K40 fails to home
I just installed my board and then installed inkscape. When I select apply button to home the K40 as shown in the setup video I get this message from inkscape and the k40 does nothing.
"Traceback (most recent call last):
File "laser.py", line 3367, in <module>
e.affect()
File "C:\Program Files (x86)\Inkscape\share\extensions\inkex.py", line 283, in affect
self.effect()
File "laser.py", line 3359, in effect
self.laser()
File "laser.py", line 3050, in laser
self.check_dir()
File "laser.py", line 2558, in check_dir
if self.options.directory[-1] not in ["/","\\"]:
IndexError: string index out of range"
When I plug in the usb cable the gerbil board is detected and a usb serial port is enable for com 3.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
Error message Solved but k40 still does not respond.
This error was being caused by missing directory path. I created a temp dir and listed the path and now when I click apply the code is generated and saved to the dir but k40 does not respond.
2 things to try:
make sure the "Stream" checkbox is checked in the plugin.
try homing via cncjs :https://cnc.js.org/docs/desktop-app/
the setup info for cncjs can be found here: https://awesometech1.wpengine.com/k40-forum/?view=thread&id=39
I ended up using cncjs for some troubleshooting as it was being finicky on my mac, and was also sizing the code odd when I imported .ai files into inkscape.
Nick
Hi, you can test the upperboard via cncjs. Use the gcode command line (black box) and enter in it "?". This allows you to read out the status and limit switches. Unpower the k40 and move the gantry slowly in its end positions, one axis at a time and read out the status.
Also the grbl board lock up when powered as a safety measure since it does not know where it is. Submit a $X to reset the alarm and then home via $H.
Paul,
I was able to fix part of my problem. I had a lose PWR wire that was making only partial connection with the board. After fixing the wire I was able to jog the Y and X axis. My K40 still will not home because the X axis stepper motor will not properly turn when a command is sent to it. I spoke to lightobject.com and they do not have an OEM replacement motor. The rep said the original K40 motor used 0.6A and they d0 not sale anything that small. Do you know where I can get a motor that will work with your board?
Hi CPUwiz,
Have you tried to open the potmeter on the step stick slightly? Don't turn to full since each step stick can source 1 A and the laser power supply is only rated 1 A in total.
You can replace the stepper motor with other stepper motors as long it has 200 steps (1/8 degree) specs. I don't think a NEMA11 will fit but you can try. See https://www.applied-motion.com/news/2015/10/what-do-nema-sizes-mean for the sizes.
You might be able to find stepper motors on amazon or ebay but try first to open the current pot slightly and see if that can convince the motor to turn. Also inspect if the belt is jammed or too tight.