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Probotix Nebula

21K views 91 replies 8 participants last post by  4DThinker 
#1 ·
We have further success on the setup!!!!!! Yay !!!!!

Seems it was the game controller not making contact with the computer. Ended up having to plug it in a front port and changing a setting on the bottom side of it. Had to email a list of files to Len and he figured it out.

Now ............ I got to hide a bunch of wires and put boxes and stuff out of the way and start getting serious on learning how to use this thing. It's getting scary.

I'm sure Len called me a name or two when we ended today's "session." I gave him a good excuse to have a good stiff drink before quitting time.

Got to call him back later when I get the equipment straightened out.

HJ

One more step on the trail of the great unknown
 
#2 ·
We have further success on the setup!!!!!! Yay !!!!!

Seems it was the game controller not making contact with the computer. Ended up having to plug it in a front port and changing a setting on the bottom side of it. Had to email a list of files to Len and he figured it out.

HJ

One more step on the trail of the great unknown
Glad to hear your Nebula has come to life! Looking forward to your progress reports. For future owners of the Comet/asteroid/meteor/nebula line any pictures you can post would be great to see.

4D
 
#3 ·
You just keep asking for hard stuff. I got to see what I can get my Blackberry to do. I can only absorb so much of this "new" techie stuff in a specified period of time.

HJ

Treading on thin ice ... and knows it!!!
 
#5 ·
Jay,

Got to figure out what to do next. Talking to Len again in the morning after I see if I can fire it up without screwing anything up.

Once somebody shows me how to do something I can usually take it from there. But I need to be led by the hand for a little while.

Seriously, I'm real nervous about this.

Will keep you posted on what transpires.

HJ

Hope I can get something made before you do.
 
#7 ·
It all fired up ok today. Now I'm trying to figure out this Cut 2D program and make a simple something - sign, part, etching, engraving, supper. Anything just to see it cut. Probably going for a sign - got a 4 x 12 piece of MDF stuck to the bed just begging to be turned into dust.

I'm guessing the most used bits will be the 1/8 and 1/4 ones.

HJ
 
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#9 ·
OK, I "designed" a simple nameplate last nite using Cut2D. Now the 2 questions I have are:

1 - How do you go back to a previous page if you want to change something without starting over/

2 - How do you put the design on a thumbnail turning it to G Code to plug into the CNC?

HJ

Making progress, ........... slowly !!!!
 
#10 ·
1 - How do you go back to a previous page if you want to change something without starting over?
CTRL Z on the keyboard will "undo" something you just did. Keep hitting it to step back through what you've done.

2 - How do you put the design on a thumbnail turning it to G Code to plug into the CNC?
On the right side there is a toolpath tab. Open that tab. You can click on the "pin" in the upper right corner to keep it open.

From this tool path menu you can pick what you want to do with each of the vectors/lines you've created. There should be a Pocket, a Profile, possible a Drill, and maybe some more "type" of tool path to choose from.

In the drawing window, click on the line or lines you want to create tool paths for.
In the tool path menu pick the kind of tool path you want to create for those lines.
Once you've created tool paths for all the lines in your drawing that need to be cut, those tool paths can be saved to your thumbdrive.

Vectric products include a long list of Post Processor for the huge variety of machines and control software out there. When you are ready to save tool paths, look for the EMC2-G64 arcs(inch) in the list. It'll create files with the extension .NGC, which LinuxCNC can open.

If you bought the tool sensor with your nebula, then Probotix has a custom post processor you should download and use: Using Automatic Tool Length Sensor - PROBOTIX :: wiki

I seriously recommend you watch at least a few of the training videos at vectric.com, and watch them all the way through:

Cut2D

4D
 
#11 ·
4D,

I have been watching the videos. Trying to make a simple name plate. I think I had it downloaded on the flashdrive, but when I tried to center the axis one track (the up and down one) only moved on one side. Red wire was off a limit control switch, and the ear was broken off. So Len is sending me a new switch.

Looks like I get a break from it til it gets here.

