Probotix COMET Quick Start Manual

Telephone Support

31.5” 34” 36” 3/4” MDF or Plywood, 34” x 36” A B C D E F G H A 3/4” MDF or Plywood, 24.5” x 34.5” B 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 34” Long C 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 34.5” Long D 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 25.5” Long E 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 33” Long F 4pcs 4x4 Pine, 27.25” Long G 4pcs 3.5” Tall Locking Castors H

31.5” 46” 36” 3/4” MDF or Plywood, 46” x 36” A B C D E F G H A 3/4” MDF or Plywood, 37.5” x 34.5” B 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 46” Long C 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 34.5” Long D 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 37.5” Long E 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 33” Long F 4pcs 4x4 Pine, 27.25” Long G 4pcs 3.5” Tall Locking Castors H

31.5” 34” 64.5” 3/4” MDF or Plywood, 34” x 64.5” A B C D E F G H A 3/4” MDF or Plywood, 25.5” x 63” B 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 34” Long C 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 63” Long D 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 25.5” Long E 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 61.5” Long F 4pcs 4x4 Pine, 27.25” Long G 4pcs 3.5” Tall Locking Castors H

31.5” 46” 64.5” 3/4” MDF or Plywood, 46” x 64.5” A B C D E F G H A 3/4” MDF or Plywood, 37.5” x 63” B 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 46” Long C 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 63” Long D 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 37.5” Long E 2pcs 1x4 Pine, 61.5” Long F 4pcs 4x4 Pine, 27.25” Long G 4pcs 3.5” Tall Locking Castors H

CONNECTION DIAGRAM (ROUTER)

CONNECTION DIAGRAM (VFD SPINDLE) C J H I VFD I J 220VAC VFD CONTROL CABLE

B: AC INPUT - Power input here is switched by relay to the (C) ROUTER output. C: ROUTER - Connect to the green power cable from the machine harness. On-screen spindle controls, as well as M3/M5 g-codes will control this output. When a VFD spindle is used instead of a router, this outlet can be used with for a shop vac and is controlled by M8/M9. D: USB - Connect to USB connector on PC. E: PARALLEL PORT - Connect to the primary (built onto the motherboard) DB-25 connector on the PC. F, G, H, I, J: MOTOR CONNECTIONS - Connect to each of the labeled motor connections from the machine harness. J: A-AXIS - For optional rotary axis. K: VFD - Connect to 3-pin VFD pigtail for speed control of a VFD spindle. L: LIMITS - Connect to the 8-pin limit switch connector from the machine harness. M: E-STOP - Connect to the 2-pin e-stop connector from the machine harness. N: EARTH GND - It is recommended that the machine is grounded to earth. Connect the two black wires from the machine harness to this connection. If using a VFD, ground the machine frame to the VFD earth ground terminal instead. Additional earth grounding may be necessary when working with certain spindles or certain types of materials that may cause excess EMI or static electricity. O: AUX - This is a 5V logic level signal that can be connected to a PowerSwitch Tail or other 5V@20mA relay circuit. This signal is controlled by the flood coolant controls in the software (M8/M9). Do not use if running a VFD spindle. UNITY CONTROLLER PORTS K

220VAC@20AMP 1 2 3 4 SPINDLE U,V,W TO SPEED CONTROL BOARD 1) 24V PWR (RED) 2) GND (BLK) 3) 0-10V (WHT) EARTH GND JUMPER SET TO “VI” 1 2 3 TO MACHINE FRAME VI 24V DCM/ASM NOTICE: Internal wiring of Chinese spindles is not consistent. If spindle spins in reverse, swap U & V. You MUST verify visually or physically the proper rotation of the spindle to ensure the machine cuts properly!

(SUNFAR E300) 220VAC@20AMP 1 2 3 4 SPINDLE U,V,W TO SPEED CONTROL BOARD 1) 24V PWR (RED) 2) GND (BLK) 3) 0-10V (WHT) EARTH GND 1 2 3 TO MACHINE FRAME VI 24V CM NOTICE: Internal wiring of Chinese spindles is not consistent. If spindle spins in reverse, swap U & V. You MUST verify visually or physically the proper rotation of the spindle to ensure the machine cuts properly!

