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Servo control wizard not storing settings

Discussion in 'DrawBot' started by Gizmo6, Jun 1, 2025.

  1. Gizmo6

    Gizmo6 New
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    I have followed the instructions in 3.3.6 BlackBox X32 RC servo but the values for servo up and down are not being stored. After completing the calibration wizard and saving the pen up / down commands only produce around one third of the required travel. How do I adjust the range of travel and store it? I need 3/8 inch lift to keep the tool clear of the stock while making non cutting moves.
     
  2. Gizmo6

    Gizmo6 New
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    I created a simple test drawing and converted it to a GCODE file in the OpenBuilds CAM, loaded the file in OpenBuilds Control and ran the program.
    The X/Y axis make the proper moves but the servo is never actuated to raise and lower the pen carriage. I have never used the CAM program before but I
    am guessing the yellow lines are supposed to indicate the tool lifting to make non drawing moves, I see no commands issued in the log to generate tool movement.
    What am I missing here?
     

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  3. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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  4. Gizmo6

    Gizmo6 New
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    Thank you,
    I have followed the blackbox-32: connect-rc-servo and the servo responds to pen up/down buttons as well as tool on/off buttons, I can also use command line to send move commands to reposition the servo.
    Can the OpenBuilds CAM be used to generate the tool on/off commands required to operate the servo or am I better off just installing a Z axis on my gantry?
    I am not actually trying to draw but run a needle cutter along a tool path to cut EPS foam shapes from 6mm sheets of foam. Basically the same as using a router but using a .015 reciprocating cutter vice a rotating bit.
     
  5. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    Yes, set up add-on in settings:

    upload_2025-6-2_17-6-53.png

    And you can tune Pen Up/Down S-Values when creating toolpaths

    upload_2025-6-2_17-7-42.png
     
  6. Gizmo6

    Gizmo6 New
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  7. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    Attach pictures using Upload a file button, or paste from clipboard into text area. Your attachments didn't work, errors when clicked
     
  8. Gizmo6

    Gizmo6 New
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    Sorry, I thought the last was an upload.
    After a bunch of searches it looks like I might be able to just use LightBurn with a new machine preset, the cutter speed will have to be manually set but that was the plan from the start.
     

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