Hi, I'm having issues with my XYZ Touch Probe connected to a BB x32. Control troubleshooting is showing "Triggered" only when I connect the magnetic clip to the spindle. Oher forum posts have led me to test for continuity between my spindle and DC GND, however, after testing with a multimeter, I have no continuity between the two. I've tested from the spindle to the DC GND on the PSU input on the BB. To confuse me even further, when I disconnect my spindles input cable and connect the magnet, the probe doesn't trigger until the surface plate touches the tool in the spindle, which would lead me to think there is a continuity issue(?). My spindle is connected to a BD600 VFD. To be able to control the spindle from the Control program, I've followed instructions from another post: "1. Wiring the Relay Output: Step 1: Connect the COM terminal on RELAY 1 of the X32 to the DCM terminal on the VFD. Step 2: Connect the NO terminal on RELAY 1 of the X32 to the S1 terminal on the VFD. Explanation: When the relay closes, the VFD will run at the minimum speed of 133.33Hz unless the 0-10V signal calls for more speed. 2. Wiring the 0-10V Signal: Step 1: Connect the GND terminal on the 0-10V output of the X32 to the ACM terminal on the VFD. Step 2: Connect the 0-10V terminal on the 0-10V output of the X32 to the AI1 terminal on the VFD. Explanation: This connection allows you to control the spindle speed through the software." I've mentioned this because from reading other posts, it seems that a relay to VFD connection is ~normally~ not needed. (with less cheap VFD's) I will note that the Control program operates the spindle correctly. Another note is that no limit switches are currently wired / accidentally shorted to DC GND. Any information on getting my probe to behave correctly would be very much appreciated.
if you touch the magnet to the plate, it should then show as triggered, right? Tha tis how it works, it is a simple switch, connect magnet to plate and tha tmakes the connection. Therefore, attaching magnet to spindle, then touching plate to tool, should then make that connection, that is how it is supposed to work. BUT, attaching the magnet to the spindle when the plate is not touching anything SHOULD NOT show as triggered, that indicates a connection between the spindle and DC ground that should not exist. Disconnect the spindle and this connection goes away, which proves that the spindle is somehow connected to DC ground.
That is exactly why I am confused. I've just double checked for continuity between spindle and DC input on the BB, with the same no continuity result. I've even disconnected one stepper motor at a time (both at the motor and at the BB) just to rule out a broken wire, ect. I've disconnected my control wires from the BB to the VFD, and I've disconnected the DC power input wire that goes into the BB. It's still showing as triggered unless I remove the magnet. The only place I have continuity is Spindle > Pin 4 (Earth) > Earth Bus (which goes to the AC plug in the wall, which makes sense as its grounding the out case of the spindle). Checking all shielded cable drain wires show no continuity to DC GND either. I've checked the wiring on the probe itself is correct at both ends.
So I've just stumbled upon something... I'm currently using my laptop to connect to the BB. I disconnected the charger for the laptop and the "triggered" status went away and now the probe is operating correctly. Currently the only connection to the BB is the USB from the laptop and the probe. VFD and 24V PSU are unplugged from AC power.
That is a "feature" with some laptop chargers. They create a link between MAINS EARTH and DC GROUND. This can happen with the earth connection to the spindle casing as well, so plug the VFD back in to check that. Alex.
