Problems with Spark Concepts xPro v4

Hello,

I have been using the CNC xPro v4 for a few months now with the ACRO system build and it has worked great. However, I recently have tried adding a third axis motor to the Z terminal and cannot get it to work. The red LED is on continually whenever the motor is plugged in. I have tried reflashing Grbl a few times but no changes. I know it is not a motor or wiring issue because i can plug the motor into another axis and it works fine. Moreover, the USB LED also continually flashes orange and green when running OpenBuilds control but not when using standard serial terminal like TeraTerm. Has anyone experienced problems with the third axis and have any solutions to try? Thanks!

 

Thanks Peter, I have thought to use the slave driver as you said. It just makes the setup a bit bulkier and more awkward, but I'll try it and see if it works. I have been frustrated the past few days not understanding why the z axis seems shot no matter what I try. I am convinced it will be a simple toggle switch or jumper that on the board that I just don't see.

 

I hooked up the slave axis but It will on;y work correctly in one direction. The direction pin seems not to switch values correctly when going trying to go the opposite direction. If I remove the direction pin and manually apply 0 and 5V it goes both directions fine. I am unclear why this is occuring.

 

This problem occurs with every axis using the external driver. They all only turn the motor one direction. The other XY/A axis function properly from their normal connectors but not the Z

 

Not to my knowledge, although never would've known if there was a problem from the start because this is the first time trying to hook up the Z axis.

 

Will do, thanks for your help!