Digitizer Probe Not Working

[Ken Sully]

Hooked up my probe today.. the LED changes from Red to Green BUT input #1 is on as soon as I plug it in and stays on. I made sure the zero plate and clamp are not touching anything. Called ShopBot support and have not herd back. Think they had a busy day.
Any ideas out there?

[Brady Watson]

Input 1 SHOULD be ON anytime the probe is plugged in. It is not compatible with the Zzero plate, so don't even think about using it or you'll crush the probe. You should see input 1 go off any time you move the stylus with your finger. If these two conditions are met, it should work as expected.

-B

[myxpykalix]

Here is something i might recommend. Before you commit the stylus to probing a solid part i would get a piece of foam or something very soft so that if there is a problem you won't have broken your stylus on the very first plunge.

Mine was wired up incorrectly from shopbot and it took three broken units for them to figure out (which they replaced each time for free) (not criticizing them) but it could happen very quick before you can stop it.:eek:

[Ken Sully]

Brady,
I have not used either the zero plate or clip.
When I hook it up input #1 lights and won't turn off when moving the probe tip with my finger. Checked output Red wire +5.0V Black wire +.7V to 1.0V when moving probe tip with my finger. White wire +0.1V to .2V when moving probe tip with my finger. Think I might have a bad probe.

Jack
Good idea!!

[Brady Watson]

Try the ground clip. You NEED 5v, Gnd & Input 1 for it to function properly. The old probes used only Input 1 & Gnd (just a NC switch) - 5vdc is needed on the newer probes to power the internal electronics.

-B

[Ken Sully]

When I use the ground clip as my reference this is what I get
Red wire +5.0 VDC
Black wire +.7 VDC to + 1.0 VDC

Interesting: Disconnect the probe and check same wires with zero plate:
Red wire + 5.0VDC
Black wire +3.2VDC to +.1VDC when you touch the zero plate to the spindle nut

[Brady Watson]

Ken,
There are electronics in there...so just metering the wires out isn't the same as with the older probes. Just make sure each of the 3 wires is hooked up properly, including ground, then test it by moving the end of the stylus.

-B

[Ken Sully]

Thanks Brady
I did go through all of the wiring today and double checked. Moving the probe with my finger (and zero plate on the spoil board and ground clip off of the zero plate) Input #1 stays on. Seems like the probe needs to see the doctor.