(SUNFAR E500) 220VAC@20AMP 1 2 3 4 SPINDLE U,V,W TO SPEED CONTROL BOARD 1) 24V PWR (RED) 2) GND (BLK) 3) 0-10V (WHT) EARTH GND 1 2 3 TO MACHINE FRAME AI 24V GND NOTICE: Internal wiring of Chinese spindles is not consistent. If spindle spins in reverse, swap U & V. You MUST verify visually or physically the proper rotation of the spindle to ensure the machine cuts properly!

transport. Reinstall them as seen above before running the machine.

Ÿ Start computer Ÿ Launch LinuxCNC from icon on desktop Ÿ Turn power on Unity Controller Ÿ Verify red E-Stop indicator follows physical e-stop Ÿ Click orange Machine Power button Ÿ Click the Home All button Ÿ Click folder icon to open g-code file Ÿ Load tool into spindle or router Ÿ Mount stock on the table Ÿ Jog machine to place tool on origin of part Ÿ Perform touch-off sequence (all 3 axis) Ÿ Verify spindle power switch is on Ÿ Hit the Run button Ÿ Watch in awe *There are additional instruction in the wiki for using the Z Touch-off puck and the ATLaS Automatic Tool Length Sensor. GETTING STARTED

programs will have appropriate post processors named either LinuxCNC or EMC2. You can use generic g-code post processors as well. We also have post processors on our wiki specifically for our machines. If using the ATLaS Automatic Tool Length Sensor, you need to make sure the post processor you are using is inserting the proper tool change routine. CNC machines use a numbered coordinate system. G54 is the default coordinate system. Some post processors carelessly do not insert a coordinate system. The results of not specifying a coordinate system in the g-code is unpredictable and dangerous. Be sure the coordinate system is being inserted into the g-code preamble. After you mount your stock to the table and insert the tool you will be cutting with, use the jog controls to move the tool to the origin of the part. This is the same location you told the CAM software you wanted the origin to be. It could be on one of the corners of the part, or top center of the part. Then choose each axis and click the button. CAM SOFTWARE G54 COORDINATE SYSTEM TOUCHING OFF The current position of the tool relative to the stock at this moment. May be zero, may be the thickness of the piece of paper you are sliding under the tool. This needs to match the coordinate system that the CAM software is inserting into the g-code. The axis that we are setting the origin for.

your designs up into a bunch of tiny segments. This will create jittery motion, will create tool marks in the part, shorten your tool life, and can extend the cut times significantly. Fortunately, LinuxCNC has a mode called G64 path optimization. When G64 is turned on, LinuxCNC will perform a look-ahead and calculates the angle of the next segment(s), only slowing down as little as possible to round the corner(s). It tries to maintain the programmed velocity as close as possible, while not violating the velocity and acceleration capabilities of the machine. If G64 is programmed without a P parameter, LinuxCNC will take its liberty and round over those corners as much as it needs, the faster the feedrate, the greater the deviation from the programmed location. While cutting a square at only 10IPM will be a near perfect square, cutting that same square at 100IPM will result in 3 extremely rounded corners. In LinuxCNC, G64 is turned on by default (look for it under active g-codes under the MDI tab), but it does not have this P parameter (tolerance) by default. The simple solution is to type G64 P0.010 into the MDI command box and hit go. This will tell LinuxCNC to yes, turn on path optimization, but do not deviate more than 0.010" from where I told you to go. The tolerance you use will depend upon the types of parts you are making. You will want to set it to 0.010 or more for decorative type things, especially while 3D carving. For more precise parts, You will use 0.001. G61 cancels G64 and will cause the machine to come to a complete stop at the end of every segment. One more thing... You can put that G64 line in the preamble of your post processor so that it inserts it into every g-code file. It is modal, so it stays the same unless explicitly changed with another G64 Pxxx, or canceled with a G61. It also resets when the software is restarted. The most efficient way to manage this is to create seperate post processor for each tolerance level you want to use. Do not confuse G64 Path Optimization with the G54 Coordinate System G64 PATH OPTIMIZATION More information about this and other topics can be found on the wiki: http://www.probotix.com/wiki/

