calibration range error message.

[55president]

I've had my machine for close to 4yrs now, about 250 hrs cut time. Pretty much been through the whole machine so
I'm not shy about tearing it down any more. I've been able to solve most of my problems through this forum.


I carve linocuts with my machine so I've never bothered with calibrating, as I didn't care if something was 1/8 off.But recently I want to make accurate carvings.


I ugraded to rubber belts recently(carefully) , but didn't recalibrate then.I started the calibration procedure from tips and tricks Jan - Feb 2011, cut a clean board 36", 3" wide 3/4 deep.with masking tape on the bottom.Measuring 4 times - It gave me a x-axis measurement of 36.855, 36.855, 36.841, and 36.865.This was way off so I went to the calibration menu and using the formula -an average of .858 off divided by 1/32 or .0312 gives a number between 27 AND 28. .858 IS ABOUT 27/32. I subtracted 27 from the default that was 890.568. I gave a me a calibration range error message. So I went in a smaller increment. I changed the default to 875. When I measured the same board it gave me measurements of 37.548, 37.516, 37.6001 - so I figured I read something wrong and went the wrong way. So I added some numbers to the default, and started getting a smaller measurement. I was able to increase the default to no larger than 904.493 and my measurements were 36.264,36.297, and 36.301.;I can't increase the default anymore anything past this number 904.493 gives me a " calibration range Error".So My question now is : since I did not calibrate the machine after I changed the belts to RubberIf I did using the 3/8 joining bit - would I get better results?

[Digitalwoodshop]

Some have had problems with the new belts and the belts squishing under pressure like a Radial Tire and the bulge shows up in the middle between the belts... Where the rubber belt brushes against the brass roller making problems with the X reading.... Did you move the Brass Roller by making the mounting holes from round to oval...? Or is that not required....?

If you are still on your first Board Detector one of the LED's could be broken off...? What is the Board Detector Reading with white copy paper and cranked down?

And do you have the newer 14 pin FFC Cable System or the older 18 pin? The Board Sensor readings go through the big flat cable.

Just a thought.....

AL

[55president]

Al - Today the board sensor read 142 against a white paper with the head fully cranked down. This was about the same as before I replaced
the (14pin) FFC cable about 20hrs of cut time ago. Right after I changed it (ffc) I couldn’t get much more of a reading of 100 out of
the board sensor so I was surprised to see that high a reading today..
This is my 2nd board sensor ,the first died at about 40hrs cut time.
I clean this one regularly.


I changed to a carvetight and the belts @ the same time. I followed the instructions both times and did put washers under the brass roller sensor to raise it up, but I don’t know what you mean about making the round holes oval.


I always use masking tape and am very careful about not disturbing
the rubber o-ring.


I have not checked the roller to see if it is affected by the rubber
belts - but it’s a test I will do tomorrow.


I just ordered a 3/8 straight bit so I can do the calibration that way.


My y-axis seems to be right on , with reading right around
3 in. I have not been able to check depth as it is giving
me an error message - something about improper bit selection...
I’m not at my shop so I can’t remember right off the top of my head..


by the way thanks for all your posts- you’ve steered me in the
right direction many times.


FXP

[fwharris]

since I did not calibrate the machine after I changed the belts to RubberIf I did using the 3/8 joining bit - would I get better results?

I think these are two different calibrations on the machine. The 3/8" bit is used for calibrating the edge sensor and for the new belts you are doing the X calibration.

I and others have run into the same issue as you with the numbers going the other way when doing the math :roll:. Doing just the opposite calculation worked for us.

I did not have to do any hole resizing when I did the upgrade as it was not specified in the instructions. I would follow up on Al's suggestions about the belts making contact with the brass roller. I think that was also one of the final steps before calibration in the instructions. I have also read that with the change to the board tracking sensor (brass roller) mounting for the rubber belts that the O ring was not really needed any more. This might need a bit more clarification! My instructions called for the new O ring to installed on indent on the roller closest to the keyboard.


Board thickness calib: Using the 1/8" cutting bit? and is it the one for the CarveTight chuck, pressed on adapter?
The machine will find the right and back edges of the board and the request the 1/8” cutting bit.

[55president]

yes I did put a new O-ring that was provided and it was smaller than the original (when I compared them).

Is there are Upper and lower range for the x-axis Calibration? if so waht are these numbers?

I'd be intereted in knowing if others have discared the o-ring after changin belts.......

[fwharris]

Just saw this in the trouble shooting guide for improper bit selection E16 - Bit Selection Error (Low)
Bit selection part of the project data is corrupted. Format the memory card and reload the
project.


Shot in the dark but have you upgraded to the latest designer and firmware? Try a card reformat!

[55president]

That's the error I was getting - I'll reformat the card.... I checked last week about being up tp date with software... But I'll check again.

FXP

[55president]

I got the latest software , formatted my cards, and loaded the latest firmware
To my cards. The machine did let me increase my x-axis calibration number to 906.5 from 904.5, which Got me a little closer to a better measurement, but I figure I’ll Need to go to 918, say 920 to get the measurement 36 inches even.
The machine won’t let me go past 906.5 (at least today).


It still gives me bit error messages every time I try and measure the thickness.
I don’t have a 1/8 cutting bit with the pressed on collet. I tried using my
1/16 bit with the pressed on collet but it gives me the error message:E16 - Bit Selection Error


I took 2 pieces of 3/4 plywood put them underneath the rollers and cranked
The head down. There is no obstruction of the brass roller or o-ring.
The brass roller travels freely.

[Digitalwoodshop]

Good check 55.

My info on the holes of the brass roller is very dated.... So it looks like it does not apply... Your test showed it does not hit. I am still using the sand paper belts.

I have never done a calibration on any of my machines. My work is relative.... "Close Enough".....

AL:roll:

[55president]

My work has also been relative up to this point
, but now I need to make some things that have to be a certain length,
the hole needs to be in a certain place and accurate too,it can't be 1/8 off. I guess I could extrapolate, but it would
be a pain.

I guess I'll call Carvewright and pay whatever the consult fee.

[55president]

FYI -
I fixed the probalem - After a few calls to Carvewright - they told me I needed a nwe brass roller assembly. Got it , installed it and was able to calibrate the machine.

they tolb me my brass roller was worn, the new brass roller looks different and the 0-ring is in a differnt position on the roller.

PRoblem solved.