectors on the cable from the computer to the control box.

[mtnc100]

Tried that first thing and it made no difference.

[Ken Rychlik]

In the ini file there should be the limits listed per axis both hi and low. I never use a z+ in those limits, as my commands use G53Z0 taking the Z up the the safe z on top. The z low limit is so you don't dive into your spoilboard. To try to re home just the z try G28Z and it should try to home the z. Watch for the input to change on the z top limit switch.

[SteveNelson46]

If you are using Aspire or V-carve pro, check the Z gap above material setting. It's the setting from the tip of the bit to the top of the material. If it is set too high it will do what you are experiencing. Z gap above material.png

[mtnc100]

Just finished with Camaster support. For some reason the spindle was not moving up enough to trip the limit switch on initialization. Placed a .02 shim on top of the spindle plate and that worked. They had me lower the Z limit switch and that has solved my problem.

Thanks again for your help