Digitizing probe problem?

[stumpgrinder]

Hello all,

Had a couple strange issues today while using the 3d digitizing probe for the first time. So we wanted to copy what is basically a disc with an arched center. I input the dimensions and started the copy program. When the probe touched the actual disc, the program paused saying something about a hit stop. So I resumed and all seemed fine until the z zero changed by itself and was no longer dropping to just above the table surface. It was now acting like the height of the disc edge was the new z zero. I quit the program then restarted, all was fine until about half way through the scan, then all of a sudden a few minutes into the scan the z zero changed to -12 and the router slammed up making this awful noise. I watched the z zero height go from -12 back to zero, the whole time the router at the top of the axis of travel making that grinding noise. I tried several times and some combination of the same three problems keeps happening. I am wondering if I'm doing something wrong. I ensured my z zero plate was isolated and the clip is also isolated. Thanks.

[Brady Watson]

It seems to me that the probe might be triggering mid-air OR you have a loose connection on input 1 or ground. Check your wiring - especially the terminal block in the control box to make sure that input 1 & ground wire that belongs to the Zzero plate is seated firmly & correctly. Then check the condition of your wiring from the control box to the plate & probe connector. The majority of problems that people have are from shoddy wiring.

The other thing could be that the probe is set too sensitive. Your probe may have an adjustment for this on the bottom of the probe body. Don't mess with it until you make sure the wiring is tip top.

-B

[stumpgrinder]

Thanks Brady. The Shopbot Desktop comes pre wired and assembled so we didn't actually do any of the connections. They are all already made and packed inside this really cool plexiglass window so you can see all the control boards and hardware. With that said, I did pull the plexi window off and check the wires. I also followed them all the way to the zero plate and clip. Everything looks fine as far as the wiring goes. I did see an adjustment screw on the probe, which way should I turn it to reduce sensitivity? I looked over the documentation but didn't see any reference to the sensitivity.

[Brady Watson]

I forget which way it needs to turn...but a simple test would tell you which way it would need to go. Just plug in probe, open keypad and input 1 should be on. Turn it and flick the probe to actuate, noting the sensitivity of it. Adjust as needed & see if that results in more reliable probing.

-B