Glad to have helped. Thanks for the kind comment.

Thanks, fyi I made a follow up video with a little more info.

Great to hear!

Do you have a link on how to do this? I can't figure it out.

@@Shipwreck0316 Here you go: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r61hhKiDrJrJaX0.html

Are you able to change speeds via your pendant, or only via G-code? I haven’t been able to get either to work. I've set G Code Setup > S Read = ReadS, configured the values for Machine Setup > Spindle Setup to allow 8 different speeds, but adjusting the spindle "gear" (as RichAuto calls it) either via the pendant (using ON/OFF + Z+/Z-) or via G-Code (i.e. M03 S12000) still has absolutely no effect on the actual spindle speed. When running the program, the controller correctly detects the speed indicated in the G-code and displays S3 (which is what I have set for 12000 rpm), but the spindle itself reaches 22500 rpm (since I have the VFD set to 375), and the difference is clearly audible.

@@StevenRosburg Hi, I export my code using a 'Richauto' post processor, (from Fusion 360) and provided I've specified matching spindle speeds in the CAM paths, it works.

@@Sentientfx1 okay, thanks. I’m going to have to keep digging then, because I’ve tried G-code that’s generated from Fusion 360 as well as hand-written G-code where the spindle speed matches one of the values configured in the pendant, and while the pendant recognizes the speed by displaying the appropriate spindle setting (e.g. S3), the VFD either never gets the message or ignores it.

Glad you enjoyed it!

You're welcome, I'm glad I was able to help. I should have a 2ND video up soon with some more info.

@@WadeMade my neighbor has a Laguna Swift 4x4 and I’ve gone over your video with him and he is also very thankful of your videos. I’ve been helping him because I have experience running Haas cnc. We both can’t wait for your next video.

@@miked3612 Thanks Mike, I'm glad I was able to help.

Thanks, glad to of helped, I plan to do a follow-up video soon. I was experiencing some issues with the machine losing steps and locking up with Z rapid moves in the up direction. I've since limited them to 100ipm and haven't had any issues but in the next video, I'll cover that, fixture offsets, and a setting in the menus that allows you to set different rapids for the Z, X, and Y.

Thanks for the Input Michael. I never thought of running Gcode from the internal memory yet as I haven't had any issues. I'll keep it in mind for the future. I used to run a Fadal mill back in the day and we had to DNC larger files to the machine and they were limited to 9600 baud. We could definitely tell a speed difference back then although they never crashed the machine. I just might make a video on this.

@@WadeMade Hi Wade: Yes, tech support told me about the transfer/read issue when using a thumb drive. As long as you are carving 2D items you have nothing to worry about the read rate. Also, you may or may not know, but the maximum capacity of a thumb drive the hand-held controller will read 8MB. Anything larger in capacity will result in an error or a can't read (don't remember the exact wordage). Lastly, I can't determine if I can create folders on the internal memory of the controller. Maybe you or someone else sharper than me with an IQ can chime in on this last item. Best - Michael

Out of curiosity what software are you using to generate your gcode? Next time I'm on my machine I'll take a peek in the settings but I'm guessing this is more of a software setting. I use Vectric Aspire and in the material setup, it will ask at the bottom, for the z gap above the material. Whatever this is set to, is where my machine will finish above the material. Its last move will be to raise the head to this height. I have other machines and on that machine using a Mach 3 post it's set to raise Z to this height + the material thickness then rapid to the zero in X and Y. Yet it finishes at that height + the material thickness and not Z0. I have a feeling this can be a post-processor setting or software setting more so than a control setting. One thing you can do is open your gcode in a text editor. Go to the bottom, surely you will see a G00 rapid move back to the zero home position, probably a line or two before the M30. You can edit this line and delete the X and Y move or change it to a z-axis move to say Z1 and it will end with the head 1" positive of the table. That is unless your post-processor is in incremental, if that's the case then it will be 1" positive of its last position. I hope this helps. G00 moves are rapid and G01 moves are feed moves usually. Alternatively, you could edit the post-processor itself. Usually, if you search for the M30 command you will find the code that generates the last move. This can be tricky and usually is best left to computer coders but if your willing to tinker you might be able to figure it out. Vectric posts are not as complicated as fusion 360 posts.

@@WadeMade thank you for the reply. I am using fusion 360 and I haven’t seen anything in post. Didn’t have this problem with my old shapeoko so I assumed it was a laguna issue. I’ll double check my post settings. Thank you again. Really appreciate the rapid response

I would start by checking the gcode to see if the Z move to that height is in there. That way you can rule out if it's a post processor or software issue first.

I use Vectic Aspire and Fusion 360. Mainly Vectric products though.

I just checked my machine and from the factory, the max X move is 622.5mm or 24.508". It's possible you could tweak the soft limits to get a little more in the settings but at this width your starting to cover the clamping t-tracks.

