Ratchet

[dukecreek]

I have only had my machine for a day and already I am having problems. Trying to lower the head, the ratchet kicks in and all it does when I turn the crank to lower is click, click, click. I have turned the drive screw inside the machine, cleaned and re-lubricated all four corner supports. I even lowered the head completely by manually turning the screw inside the machine. The head cranks up completely but when I lower it, all it does is click about 3 or 4 times each revolution. The only way I can lower the head is reach inside and push down on the assemply while cranking down. Please help

[Sarge]

You're in Michigan, how cold is your shop? I had similar issues, but they go away when it's above 55 degrees. Sounds strange, but true.. the temperature does have an effect on it.

[Rickrljones]

Make sure your red handle lock in in the unlock position. Check to see if the head if level to the machine, if not, us a allen wrench to crank the right side jack screw as neccesary...

[Kenm810]

• Vertical Lockup: First Check RED Handle Lock,
Yes sometime we forget the basics,
Also Cranking the head beyond its highest useable
height can result in it locking in a position where the head crank cannot
lower it. Releasing from this locked position it is very easy. The
threaded head screw needs to be manually turned and can be
accessed from the inside of the machine. On this head screw, just
above the traction belts, is a hole into which an Allen wrench or similar
tool can be inserted. Using the Allen wrench as leverage, turn the
head screw a clockwise direction to unlock it.

The diagram is attached below.

[Sarge]

http://www.carvewright.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2731

Is this the same issue? If so, don't bring the head ALL the way up to the top.

[dukecreek]

Fixed the ratchet problem, too cold in garage. Warmed up the machine.......now I can't get rid of the following

"Z axis stall........error 246

[Jeff_Birt]

Have you updated your firmware? What are the circumstances when the erorr happens.

[dukecreek]

It occurs when I lower the head and lock it then try a functiion like "measure board" etc. etc.

[Sarge]

I had some of the same errors, but it was due to my braindead, pig-headedness.

This may sound juvenile or disrespectful, but it's not intended to be.

Okay first , make sure the card is in tight and shut the machine down. Remove your card, take it to the computer and format it. Then make sure you're working with the most current Firmware. Load your project to the card. Don't turn the machine on until you have the card inserted! This will occasionally cause an error. (It's like a computer booting up , but jumped over a crucial step.

Similar process in reverse for shut downs. Make sure you don't take the card out of the machine until the LCD goes out!!!!

I'm not saying this is "Expert" advice, but it has worked for me. I haven't had any error messages for awhile (KNOCK ON WOOD!!!).

[Jeff_Birt]

First thing to do is upgrade to Firmware/Designer version 1.20 (as the Sarge says). Open Designer click Help -> Check for updates.