HJ

What I get for trying to work on" "St Paddy's" day instead of drinking
 
#14 ·
I don't know enough about their assembly process to say for sure. I imagine they have someone doing the wiring, someone assembling the frame parts, someone programming the LinuxPCs, etc.. I now have three CNCs from them and the Nebula (a special order) is the only one I've had any problem with. That happened to be a limit switch (wiring) that wasn't plugged in. When John mentioned his bad switch (wiring) it seemed (to me) like a point of focus where Probotix could use a little more inspection/testing. I pointed this out to Probotix/Support/Len with a photo of my switch at the time I'd discovered it. I doubt any CNC will leave their shop from now on with a wiring problem.

They make a good and unique product. I know that orders are increasing and their business is busy. Len told me they had stopped making larger (4x8) custom CNCs simply because they were too busy filling orders for the Comet/Asteroid/Meteor/Nebula.

I've had far more problems with the 2 CNC sharks I also oversee. These from Probotix are fairly simple devices and have no redundancy built in. When one limit switch fails the system won't complete Homing itself. Len sent me three spare limit switches for my trouble, and it does ease my mind. You want a system with limit switches though, for when they are missing (like on the CNC Sharks) there is no way the controller can warn you if you might be cutting paste the machine limits. I frequently warn my students about this when using the Shark HD 2.0 we have. LinuxCNC, after Homing the Meteor or Nebula, knows the "box" that it can move around in, and will warn you if you've loaded a drawing that wants to cut outside of that box.

4D
 
#15 ·
I noticed that their lead time on delivery is now 12 days. They must be busy! Len told me to give them 2 weeks to make sure they would have it ready for my trip to their shop. I've been busy watching all the new VCarve Pro 8.0 videos. Makes me really anxious to get my Meteor. I think I'll hit the ground running.
 
#16 ·
My switches are sitting at my buddy's shop. Will pick them up today.

From what I can see - - these switches have 2 wires (black and red) that just have clip plugs on them, held on by 4 little screws. They are on all 4 corners of the machine, and probably the z axis, too (This is still over my head). The wires (only a few inches long) are totally in the open, so they could be pulled and the ends bent when moving the machine, in transit, or getting caught on something while in use. It looks like you don't want to put anything on the table the machine is sitting on, especially along the edges. This could catch the wires and/or bind up the axis movement. Also could have been a bad switch.

4D, I was thinking of just using some electrical tape to keep those wires from hanging down.

Anyway, it looks like I'll take up the fight again this week if that's all it was.

HJ

Appreciates you guys!!
 
#17 · (Edited)
There are two switches on each side of the gantry, down behind the bearings. Those are limit 1 (Y axis). There are two switches back-to-back on the gantry behind the router mount. Those are limit 0 (X axis). There is one switch behind the router mounting plate. It is limit 2 (Z axis).

I have the two Meteors and one Nebula I oversee standing on 4x4 posts, with no table surface under the bed. Just wide stretchers between the posts. You are right to not want anything to get under the CNC edges.

Our Nebula is having Z-Axis switch troubles. It throws a limit 2 error during heavy cuts. I thought I'd found the problem, but am going to have to do a little more work on it today.

4D
 
#18 ·
Looks like they soldered instead of crimped on one wire end at my Nebula's Z-Axis switch. A solder glob was keeping the connector from slipping securely onto the switch blade. Took a soldering gun and heated it up to get it to slip all the way on. Hopefully that is the end of limit switch problems for me.
 
#19 ·
Wow 4D those are things I wouldn't have thought of . To me it shouldn't have happened at all , but I guess it's human to error .
Thankfully you have such a good understanding of the workings of these CNC RT's
 
#20 ·
I've got a 2 year old Meteor, and we have a 1 year old Meteor at the University. Both have run perfectly since new. The Nebula is a new model for them, with new wiring harness and some new programming required to run. I'm blaming this one flaw with my Nebula on growing pains which I may be partly responsible for. You can't find many reviews out there for this line of their CNCs. I bring them up whenever I see someone ask about getting a CNC for a budget price. I know Probotix is a young company and believe they've outgrown their shop location at least once since they started out.