machine each day. This will allow a tiny amount of oil to be sucked up into the bearing housings before cutting any parts. Use the included linear motion grease on the leadscrews. A light coating is enough, as Delrin is self-lubricating. You can use WD-40 and an air nozzle to remove debris from the screw. Be sure to dry the screw of the WD-40 before re-applying grease as WD-40 is a solvent and will dissolve the grease. The Grease Zerks on the z-axis bearings are not used. All of the other bearings are sealed. The most important thing is to keep any dust cleaned off of the machine, especially if you are cutting abrasive materials such as MDF, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. High Humidity Environments & Storage: If you use your machine in a high humidity environment, ie in a shed or other non- airconditioned environment, or if you plan to store it without use, rust can form on the linear rails, leadscrews, and the black-oxide machine fasteners. Coat these surfaces with grease or WD-40 often. Again, be sure to dry the screws and rails of the WD-40 before re-applying grease and oil before use. The black-oxide machine fasteners will not need to wiped dry. Bearing Replacements: Depending on the amount of use and the loads on the machine for your application, the linear bearings and leadscrew ball bearings will need to be replaced eventually. You will notice excess slop, marks on the rails, or jerky motion on the affected axis. Replace them annually for worry free operation. Anti-backlash Nuts: The Delrin anti-backlash nuts are designed to wear and may need to be replaced periodically, depending upon the amount of use and abuse your machine receives. When they fail, you will notice backlash on the affected axis. You can check them by pulling and pushing on each axis and observing slop between the leadscrew and the drive nuts. The replace them, you will need to remove the leadscrews. Replace them annually for worry free operation. MAINTENANCE

F3 MANUAL MODE F4 AUTO MODE F5 MDI MODE F6 RESET INTERPRETER F7 TOGGLE MIST F8 TOGGLE FLOOD F9 TOGGLE SPINDLE FORWARD F10 TOGGLE SPINDLE REVERSE F11 DECREASE SPINDLE SPEED F12 INCREASE SPINDLE SPEED X SELECT X-AXIS Y SELECT Y-AXIS Z SELECT Z-AXIS LEFT/RIGHT ARROW JOG X-AXIS UP/DOWN ARROW JOG Y-AXIS PAGE UP/DOWN JOG Z-AXIS HOME HOME SELECTED AXIS END TOUCH-OFF SELECTED AXIS DECREASE/INCREASE JOG SPEED C SELECT CONTINUOUS JOGGING I SELECT INCREMENTAL JOGGING AND TOGGLE BETWEEN INCREMENTS 1-9,0 FEED OVERRIDE 10%-90%, 0 IS 100% @ TOGGLE COMMANDED/ACTUAL POSITION DISPLAY # TOGGLE ABSOLUTE/RELATIVE POSITION DISPLAY O OPEAN A PROGRAM R RUN THE OPENED PROGRAM P PAUSE PROGRAM S RESUME PAUSED PROGRAM A STEP ONE LINE IN PAUSED PROGRAM B TAKE SPINDLE BREAK OFF ALT-B PUT SPINDLE BRAKE ON ALT-S START LOGGING ALT-P PAUSE LOGGING ALT-F SAVE LOG FILE CTRL-P PRINT LOG FILE (ONLY WITH XGRAPH) LINUXCNC KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

