Troubleshooting Proximity sensor and Limit Switches

Limit switches failures often manifest in the form of erratic motion of the engraver. Most
common is to run a HOME function on the engraver and the engraving head moves away from
the machines mechanical home position. To more specifically check the condition of the limits,
perform the following:

1. On the Microstepper electronics, press F12 which will bring up the following Xenetech
Diagnostics application. Please note that an APU board must exist in the computer and
that this function is not available with installed Viper Systems.

2. Viper Systems have a CHECK LIMIT function available on the touchpad.

Enter the CHECK LIMITS function by selecting the SERVICE menu, and then
select the CHECK LIMITS menu option.

Any limits that are currently active will be highlighted as seen in the image above.
These are real-time readouts, and will display the current position of the
sensor/switches at any time.
3. Attempt to “wiggle” the wire coming directly from the switch. If this causes any of the lights
to activate for either the Viper or the microstepper, the switch has a short, and needs to be
replaced.

Proximity Sensor Out Of Adjustment

In some cases, the proximity sensor may not be correctly seated in the Z-axis and this will cause
some undesirable engraving results. This manifests itself during FULL AUTOMATIC
engraving.

In these cases, the spindle nosecone does not completely reach the material. If the above tests
indicate that the sensor is indeed working, you should adjust the sensor to regain desired
performance.

Use the diagram below to locate the proximity sensor and the mounting plate to which the sensor
is attached. Loosen the nut around the shaft of the sensor and use a business card to separate the
upper mounting plate, from the one below.

Turn the sensor until it is slightly below the lower surface of the upper mounting plate.

Re-tension the nut around the sensor housing, albeit only very slightly.

Remove the business card allowing the upper and lower plates to come together again.

If this has no affect on the operation of the sensor, the sensor may need to be replaced.
Proximity sensor