I ran the Z-Probe but it did not stop. My probe has a green/red light that works. The light was green, I ran the software, the bit touched and light turned red but the bit broke because the software did not stop Z travel. I ran it again and broke a second bit. I tested the probe by hand, having lifted the probe to the bit, but it never stopped. Is this software or hardware failure?
Here is my GCode.
The stopping happens when the circuit completes and is recognized by the controller.
The probe is working. Any chance you have the wire from the probe on the wrong pin on the controller board?
Both, but not a LightBurn issue. The probing is a firmware function. LB only sends the start command, the machine does the rest. So if it doesn’t work, it’s either an electrical issue or a software / settings issue in the firmware. There is nothing LB can do about it.
Let’s do this test, please:
Enter this command in the Console Window to query the controller’s status, including the limit switch and probe
?
Hold down the probe so that the light turns red.
Enter the same command again.
Send us a screenshot of both replies.
Can you confirm that the magnet is attached to the tool or the spindle collet nut - not the spindle housing itself? Often ceramic bearings in the spindle do not permit the circuit to close, or if it does, the signal is weak. Connecting the magnet as close as possible to the tool being probed is important.
You can see the ?’s at the bottom of the screen shot. The first was NOT touching. The second WAS touching. The only code I saw in your message was a ?. Was that correct?
I have an alligator clip, not magnet. So, I get great contact. It is connected to the bit.
The connectors only fit together one way. It is the Z probe that my CNC manufacturer makes/sells. The probe was working weeks ago.
Based on what appears in your screen shot, the controller board is not detecting the contact closure of the probe.
@MikeyH What would I expect to see in the code to show completed loop?
I do not know the exact text, but those 2 lines should not be the same. @Aaron.F can probably tell what the actual text should have been.
Test 1:
Test 2:
Did some diagnostics to see if I could tell what was going on. Found a loose connector. My CNC manufacturer uses JST-XH Connectors. Absolutely the worst connector for this use. I was removing the probe when not in use. I see why they make a wireless probe or a mount to store the probe and keep the wire connected. I’ve ordered the XYZ probe and will use better wire, keep it connected to the board, and build a storage cup.
I wonder, could it be possible to build in a continuity tester (software driven) into the probe test? A simple Red and Green light would be acceptable.
They are not the same in his previous screenshot 
It’s looking good. This P in the second line is the active probe
I’m not sure whether that’s also how MillMage is supposed to detect it.
To my understanding, the firmware is supposed to handle the stop on probe contact with the G38.2 command from the probing sequence.
Which exact firmware and version are you running?
(Enter this command in the console and send us a screenshot of the reply, please $i)
I got confirmation that the G38.2 command is handled on firmware.
I find it odd that the Z-axis moved at all, but your controller might be using a different command for probing.
Forwarding some serious advice: When testing something like this, attach a piece of wire or something flexible to the spindle and make sure it has proper connection to the probe. That way you have time to hit the estop before something breaks. - I read that you already found out why
I am having these same problems. Z axis movement not stopping when it touches tool length probe.
Then check the probe electrically first. Use the question mark command (?) to check if the probe is activated correctly.
Can you give us specifics about the make and model of machine you’re working with? How is the probe connected? What is the controller it is connected to?
@Colin sorry about delay, had to find some time. I noticed $32 was =1. That sets my machine in laser mode, not router mode ($32=0).
Can you give us specifics about the make and model of machine you’re working with?
I have a NymoLabs NBS 6040. I have router (air cooled and water cooled) and 10W laser. I use LightBurn and MillMage. Thank you for making these programs.
How is the probe connected?
My probe is wired. The manufacturer uses JST connector types.
What is the controller it is connected to?
This the the master controller that Nymolabs uses. However, there is an accessory board that it plugs into.
Is that the information you need?