It didn't hurt that last summer I was clearing out my store room and had several old printers to get rid of. I decided to strip any motors, screws, springs, rods, etc. from them and when I was done I realized I had nearly enough parts to build my own (small) CNC. I bought the TinyG single-board CNC controller (https://www.inventables.com/technologies/tinyg-cnc-controller) and succeeded in getting my baby CNC designed, built, and working before summers end. All you need to do to understand the inner working of a CNC is to build your own.

My baby CNC is no award winner though. Not a bad first try. Runs as designed, but after completing it I know several things I'd change if I built another one.

I look around at the other CNCs available though, and don't see any with the unique feature set and potential this line from Probotix has. Jay can testify to the very original and clever joinery we can get from this frame design that 99% of the CNCs out there simply can't do.
 
#21 · (Edited)
It didn't hurt that last summer I was clearing out my store room and had several old printers to get rid of. I decided to strip any motors, screws, springs, rods, etc. from them and when I was done I realized I had nearly enough parts to build my own (small) CNC. I bought the TinyG single-board CNC controller (https://www.inventables.com/technologies/tinyg-cnc-controller) and succeeded in getting my baby CNC designed, built, and working before summers end. All you need to do to understand the inner working of a CNC is to build your own.

My baby CNC is no award winner though. Not a bad first try. Runs as designed, but after completing it I know several things I'd change if I built another one.
.
That's very cool . I did see a YouTube video with a tiny home made one and thought it was pretty neat . I could see it working well for engraving . There was a model jet built in Germany I think it was that won first place and they used what I believe was a cnc engraver (if they exist) to do extremely small engraving on instrument panels.

I almost think that my best opportunity to own a cnc router table is to build it from scratch . Just start collecting parts now and hopefully there not obsolete when I assemble it . To bad I can't weld , but if that's neccessary I could always get someone else to do it . The gantry seems like it would be the hardest part to build . I would definitely want a stable one and not made from wood
 
#22 · (Edited)
WE HAVE AN UPDATE ON THE NEBULA !!!!!

In a nutshell ....
The switches came
We had our first grandchild
Got thru a couple of issues.. looks like it all works now
Now it's up to me

The limit switches were sent as promised. Changed them out and made sure all the connectors were tight. Took a break for the grandchild thing, best looking kid ever, of course, and back at it. The Neb still wouldn't home with the y axis (x and z were fine).

Couple of afternoon phone calls to Len along with some pictures (I found out Blackberrys do take pics and can send emails) finally proved fruitful. Y axis wouldn't home in. Ended up being a small 1 inch piece of aluminum sitting on the top of the guide tube (the solid one) against the frame that was holding the y axis from reversing. Removed it and away she went. One thing I can see, DO NOT put anything on the table around the machine and make sure everything is clear.

Len even stayed on the line to check my first test cut - a simple 4 letter name sign - looked over my G code file and walked me thru it step by step. FYI, MDF makes lousy cutting material. But I got to follow the process and watch how it operated.

I didn't want to say anything that I might later regret until this was solved. I know you won't get this kind of personal service and support from China or even most of the bigger companies. During our "bonding" time he even explained what the various parts did, why he set the software the way he did, and anything else I had questions about. I really really do owe him a cold one.

Now it's on to the software and G code thing. Keep your email open 4D and Jay.

That's it for now.

HJ

Hoping to become a nerd now
 
#24 ·
Ended up being a small 1 inch piece of aluminum sitting on the top of the guide tube (the solid one) against the frame that was holding the y axis from reversing. Removed it and away she went. One thing I can see, DO NOT put anything on the table around the machine and make sure everything is clear.
I'm VERY curious about this chunk of metal, hj. We had our Nebula running fine, homing fine, cutting fine for awhile. One day a student emailed me to complain the machine wouldn't home. It turned out there was a 3/8" x 3/8" x 3/4" piece of key stock on top of the right Y rail that was keeping that side from touching off. It had scraps of foam double-stick tape on it and looked as if it was put there intentionally. It doesn't look as if it could have been stuck under the plastic guard all along, eventually falling onto the rail and getting pushed to the end. I'd sure love to know how a chunk of metal gets left there from the factory in your case though. I either have a student who tried to sabotage our Nebula, or that keystock was there from the factory and just took time to fall onto the rail.

