Good info. Just FYI, I received a new 3018 PROVer for Christmas 2021. It came with a 24V 4A power supply. I later purchased a Genmitsu 20k RPM motor and it seems to run perfectly fine without gcode modifications.
Btw, I can actually also explain why. A spindle is nothing more than a motor. Or in other words an inductive load. Especially at startup these will create a pretty big peak current (for a short time). By ramping this up in little steps this initial peak isn't so high. Funny that I never thought of it to begin with, but when I was watching your video it just clicked. There are also softstart modules for these kind of things.
I didn't think of this at first either. It is such a small motor I wasn't thinking about that initial load being very large. And it isn't. But we are dealing with small everything so it is just as big of a deal as it would be with a large three phase motor.
Nice to know! I had exactly the same issue. Btw. For good and affordable power supplies go have a look and Meanwell. For $20-30 you'll find something that's suitable. This brand is even being used in professional CNCs like Felder.
Great questions. I wish I did. I just haven't done much with the router since the upgrade and I should! Just having too much fun with the laser. I have a video coming out soon where I cut a tree ornament. Maybe I will do that one again with my modified code and up the cut speed! ;-)
Thanks for this video. I also got the motor thinking it was just a swap out. I am a newbie at this stuff, so I need some more explaining. Does the above code get included at the beginning of the gcode for a cut?
That is a good question Brian. That code would replace any spot in your code where the spindle is off and is then turned on. Normally that would be near the beginning of your code. Usually, the spindle would be running the entire time. You may have code where the spindle is stopped for tool change or some other reason. You would need to add this code there as well when the spindle is started back up.
Here is a site that has great detail on how to set up the limit switches on the woodpecker controller: blog.shahada.abubakar.net/post/adding-end-stops-limit-switches-to-the-3018-woodpecker-cnc-router
if the start load is to high for the board are you going to damage it when you load the motor especially if it is a heavy cut is the board not going to damage it self trying to push that much over a long period. keep up the good work I appreciate all the information you share
The controller has some built in safety features to help prevent damage. That doesn't mean I can't damage it. I am going to keep a close eye on how it performs with some cuts. :-)
@@CNCATHome The board has no protections, the limiting is happening by the external power brick, and consequently that is also where the problem lies for starting the motor. You need a beefier supply to be able to run that motor under load, or even start in your case. I have the same motor, though the stock supply I got seems to be able to handle the startup (newer unit, so possibly more powerful supply). There is also risk of blowing the drive circuitry on the board, as the control board was not designed to push that much current. (Mine got blown when my spindle got loaded down by trying to take too deep of a cut) If you are always running at 100%, you may want to consider powering the spindle externally from a separate supply. If you want spindle speed control, you will want to look at a different board that has more drive capability, or modifying the existing one to increase it's capacity, and using a higher wattage power supply.
@@canadianavenger - Thank you for the information. I was under the impression that the Woodpecker has some build in overdrive cutoffs. I have been able to get this working by first powering up the spindle and then starting the moves and cuts. I may go with the external power supply for the spindle so it has no power issues and the controller doesn't overload from that. I would control the on and off from the Woodpecker's signal so the spindle would at least turn itself on and off. I might run that through a micro-controller and have it control the speed as well. We will see.
@@CNCATHome the speed and on/off on the woodpecker are the same signal. They are using a PWM channel to drive a power MOSFET. -- That means that when the FET is off, the spindle is off, when it is on, the spindle is on, speed is achieved by very rapidly turning it on and off. (Sorry if you knew that already, no idea what your technical level is) -- So no need for an external micro, just go with a more robust driver, and feed it from the same signal that drives the on-board FET.
@@canadianavenger - You are the BOSS! Thank you. I have not looked into how that worked so I had no idea. That makes it more simple to integrate an external power supply for the spindle. Thank you so much for the information. This project just became easier for when I do it. :-)
Good questions. When my software generates the G-Code, I have to tell it where to save the file. So the "where" part is where I tell it. For editing, I just use Notepad. It is a basic text editing program that is part of the Windows OS. Some of the software I use has a place where I can tell it to add this code when it generates the G-code. Then I don't have to add it later.
@@hermanarango2896 - Unfortunately, yes. That is why I like when there is an option within the software to put this code in to automatically be added to the head of the file.
I wish I had an answer for you. I do not use Candle and Easel so am unfamiliar with how they operate. If there is an option to output/save your G-Code, it would be in a text file that can easily be edited. In one f-engrave, there is a place to add startup code so I don't have to edit the code generated from that application.
I will try to answer your question. If you are generating a file with the g-code in it, it is a simple matter of opening that file in a text editor such as notepad (on a windows computer) and making the needed changes. In the f-engrave program, I have updated the "G Code Header" in settings to contain the new ramp up code. This way it will always be used when I generate my g-code and I won't have to go in and edit it. I hope this answers your question.
With the free software I mainly use, that is true. I haven't looked into it yet, I imagine there is a way to add this code into the more advanced software such as Fusion 360 so it wouldn't have to be entered each time. It is an easy cut and paste and if I am not running at 40%, I don't need to change the code. I may upgrade my power supply and then I won't have to worry about it at all.
