Job stops while in progress

[cyberslug (Joe Name)]

Although intermittent, I can recreate this problem at will. If I browse the internet using a browser while a log job is running, the job in progress will stop. The timer will continue to countdown. I’m running a Mac running Mojave 10.3.6 and using the repleo USB-serial driver. I initially thought that was the problem - it’s an older MacBook Air that needed replaced anyway - so I replaced it. Bought a new (used) computer with an nice 4 core i5 and put 16G RAM and a big 500G SSD. Loaded Ubuntu 20 on it - and it’s really fast. Put Lightburn on, no issues, it even detected my GRBL setup (the MacBook Air didn’t) running a job, seems effortless for it. Then… while browsing the web, the job will stop. So two computers, different operating systems - same error. Does anyone else have similar experiences?

Thank you!
Joe

[mentaldemise (Donald Goss)]

I had a similar issue from forgetting to disable limit switches. It was randomly triggering.

[Rick (Technical Evangelist)]

I see this was addressed via email as well so I post that response here:

Oz: "We have about 25,000 users at this point, roughly half of whom are using gcode systems. If running a browser was enough to kill a job in progress, I’d be hearing about it, but you’re the first person to mention anything of the sort. I’d be very surprised to find that it’s LightBurn causing the issue.

A simple test would be to run a different piece of software, like LaserGRBL (running in buffered mode, so the streaming is the same). Save the GCode from LightBurn and send it using LaserGRBL. If that software pauses mid job as well, then it’s not a software problem."

[cyberslug (Joe Name)]

disabling the limit switches in the software? I took them off my frame.

[cyberslug (Joe Name)]

Yes, your reply was why I thought I would check with more population. If it’s a one off - then I need help and if not, then you need help.

[Rick (Technical Evangelist)]

@cyberslug

If it’s a one off

Have you run the suggested test to confirm? Please post you results.

[cyberslug (Joe Name)]

it would be a 2 off - two different operating systems on two different computers. It could be my hardware, which would be a bummer, and a bit odd since it will run for hours if I don’t start a browser.

[mentaldemise (Donald Goss)]

Just want to confirm you also set the $ option to turn the limit switches off when you removed them physically.

[cyberslug (Joe Name)]

I didn’t - let me look up which one it is and turn that off

[cyberslug (Joe Name)]

Yes, $5 = 0 - so they were already disabled.

[Rick (Technical Evangelist)]

@cyberslug

a bit odd since it will run for hours if I don’t start a browser.

@Rick

If running a browser was enough to kill a job in progress, I’d be hearing about it, but you’re the first person to mention anything of the sort.

@Rick

run a different piece of software, like LaserGRBL (running in buffered mode, so the streaming is the same). Save the GCode from LightBurn and send it using LaserGRBL.

Have you tried this test? What was the result?

[cyberslug (Joe Name)]

I’ve not run the test yet - that will take me a while.

[cyberslug (Joe Name)]

It’s windows - I don’t have any windows computers

[cyberslug (Joe Name)]

ok - not just isolated to browsers - doesn’t matter what’s going on - could be nothing. And the job will stop. It also happens with both systems - the mac or the new ubuntu computer.

[cyberslug (Joe Name)]

watching the console - the commands being sent stop. I don’t know if that helps.

[raykholo (Ray Kholodovsky)]

I’d recommend going through:

How to troubleshoot connection issues with USB

A very common problem with Windows systems and lasers is the way Windows handles USB connections - If it thinks a connection is idle, it can put the port into a power-save mode, which can make your device stop talking to it. This is especially common with laptops. If you are having issues where you often lose the USB connection after a period of time, try the following: Windows 7: Disable USB Power Management on Windows 7 Machines Windows 10: How to disable Windows 10's 'USB selective suspen…

[cyberslug (Joe Name)]

sadly not Windows - it’s two systems, Mac & Ubuntu.

[Rick (Technical Evangelist)]

What is the result of the rest of the suggested testing, which has nothing to do with the OS running? How is the connection on the controller side? Are these known-good components?

@LightBurn

It’s also worth noting that USB cables are limited to 5 meters (16 feet). If your cable is longer than that, you may have transmission errors or connection problems unless the cable is “active” - IE, re-transmits or amplifies the signal, and plugs into a power adapter.

Other common problems:

• poor grounding causes electrical noise
• chiller or air compressor on the same circuit as the controller can cause electrical noise or brownouts

If you are using a GCode device with “Home on Startup” enabled, USB connection errors will cause the connect to re-establish, and the device will re-home. This is a very good indication that you have one of the above issues.

[cyberslug (Joe Name)]

I had a spare controller - sainsmart - was able to upload grbl 1.1h to it - and it seems to be running without issues, so far. The stopping during job runs had increased exponentially, so I suspected it was the eleksmana card - I don’t know why - and maybe that wasn’t the whole issue - but it seems to be running now. I’ll give everyone an update in the next few days. I really appreciate all the help and support!