I'm sorry to hear your having trouble. I haven't been on my machine in a while but maybe there was a software version change. When you entered the thickness in the C.A.D. thickness on the setting page did you enter a positive or negative number? Whatever you entered I'd try the opposite. But when you go to test it keep an eye on the height so you don't accidentally plunge anything or notice any weird behavior. Maybe hold the puck in the air for the first test. Also make sure you enter the thickness in millimeters. I hope that helps.

I backed up my parameters. I would be happy to share them. As long as all the drives are the same between our models they should work I would think. Let me know if you want them and I'll post a link to the file on here.

I wish I could help but I don't think I have that information. I did stumble across a guide about setting up the a11e on a new machine. If I come across it again I'll let you know

Mine won't read 2 of my drives ATM... Can anyone help?

I believe so, next time I'm on the machine I'll look.

I wish I could help but I don't know of any. You you could try vectric or cnczone, but they are not Laguna forums.

@@WadeMade thanks @

First thing, what are you using to generate G-code? Second are you trying to pull feedrates from the Gcode or using the pendant to set the speeds? Third, after we learn the first two I can give you some feedback.

@@WadeMade The g-code is made in aspire 9.5 and in artcam, I tried both versions, I use the remote control for control, which is set to ignore the g-code, it works according to the advance settings only when idling until the cutter reaches the material, after which it no longer respects the settings, the z axis goes down too quickly and erases the cutter, the movements on the x and y axes are reduced but not on the z axis. Thank you!

I just want to confirm you have the feedrate from gcode setting enabled? Also what program are you using to generate the gcode? If it's a vectric product what post are you using? If you can, post some of your code as well.

@@WadeMade Yes, the feedrate from gcode setting is enabled. I am using Fusion 360 software to generate the Gcode. KZfaq must not like the Gcode because it removes messages containing the first lines.

@@tchaotchaokit3463 Which post are you using in fusion 360? Can you share a link to the gcode file? Maybe stick it on Google drive and share it.

@@WadeMade drive.google.com/file/d/1fL-KyuqfWqZ4kYsFVHPZm_GPv1PAVLkW/view?usp=sharing What do you mean by which post?

​@@tchaotchaokit3463 Hi Julien I've tried to post this response twice now and for some reason, youtube is not allowing it. So the post you used to create the gcode in fusion? Is that a richauto post? It does look very much like that one. There is a Laguna post in fusion you might want to test. It's very different from the rich auto post. I checked your code file and while I can't find anything wrong with it, it's not opening in my ncviewer program correctly. It's missing parts of the geometry. I'm uncertain if this is an issue with the viewer I'm using or your file. I've seen odd things happen to CNC machines when there are rounding errors in the gcode files and that might explain why it's not opening correctly. Lastly please double check your setting in your menu, auto pro, gcode is set to readF and not ignore F. I know I've asked, but that is the only setting that affects this. I was thinking it could be a modality issue but I highly doubt that. I'd suggest a simple program test, maybe a 10" square with a one inch plunge in Z with feedrates of 2540 for x,y and 254 for Z. This will be easy to diagnose if the feedrates are working or not. You might want to test with the post you used above and the laguna post and see if that one fixes your issue. If that doesn't work you might have a defective controller.

So I tried searching the internet for Richauto and Fastgrid and didn't have any luck. My suggestion would be to test it. You can write a program that plunges 3" with the Z plunge speed at 10ipm in vectric. Make sure to set the tool height higher than 3 inches off the table. If Fastgrid is the same as Fallspeed and you set the Fastgrid to 1 in the control, your speed should read 254mm, then try and set it to .1 And run it, it should then read 25.4mm. If it doesn't change then falldown and Fastgrid must not be the same. What control do you have?

@@WadeMade I have the A11E controller.

@@robsandstrom9854 Maybe we compare A11E software versions, I'll check and see what mine is tomorrow. If you get a chance, run that test, if it works Fastgrid and fallspeed must be the same. It's odd it would be named differently but maybe it's a different software version. Is your machine a Laguna?

My Controller says I have update version q13-1689 and product ID:A0431157 if you wanted to compare.

@@WadeMade Not quite sure how to check the software version. Do I plug it into my computer with a USB cord or is it read on the controller. Still trying to have everything you taught sink in. I will also try to find time to run the test you described above. Been a bi busy of late - but I am curious.

I'm pretty sure it's the combo of buttons run/pause and high/low, then pick resume work. I'll take a look when I'm on the machine next time to confirm but I think if you download the axiom manual in my description it's page 26.

Not sure if you got your answer. But if not, how you do it is press run and “1” together. Then scroll to break you saved.

