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Limit Switch Error

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Revision as of 11:25, 17 March 2018 by Admin (Talk | contribs)

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If you accidentally drive into a limit switch before homing the machine, no need to panic. Follow this procedure:

  1. Click the small grey [x] in the lower right corner to clear the error.
  2. Place a check mark in the box labeled "Override Limits"
  3. Click the orange Machine Power button
  4. Then you will have one jog maneuver to get off of the affected switch.

Did you hit the wrong jog button when trying to jog off of the switch? Still no worries, it will error out again, simply follow the steps above again.

Older software will display errors with joint numbers: Joint 0 = X axis

Joint 1 - Y axis

Joint 2 = Z axis

The Y limit switches are removed for shipping so are not as tight as the X and Z - if you are tripping the switch when you are nowhere near it, or it's happening randomly, you may be taking too rough a cut causing excessive vibration, the crimp terminals on the switches may need tightening, or there may be some dirty or bad contacts. Blow out the lead screws and switches and check the connections, if you still have issues contact PROBOTIX and we can send you spares to replace. If you would like spare switches or are not under warranty we offer them on our website.

If you have any bad switches and no replacement, you can temporarily disable hard limits in the configuration using the NEW LinuxCNC Configuration. This will use the switches for homing only. You may need to rearrange working switches so that homing works. Contact support if you need help deciding this.


Potential causes of false limit switch trips:

Dirty Contacts: The brass contacts inside of the limit switches will oxidize over time and will need to be cleaned or replaced. You can buy new replacement switches here.

Excessive Vibration: The switches are spring loaded and can be tripped with excessive vibration from taking to heavy of a cut.

Loose Cables: Check all connections, especially the DB-25 cable from the PC to the controller.

Loose Connectors: Newer machines use crimp style spade connectors on the limit switches. You can tighten the spade connectors by crimping down the mating surface with moderate pressure from a pair of pliers.

Static Electricity: Some materials, especially certain plastics, create excessive static electricity when cutting. It can be exaggerated when using a shop vac or dust collection system. Running a bare ground wire through the dust collection system can help alleviate this issue.

Limit switch apart.jpg