Mega V: Unable to control Z Axis

[mrschmooshies]

Is there a trick to getting the Z axis controller to work or do I need to go into my control box and see if there's something loose?



I got everything built and hooked up, downloaded UGS and am able to jog X and Y. Attempting to Home the machine throws an error. I tested the homing switches and they are indeed wired properly based on the information being sent to UGS. If I simply send the gcode to the machine, the X and Y move appropriately.

I cannot control the Z motor when it's plugged into the correct connection. I can confirm that the Z motor is hooked up properly and functional because I swapped it with the X and when I jog X it moves. Conversely, when I jog Z while the X motor is hooked up to the Z connection, X does not move.

Am I doing something wrong, or there something defective with my control box? I will note that while the control box did not appear damaged, FedEx beat the hell out of my "Fragile" box, so it wouldn't surprise me if something got knocked loose. Any suggestions on where to start to try to get this fixed? Thanks!

[Derek the Admin]

It's probably just one of the green connectors that goes into the Z stepper driver (the third one from the back of the box) that is not seated all the way anymore. Every single box is tested here, so we know we have a baseline of operability. There's a good chance it's just one of those that just needs to be pressed in. Feel free to post some detailed pictures of the box here for me to look at.

Cheers

[Bruce]

You could make a few checks in the control box, like checking for loose connections on the Z stepper driver. Check the solder connections on the Z connector plug pins for broken joints/wires. There is a green LED that should be lit on the driver unit. If there is a problem a red LED should light.

[mrschmooshies]

Red light is blinking rapidly. In case one of the little switches got displaced, from 1 to 8 it's OFF ON ON ON OFF OFF ON ON

I reseated the wires in the green connector, but everything seemed to be fine. Pulled the plug to check for wires on the connector in the back by loosening the nut and found no problems.

I swapped the A and Z motor green connectors (as they appear to be wired the same, I hope) and still get the blinking red LED. The A stepper driver (I assume the 4th box) does not have a red light when the Z connector is in it.

What pictures would be most helpful?

Hoping for an easy fix. Thanks guys!

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[mrschmooshies]

Here are a few more pictures in case the first isn't especially helpful. If there's anything else I can provide to help diagnose the issue, please let me know! Thanks again!

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[mrschmooshies]

Further testing: Because I'm impatient and have been trying to come up with solutions to get myself up and running, I swapped the Z and A stepper drivers (adjusting the switches accordingly) and sure enough, the now-Z works and the now-A is giving me the red LED. So I can't turn until I get a new stepper driver, but I'm up and running on XYZ!

Should I contact Support for this?

[Bruce]

Yes, send an email to [e-mail] and reference this thread.

[Derek the Admin]

We have one on the way for you.

Regards