I'll take a look at the settings once I get back on the machine. You may be limited to the Z-axis length though. But for a temporary fix, you could always try and use a quick change collet like a muscle chuck. That ought to extend your Z lower some. You'll lose some of the Z+ height but if you need it to get a little lower it might do the job?

@@WadeMade right on thanks

@@WadeMade press menu, table size, increase the Z value

I'm sure you can, anything could be modded. But it might take a little tinkering to get it set up and calibrated. I built a CNC router parts 4'x4' machine using a Gecko G540 and it wasn't so bad to do. But, CNC router parts (AVIDCNC.com now) provided me with most of the settings for that kit. I'm sure there has to be other people that have converted a Laguna IQ. But having used both it's not hard to get used to the control on this. Sure, it's not as nice as having all the information on the screen like Mach 3 but it will get the job done. It's easier to use than you think.

@@WadeMade I've been looking at that same motion controller. I need to do more research on it. I'm hoping the built in drivers can handle my nema 34 motors.

@@chestergt7765 If you are refering to the G540 if I remember right I believe it can handle nema 34 motors but you'll be restricted to the power output of the G540 so you won't get full power. On a machine like this I think you will be fine. You'll lose some potential but for the cost savings you might want to give it a try. I believe I asked Ahren of Avid CNC this same question years ago and I believe that was his answer.

If your talking about adding on I doubt it's possible. But if your talking replacing the Rich auto control I wouldn't be surprised if it's possible but I can't tell you for certain or not. If it is, I'm betting you'd have to start from scratch with your calibration settings. I've yet to see someone convert to Mach 3. But I wouldn't doubt there are people out there who have.

I don't think so but I'm not 100% certain on this.

I don't have any experience with the shapeoko personally but just by looking at a video on it I would think the IQ would be a heavier more rigid machine. The video on the shapeoko I saw mentioned it runs on nema 23 motors. I'm pretty sure Laguna claims the IQ are nema 34. But I wouldn't let the motor size sway you. The Laguna IQ can't really take advantage of the speeds a nema 34 motor can achieve, whether it be the motion design or the controller itself the machine needs to be slowed down from the factory to keep it from missing steps. After that it works perfect and is a solid machine. Stepcraft is another company that makes even a 4'x8' machine that runs on nema 23 motors, albeit with a different motion system. Broinwood has one and makes some amazing wood inlayed cutting boards. But you should know he started his business on a similar machine as the IQ, so that's equally as good. Good luck!!

@@WadeMade Thanks so much for the insight. A lot to digest and make a decision

@@TheHelicapt If your looking to learn on the cheap. I have a romaxx WD-1 I'm selling. 1k for the machine locally pickup only. But you'll still need a mach 3 license, a PC to control it, plus a USB smooth stepper device and a handheld router to mount to it. It's not near as good as what your looking at but it might get you started.

Here is a video of the wd-1 if anyone was interested. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a89io8ZyzrTHYWg.html the prices at the end of the video have changed. 1k for the machine only.

Hi Sherly, I've never actually set up stepper motors from scratch using this control. In the past, I did come across some documentation regarding this. If I locate it again I'll be sure to post it here. Do you happen to know if your machine has 1-pulse or 2-pulse motors currently?

@@WadeMade when I use it in a PLC it is needed to be controled ny 2-pulse modw

@@WadeMade when I use it in 1-pulse

@@sherlypagcaliwangan4064 ok thanks, we are getting a little out of my comfort zone when we start getting into the specifics of the stepper motors maybe someone that knows more than I will chime in. I could tell you where to set the pulses in the control if that helps.

Thanks for the kind words. If I decide to get a rotary 4th axis and experience your dilemma I'll be happy to post a follow-up with what I figure out.

Thanks for answer. If you do not, I have allready an other chalenge ;-) is it possible to read the complete name of a file before start it? and an other question (not important) how do you write a welcome message on the DSP? (I have seen one but do not rember wehre)

@@franmo662 I don't think this is exactly what you are looking for, but you can view your gcode on the control. The first line would be the complete name of the file usually depending on what post you are using. But you can find that info here kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nKqigq1elqmpZJs.html As far as a startup welcome message I'd have to look into that. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a way.

Thanks for the tip, if I ever get back into using the machine I'll look up this info on my control for you, but if you're not using a Laguna your settings might be different than mine.

@@WShep yah i`m not using the laguna,did you know the another machine setting? i`m new user please help me

@@mrrons7663 It's been a while but I'd guess the Pulse setting will totally be based on the stepper motors, ball screw pitch, and or rack/teeth. Years ago I setup a Mach 3 system and there was a calibration process. I don't know if the A11E has one but I did find you some info on the web. Look up this link and there are some formulas to help you calculate. www.omni-cnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/A11-Manual.pdf It's for the A11 but I would guess they will be similar. Page 27 and 28.