Laser module moving but not engraving and error message not understood

[tony_webb (Anthony Webb)]

I was going to buy this app yesterday but I noticed in facebook that there have been a few problems with the update for users with the Sculpfun S30. It’s what I have so I thought that I would wait a few days to see if it is sorted. However, today I am unable to engrave.

I set the engraving up at 1400 @ 10% for 2 passes for etching painted slate. The module moved as it should and the light beam was on but there was no engraving
(there normally is). I then increased the speed by 10% until I got to 60% everything seemed to work as normal except that there was no engraving.

I’ve tried:
Checking connections
closing and reopening the app,
Retsrating my computer,
Shutting down and restarting my computer
Switching off the laser and leaving for around 5 minutes and switching back on (in case there’s a memory problem)

Things got worse.

Now, when I press home the module moves to the home switch on the module’s axis but doesn’t go to the home switch in the bottom left.

I get the following error message:

ALARM:8
Homing fail. Cycle failed to clear limit switch when pulling off. Try increasing pull-off setting or check wiring.

"ok

Grbl 1.1h [‘$’ for help]

[MSG:‘$H’|‘$X’ to unlock]

ok"

I’ve tried ‘$’ for help. I think that it suggested entering ‘$H’|‘4x’.
[MSG:‘$H’|‘$x’] but it’s being rejected as a code error.

I’ve also tried replacing the cable with a printer cable (I don’t know if they’re the same but they look it).

I also tried clicking on frame. The laser module moved and drew the frame.It then returned to the end of the module’s axis bar and stopped. It didn’t return “home”.

Can you tell me how to fix this issue?

[jkwilborn (Jack Wilborn)]

The error states it can’t back off from the home switch. Are you sure these are working?

Generally the machine moves to a home switch, then backs off and approaches at a lower speed for better repeatability. When it backs off, the switch isn’t changing or at least being detected and generates this error.

If it can’t home, it doesn’t know where it is.

[misken (Melvin)]

First thing is to remove the laser device and add it new again. Next, check the firmware settings, what do they look like?

[tony_webb (Anthony Webb)]

I’ve fixed the problem. It was a loose switch!

Whilst setting up my laser the metal contact switch fell off. Short version, I had to dismantle the switch in order to put the strip back on. There were 4 small widgets that held the switch at the correct height. I couldn’t reassemble them so I used an Allan key to get the height and taped it to the switch.

The switch had worked loose. I’ve modified it!!