Hello to everybody,
I encounter the following problem when setting MPCNC up: When the tool is moved into material, the Estlcam controler interface with message USB error <1> is disconnected. No errors occur when idle tool runs. I use a 500W Chinese spindle with a 0-100V adjustable source. The source of the problem appears to be a interference from the spindle or spindle source itself. Did anyone encounter a similar problem? Where is your experience better eliminating interference?
My setup is here. From left - Arduino/RAMPS controler with last Estlcam firmware, main power switch, power source 12V for steppers, power source 0-100V for spindle. Spindle power - red/blue wires.
So you’re suggesting that when the spindle is using too much current, it is causing a problem for the Arduino. The Arduino has power from the 12V supply, but it’s also connected via USB.
Some random things to test, really just to narrow down the problem:
When that happens, do the stepper motors release?
Have you tried probing the motor 12V supply?
Do you have the Marlin LCD? It would be interesting to see if it happens without the computer connected.
Does it happen when moving, but not cutting? Can you try making it cut without moving? (That sounds pretty dangerous).
Have you tried the vicious1 Marlin firmware? It would be nice to eliminate software completely.
The Arduino shouldn’t be losing power, because it’s getting it from the USB and the 12V. Unless the voltage regulator onboard is toast. A lot of them do end up failing that way. If you have a spare Arduino, that would be worth a try.
This is a very interesting problem. Please keep us informed.
Also, that is a great looking build. I really like the connectors and I don’t remember another aluminum extruded table frame. It looks very nice. Feel free to share more images/details in a build thread.
Sorry to jack this post, but to Berry’s point I would also like to know how ESTLCAM is running on the arduino. V1’s post was back in like 2016 that its still beta. Does this blow away the marlin firmware or coexist? I’ve been looking for a post on how this is done but coming up empty any info would be amazing.
To be clear, EstlCAM is two parts. Using it as CAM software, to generate gcode is great. Then you run the gcode on the Marlin controller. That’s the “recommended” way. Using EstlCAM firmware is the other part, and it no longer supports the ramps hardware. You can/should still use EstlCAM, but not with that firmware.
Change the cable to one with a ferrite core, as the original was a cheap one without it.
i also flashed another arduino for it, as the one that was in was a chinese cheapo…
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it seams to work at the moment.
one thing that can case troubles i know from 3d printing;
if your house is not correctly grounded. check if the ground wire actually works.
I had to rewire 3 sockets as they where just not connected… also i like to check if the cables are flipped, lazy electricians sometimes… well just buy yourself one of those cheap socket tester, that should tell you if everything is O.K.
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if that is not working, i think i will rewire the setup and use shielded cables
I found some interesting info about USB communications while searching through a GRBL website. It shows some problems that could be relevant to any of our machines.
