Z-axis Configuration and Stepper Problems
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 2:14 am
Hello. Thank you for your time and interest.
Everything is assembled and I'm trying to get to my first print. Unfortunately, I'm running into some problems when configuring the z-axis that are mainly due to stepper motor control.
1) Z-axis feed rate does not change regardless of the setting. I have checked to make sure the max specified in Marlin is above the current settings; however, there is no change in speed when I vary the feed rate using manual control.
2) Lift sequence and exposure coordination is never quite right. It seems that the lift sequence does not complete in the calculated time (due to Problem #1) - it either takes too long or finishes way before the next exposure.
3) Occasionally my power supply shuts off when the motor is engaged. I'm using a 12V 15A ATX power supply and have fooled around with the current limiter on the Pololu A4988; however, this is a continuous problem.
4) Microstepping works with the RAMPS 1.4 test code; however, it is never coordinated in Creation Workshop and often shuts off my power supply when engaged. I have adjusted the steps per unit in Marlin accordingly, but I cannot get this to work.
Your input on these issues would be very much appreciated. I'm planning to try a new power supply to prevent the system from shutting down, but I'm lost as far as the z-axis feed rates and micro stepping.
Thanks again.
Everything is assembled and I'm trying to get to my first print. Unfortunately, I'm running into some problems when configuring the z-axis that are mainly due to stepper motor control.
1) Z-axis feed rate does not change regardless of the setting. I have checked to make sure the max specified in Marlin is above the current settings; however, there is no change in speed when I vary the feed rate using manual control.
2) Lift sequence and exposure coordination is never quite right. It seems that the lift sequence does not complete in the calculated time (due to Problem #1) - it either takes too long or finishes way before the next exposure.
3) Occasionally my power supply shuts off when the motor is engaged. I'm using a 12V 15A ATX power supply and have fooled around with the current limiter on the Pololu A4988; however, this is a continuous problem.
4) Microstepping works with the RAMPS 1.4 test code; however, it is never coordinated in Creation Workshop and often shuts off my power supply when engaged. I have adjusted the steps per unit in Marlin accordingly, but I cannot get this to work.
Your input on these issues would be very much appreciated. I'm planning to try a new power supply to prevent the system from shutting down, but I'm lost as far as the z-axis feed rates and micro stepping.
Thanks again.