M3, M4 M5 G96 G97 M7 M8 M9 F S T M50…M53 G54…G59, G59.1…G59.3 O … M6 G4 G10 L2 G28 G30 G53 G92 G92.1 G92.2 G92.3 M101…M199 (…) (MSG,…) (DEBUG,…#123…#) (PRINT,…#123…#) I J K or R R L P R L P Q K K P Z I J R K Q H L E D D L H I K P S D S P0 (off) or P1 (on) sub/endsub, while/endwhile, if/else/endif, do/while, call, break/continue/return T P P X Y Z A B C X Y Z A B C P Q Rapid motion Coordinated motion ("Straight feed") Coordinated helical motion ("Arc feed") CW or CCW Straight Probe Cancel motion mode Drilling Cycle Other canned cycles Spindle-synchronized motion Rigid Tapping Multipass lathe threading cycle Select XY plane Select XZ plane Select YZ plane Absolute distance mode Incremental distance mode Inverse time feed rate Units per minute feed rate Units per revolution Inches Millimeters Start cutter radius compensation left or right Start cutter radius compensation left or right, transient tool Cancel cutter radius compensation Use tool length offset from tool table Use specified tool length offset for transient tool Cancel tool length offset Retract to R position Retract to prior position Exact Path mode Exact Stop mode Continuous mode with optional path tolerance Pause Program End Program Other stop codes Turn spindle clockwise or counterclockwise Stop spindle Constant surface speed mode (foot/minute or meter/minute) with top speed RPM mode Turn mist on Turn flood on Turn all coolant off Set Feed Rate Set Spindle Speed Select Tool Feed Override, Spindle Override, Adaptive Feed, Feed Hold Select coordinate system Change tool Dwell (seconds) Coordinate system origin setting Return to home Return to secondary home Motion in machine coordinate system Offset coordinate systems and set parameters Cancel offset coordinate systems and set parameters to zero Cancel offset coordinate systems but do not reset parameters Apply parameters to offset coordinate systems User-defined M-codes A comment "…" to the user Display the message "…" to the user (e.g., in a popup) Display the message (with variables substituted) like MSG Display the message (with variables substituted) to stderr Motion Plane Selection (affects G2, G3, G81…G89, G40…G42) Distance Mode Feed Rate Mode Units Cutter Radius Compensation Tool Length Offset Return Mode in Canned Cycles Path Control Mode Stopping Spindle Control Coolant Other Modal Codes Flow-control Codes Non-modal Codes G-CODE QUICK REFERENCE

available for general use. Volatile. 5061-5069 - Coordinates of a "G38.2" Probe result of X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V & W. Volatile. 5070 - "G38" probe result - 1 if success, 0 if probe failed to close. Used with G38.3 and G38.5. Volatile. 5161-5169 - "G28" Home for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V & W. Persistent. 5181-5189 - "G30" Home for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V & W. Persistent. 5211-5219 - "G92" offset for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V & W. Persistent. 5210 - 1 if "G92" offset is currently applied, 0 otherwise. Persistent. 5211-5219 - G92 offset (X Y Z A B C U V W). 5220 - Coordinate System number 1 - 9 for G54 - G59.3. Persistent. 5221-5230 - Coordinate System 1, G54 for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V, W & R. R denotes the XY rotation angle around the Z axis. Persistent. 5241-5250 - Coordinate System 2, G55 for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V, W & R. Persistent. 5261-5270 - Coordinate System 3, G56 for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V, W & R. Persistent. 5281-5290 - Coordinate System 4, G57 for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V, W & R. Persistent. 5301-5310 - Coordinate System 5, G58 for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V, W & R. Persistent. 5321-5330 - Coordinate System 6, G59 for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V, W & R. Persistent. 5341-5350 - Coordinate System 7, G59.1 for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V, W & R. Persistent. 5361-5370 - Coordinate System 8, G59.2 for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V, W & R. Persistent. 5381-5390 - Coordinate System 9, G59.3 for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V, W & R. Persistent. 5399 - Result of M66 - Check or wait for input. Volatile. 5400 - Tool Number. Volatile. 5401-5409 - Tool Offsets for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V & W. Volatile. 5410 - Tool Diameter. Volatile. 5411 - Tool Front Angle. Volatile. 5412 - Tool Back Angle. Volatile. 5413 - Tool Orientation. Volatile. 5420-5428 - Current relative position in the active coordinate system including all offsets and in the current program units for X, Y, Z, A, B, C, U, V & W, volatile. 5599 - Flag for controlling the output of (DEBUG,) statements. 1=output, 0=no output; default=1. Volatile. 5600 - Toolchanger fault indicator. Used with the iocontrol-v2 component. 1: toolchanger faulted, 0: normal. Volatile. 5601 - Toolchanger fault code. Used with the iocontrol-v2 component. Reflects the value of the toolchanger-reason HAL pin if a fault occured. Volatile.

692 692 692 692 B Front/Back (3060) 704 987 704 987 C Top Sides (3060) 832 832 1528 1528 D Bottom Sides (3060) 718 718 1414 1414 All rails are mounted inside the legs flush to the outside, except for the C rails, which mount to the outside. The B rails are front/back of the machine. The upper rails should be flush with the top while the lower rails can be adjusted up and down as needed. FRONT Extrusion Lengths (mm) Aluminum Stand Assembly ALUMINUM STAND ASSEMBLY