Just installed my GS 775 Spindle upgrade. My spindle powered up completely and actually did a small cut seemingly without issue. Seems the control board is working properly. Correct? The biggest issue I experienced was the vibration. So much that I noticed the guide bearing working their way out. So working to fix that issue. Did you experience increased vibration at the high speed. Maybe I got a bad motor.
That is good news on getting the new motor installed. I did not experience a noticeable amount of additional vibration. The new spindle motor is quite a bit louder, that is for sure. If you feel the vibration is excessive, you can contact the seller and work with them a resolution.
James Dean's upgraded motor was significantly quieter. I'm surprised yours is louder. I wonder if you are getting an out of balance vibration? Maybe try those grub screws on the er11 coupling and see if it improves. PS. Did you align the coupling grub screw holes to the flat D face on the spindle ?
Anyone who uses Candle and/or VCarve, can you help James Cole with how to tell the software to use the script in the comment to spool up the spindle vs. going to full power? I will do some digging into this to see if I can find any answers. One thing is to save the G-Code, if that is an option, and edit that manually with a text editor. Anywhere the spindle it activated, copy this code in to replace it.
As I mentioned, I don't use candle. In digging into that, I looks to be just a sending application. I looked through the settings and the version I have, 1.1.7, does not have any way to change the code being sent. I use a program called Universal Sender to run my 3018Pro. It doesn't alter the G-Code either. I looked into some of the VCarve options a while back. For what I do right now, that was too much to spend. A friend of mine uses it and he really likes it. I can ping him to see if he knows anything about customizing the spindle startup code. For some simple things, I use a program called F-Engrave. It is a free program that works well for doing text and converting images into a tool path. That program does have a field called "G Code Header" where I can place this M3 startup code. That is nice in that I do not have to open up the G-Code it generates and do a find and replace as I have to do with other GCode that I generate. I also use Fusion360 which is very intense to learn. Super powerful, somewhat buggy at times, too many options, very flexible, and I would bet there is a way to get the spindle startup code in there somewhere. I just haven't dug into it yet as I spend too much time whenever I use it trying to remember how to do the most basic things.
Good info. Just FYI, I received a new 3018 PROVer for Christmas 2021. It came with a 24V 4A power supply. I later purchased a Genmitsu 20k RPM motor and it seems to run perfectly fine without gcode modifications.
Thank you for that information. That is good to know.
Thanks
Btw, I can actually also explain why. A spindle is nothing more than a motor. Or in other words an inductive load. Especially at startup these will create a pretty big peak current (for a short time). By ramping this up in little steps this initial peak isn't so high.
Funny that I never thought of it to begin with, but when I was watching your video it just clicked. There are also softstart modules for these kind of things.
I didn't think of this at first either. It is such a small motor I wasn't thinking about that initial load being very large. And it isn't. But we are dealing with small everything so it is just as big of a deal as it would be with a large three phase motor.
Nice to know! I had exactly the same issue. Btw. For good and affordable power supplies go have a look and Meanwell.
For $20-30 you'll find something that's suitable. This brand is even being used in professional CNCs like Felder.
Great video thanks Mr AT, Do you have any video of improved cutting & improvement in speedt rate & cut depth?
Great questions. I wish I did. I just haven't done much with the router since the upgrade and I should! Just having too much fun with the laser. I have a video coming out soon where I cut a tree ornament. Maybe I will do that one again with my modified code and up the cut speed! ;-)
Great, thank you
Thanks for this video. I also got the motor thinking it was just a swap out. I am a newbie at this stuff, so I need some more explaining. Does the above code get included at the beginning of the gcode for a cut?
That is a good question Brian. That code would replace any spot in your code where the spindle is off and is then turned on. Normally that would be near the beginning of your code. Usually, the spindle would be running the entire time. You may have code where the spindle is stopped for tool change or some other reason. You would need to add this code there as well when the spindle is started back up.
Informative videos, would you elaborate on wiring connections of the homing switches. Thanks
Here is a site that has great detail on how to set up the limit switches on the woodpecker controller: blog.shahada.abubakar.net/post/adding-end-stops-limit-switches-to-the-3018-woodpecker-cnc-router
if the start load is to high for the board are you going to damage it when you load the motor especially if it is a heavy cut is the board not going to damage it self trying to push that much over a long period. keep up the good work I appreciate all the information you share
The controller has some built in safety features to help prevent damage. That doesn't mean I can't damage it. I am going to keep a close eye on how it performs with some cuts. :-)
@@CNCATHome The board has no protections, the limiting is happening by the external power brick, and consequently that is also where the problem lies for starting the motor. You need a beefier supply to be able to run that motor under load, or even start in your case. I have the same motor, though the stock supply I got seems to be able to handle the startup (newer unit, so possibly more powerful supply). There is also risk of blowing the drive circuitry on the board, as the control board was not designed to push that much current. (Mine got blown when my spindle got loaded down by trying to take too deep of a cut) If you are always running at 100%, you may want to consider powering the spindle externally from a separate supply. If you want spindle speed control, you will want to look at a different board that has more drive capability, or modifying the existing one to increase it's capacity, and using a higher wattage power supply.
