Calibration Testing and Several Firmware Changes
Happy Wednesday Everyone,
Lets jump right in!
Testing Details
As mentioned in last week’s update, we are currently running some experiments on the calibration process in order to improve the machine’s accuracy and eliminate any human error during the calibration.
This is a time consuming process, and we’re stoked that we finally have the time to do it. So far we haven’t found anything groundbreaking, but we’re getting a better understanding of which factors in the calibration process are important and in which ways.
Running these tests involve running the calibration process over and over followed by cutting the same test pattern over and over.
The test procedure generally goes like this:
1- Turn on
2- Change the variable we are testing
3- Retract, extend, run calibration
4- Raise z axis and insert the router bit
5- Set z home
6- Turn on router and begin cut of the test box file
7- Complete cut and raise Z up to 40ish
8- Remove belts from anchors and retract all
9- Remove bit and lower Z all the way down
10- Measure boxes for accuracy and enter the data in the spreadsheet
11- Reposition cutting surface slightly
12- Turn off
The file we are using consists of the corners of 4 boxes, measuring 600mm x 600mm. These boxes are intentionally large, so that any error that accumulates as the machine moves is apparent when we go to measure. We also wanted to make sure we were getting data from different quadrants of the cutting area, so just one box isn't enough. The more data, the better.
Some factors that we are exploring are:
The number of points in the calibration grid (3x3, 5x5, 7x7, 9x9)
The size of the calibration grid in mm
The spacing between the belt teeth…is it exactly 2mm?
The extra length contributed by the belt end and the arm…do we have that measurement exactly correct.
Testing is still in progress, so we don't have any results to report yet. Hopefully we will have some conclusions next week and any improvements that we are able to make will be included in future firmware updates.
Firmware Update
This week’s firmware update again has a mix of UI and back end changes based on community feedback.
Fix Default jog Feedrates
The default jog feedrates were really slow at 1000mm for XY and 100mm for Z. This update bumps those up to 2500 for XY and 300 for Z. The change might only work for fresh installs so if you aren't seeing the improved move speeds you can always adjust them here:
Preserve jog Distances Between Restarts
@dan1 pointed out in the forums that it was frustrating to have to re-enter the jog distance he likes to use every time the page was refreshed so now those values will be remembered when the machine restarts or the page refreshes.
Bring Back Over Current Alarm but Only in Extreme Cases
Last update we disabled the over current alarm, this update brings it back but only in really extreme cases where the overcurrent happens for a long time.
Make Encoder Communications More Robust
And finally, but by no means least this week's update improves the communication protocol between the main board and the encoders by allowing the system to reset more quickly in the event of an interruption making it handle faults more gracefully.
Forums Highlights
@Alex_S has been working on refining this samurai wall ornament design and it’s looking good! He added some useful tips on bits and his process too!
@Tim_Dow made this tidy paint can organizer as he was troubleshooting a disconnection error. The result is excellent and he was able to find the bug!
@Markus_Rinn made some kid’s play swords for camp and they look like so much fun!
@James_Presnail posted a useful picture showing the difference between an upcut bit and a downcut bit. Can you tell which is which in the photo?
@Dan1 was able to modify the files for the dust collector so that the hose attachment points up. This can be useful if your frame is horizontal and you have a dust collection hose suspended from the ceiling. Thanks @Dan1
Thanks for reading and have a great week!
-Roman, Bar, and Anna