If they have someone in their factory putting these chunks there that person needs to be fired and charges filed IMO.

4D
 
#23 ·
Glad things are looking up, HJ. Even though you went through some tough times, it sounds like you learned a lot about how your machine works. That will surely pay off down the line. Now get busy making some sawdust! Post a pic or two of your first projects. I'll be a couple of weeks behind you. Good luck!
 
#25 · (Edited)
4D,

That's exactly what it was. According to Len that was to help steady the plastic guard that runs on both sides. Looks like it has double sticky tape on 2 sides, one for the guard and the other against the machine. Evidently, it let loose and the y axis just pushed it right to the front of the machine and that wouldn't allow it to reverse or home. Len says they don't use them anymore so Jay should be ok with his. So I would say no to one of your students doing anything, although, I suppose, anybody could have put that piece on the track. Check the other side and see if there's one under the plastic guard. I would think a couple of pilot holes and small self tappers would steady the guard if you so desired. It really doesn't do anything that I can see except cover the edges and adds to the look.

Spent a lot of time over 3 days until this was discovered. But like Jay says, I got a little better understanding about the machine. You don't just call a repairman out, got to do it yourself!

Onward and Upward !

HJ

Got to become better acquainted with Mr Linux
 
#26 ·
Rainman,

You saw what Scottart did. Bet he could hook you up with the right parts supplier for whatever you want and either get it all shipped or piece by piece. Remember to get the next biggest size or two cause you'll wish you did down the road.

HJ

got to think ahead
 
#59 · (Edited)
I keep going back and forth between a 4'/4' and a 4'/8' . I think a 4'/4' would be a good choice for saving space and not seeming so obtrusive , but sure as heck I'll wasn't a 4'/8' at some point . A 4'/4' would sure fit well beside the laser without much rearranging .
I know the 4'/4' can be upgraded to a 4'/8' , so it's tempting to but the full kit and just assemble half the first go around and keep the rest in storage . If that's in fact how it works ?
 
#27 ·
The two meteors (mine and the university's) have thin aluminum angle where the new models have that grey plastic angle. My guess is that they realized the plastic sags being only held up at the ends, and the double stick taped metal chunk was a quick fix that failed. Not enough room to screw another support in the middle. The right side supports the cable chain and is probably why it came free first. We daily lift the chain to clean under it. Next time I'm up there I'll look for one on the other side. It will probable fall off eventually and cause the same problem.

4D
 
#28 ·
John I'm happy to hear you've got her up and running . It amazes me how these little things can go wromg , but you've got the bugs out now . I found with my laser to keep the bed clear as when the gantry parks it will bend the gantry if there's an obstacle . Never happened to me but I learned from another guy with the same model

By the way , Congrats of the grandchild ;)
 
#29 ·
It's making dust !!!




I did this all by myself, from doing the code, putting it on a flashdrive, and making it happen. May not seem like much, but for this old guy it's what I hope is a baby step heading down a new path. Can't play too much with it this week. All the screwing around put me behind doing the daughter-in-law's sewing cabinet. I'll probably never be as good as Scottart, but darnit, I feel good ....... for right now.

There's a lot to learn about this thing.

HJ :):):):):)

Finally made some dust !!
 
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#40 ·
I did this all by myself, from doing the code, putting it on a flashdrive, and making it happen. May not seem like much, but for this old guy it's what I hope is a baby step heading down a new path. Can't play too much with it this week. All the screwing around put me behind doing the daughter-in-law's sewing cabinet. I'll probably never be as good as Scottart, but darnit, I feel good ....... for right now.

There's a lot to learn about this thing.

HJ :):):):):)

Finally made some dust !!
That's awesome John . I remember the first time I sent a tool path to my laser as it was pretty exciting to actually see motion happen lol .
It wasn't that long ago that you were working the bugs out ,and now your up and running ! ;)
 
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