@@canadianavenger - Thank you for the information. I was under the impression that the Woodpecker has some build in overdrive cutoffs. I have been able to get this working by first powering up the spindle and then starting the moves and cuts. I may go with the external power supply for the spindle so it has no power issues and the controller doesn't overload from that. I would control the on and off from the Woodpecker's signal so the spindle would at least turn itself on and off. I might run that through a micro-controller and have it control the speed as well. We will see.
@@CNCATHome the speed and on/off on the woodpecker are the same signal. They are using a PWM channel to drive a power MOSFET. -- That means that when the FET is off, the spindle is off, when it is on, the spindle is on, speed is achieved by very rapidly turning it on and off. (Sorry if you knew that already, no idea what your technical level is) -- So no need for an external micro, just go with a more robust driver, and feed it from the same signal that drives the on-board FET.
@@canadianavenger - You are the BOSS! Thank you. I have not looked into how that worked so I had no idea. That makes it more simple to integrate an external power supply for the spindle. Thank you so much for the information. This project just became easier for when I do it. :-)
where do you get that file with the code? How do you edit it?
Good questions. When my software generates the G-Code, I have to tell it where to save the file. So the "where" part is where I tell it. For editing, I just use Notepad. It is a basic text editing program that is part of the Windows OS. Some of the software I use has a place where I can tell it to add this code when it generates the G-code. Then I don't have to add it later.
@@CNCATHome you mean I have to do that for every file?
@@hermanarango2896 - Unfortunately, yes. That is why I like when there is an option within the software to put this code in to automatically be added to the head of the file.
@@CNCATHome thanks. I really appreciate you being so patient
where do I edit the gcode? Using Candle & Easel
I wish I had an answer for you. I do not use Candle and Easel so am unfamiliar with how they operate. If there is an option to output/save your G-Code, it would be in a text file that can easily be edited. In one f-engrave, there is a place to add startup code so I don't have to edit the code generated from that application.
great and informative videos but could you explain to a novice how to enter modified gcode thanks for the help
I will try to answer your question. If you are generating a file with the g-code in it, it is a simple matter of opening that file in a text editor such as notepad (on a windows computer) and making the needed changes. In the f-engrave program, I have updated the "G Code Header" in settings to contain the new ramp up code. This way it will always be used when I generate my g-code and I won't have to go in and edit it.
I hope this answers your question.
@@CNCATHome thank you
so i dont get it every time you run now job you have to add g code command
With the free software I mainly use, that is true. I haven't looked into it yet, I imagine there is a way to add this code into the more advanced software such as Fusion 360 so it wouldn't have to be entered each time. It is an easy cut and paste and if I am not running at 40%, I don't need to change the code. I may upgrade my power supply and then I won't have to worry about it at all.
Just installed my GS 775 Spindle upgrade. My spindle powered up completely and actually did a small cut seemingly without issue. Seems the control board is working properly. Correct? The biggest issue I experienced was the vibration. So much that I noticed the guide bearing working their way out. So working to fix that issue. Did you experience increased vibration at the high speed. Maybe I got a bad motor.
That is good news on getting the new motor installed. I did not experience a noticeable amount of additional vibration. The new spindle motor is quite a bit louder, that is for sure. If you feel the vibration is excessive, you can contact the seller and work with them a resolution.
James Dean's upgraded motor was significantly quieter. I'm surprised yours is louder. I wonder if you are getting an out of balance vibration? Maybe try those grub screws on the er11 coupling and see if it improves.
PS. Did you align the coupling grub screw holes to the flat D face on the spindle ?
were do i add this i use canle and vcarve
Anyone who uses Candle and/or VCarve, can you help James Cole with how to tell the software to use the script in the comment to spool up the spindle vs. going to full power?
I will do some digging into this to see if I can find any answers. One thing is to save the G-Code, if that is an option, and edit that manually with a text editor. Anywhere the spindle it activated, copy this code in to replace it.
Thanks love the quick response you have a new follower
@@jamescole5018 - That is great. I hope you find some of the content helpful.
As I mentioned, I don't use candle. In digging into that, I looks to be just a sending application. I looked through the settings and the version I have, 1.1.7, does not have any way to change the code being sent. I use a program called Universal Sender to run my 3018Pro. It doesn't alter the G-Code either.
I looked into some of the VCarve options a while back. For what I do right now, that was too much to spend. A friend of mine uses it and he really likes it. I can ping him to see if he knows anything about customizing the spindle startup code.
For some simple things, I use a program called F-Engrave. It is a free program that works well for doing text and converting images into a tool path. That program does have a field called "G Code Header" where I can place this M3 startup code. That is nice in that I do not have to open up the G-Code it generates and do a find and replace as I have to do with other GCode that I generate.
I also use Fusion360 which is very intense to learn. Super powerful, somewhat buggy at times, too many options, very flexible, and I would bet there is a way to get the spindle startup code in there somewhere. I just haven't dug into it yet as I spend too much time whenever I use it trying to remember how to do the most basic things.
Ok figured it out just update to the newest candle and add the code to the startup code done dont need to enter it all the time anymore