Need Help from you Probotix guys

10853 Views 95 Replies 11 Participants Last post by honesttjohn, Dec 20, 2017

MT Stringer

Discussion Starter · Dec 1, 2017

As if I wasn't stressed enough today, while I was gone to buy some lumber, we had a power failure that lasted 3-4 minutes. My machine wasn't running, but the computer and the controller were running. I have been keeping them running so I wouldn't have to reset my x & y axis zero each time I change projects.

A few minutes ago, I finally got out in the shop and turned the PC on. It won't boot up. It stops the boot sequence and displays the following:

"Ubuntu 10.04.4 LTS probotix-dekstop tty1
probotix-desktop login:"

I have no clue where to go from here. I typed in "admin" and it then prompted me for a password. Now I am stuck again.

I don't know if this is a big secret or what, but I could use some help with this login. Apparently the power failure screwed everything up. My wife said she heard a boom. Later we saw a couple of bucket truck working down the street about 2 blocks away so I figure a transformer blew in the neighborhood.:frown:

EDIT: I called Probotix but they are gone for the day (weekend).

61 - 80 of 96 Posts

MT Stringer

Discussion Starter · #61 · Dec 13, 2017

Just files missing. :surprise:
No parts replaced.
I guess we shall see.

4DThinker

· #62 · Dec 13, 2017

Good to hear, MT. Missing files, if no one intentionally deleted them, are usually caused by them being in use when the power goes out or the PC is shut down without closing a running program. The file allocation table looses track of where they are on the drive.

A re-format of the hard drive and fresh install of OS and programs is usually the best way to get it all working again, but I'd trust probotix to have taken care of what was needed to be done.

4D

Reactions: 1

MT Stringer

Discussion Starter · #63 · Dec 13, 2017

Not being a Linux guy, is there software that will clone the hard drive? I sure would like to have a backup if there is a next time.

I have Acronis and a Nexstar USB3.0 hard drive dock that I have used on Windows hard drives.

4DThinker

· #64 · Dec 14, 2017

MT Stringer said:
Not being a Linux guy, is there software that will clone the hard drive? I sure would like to have a backup if there is a next time.

I have Acronis and a Nexstar USB3.0 hard drive dock that I have used on Windows hard drives.

A quick google search found this: 4 Methods To Clone Your Linux Hard Drive

I haven't personally used any of the mentioned methods, but hopefully one will help you get it done.

4D

MT Stringer

Discussion Starter · #65 · Dec 15, 2017

Well, dammitanyways!

I got the PC back today, plugged everything in and turned it on. It won't boot! Same as before, it starts the boot sequence, the screen flashes the OBUNTU screen, then stops at the login prompt. This really pizzes me off. They said it was working just fine.

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4DThinker

· #66 · Dec 16, 2017 (Edited)

Can you type in "probotix" with no quote marks? At one time I bought a number keypad that I hoped I could use with the PC and every time I plugged it in the system would throw me back to the same login prompt.

It may be that one of your USB accessories (mouse or keyboard or gamepad) has gone bad and is causing the same problem. Try unplugging them all then rebooting. If you get back to the desktop screen then plug them in one at a time to see if each works or throws you back to that login page.

Reactions: 1

beltramidave

· #67 · Dec 16, 2017

Their default login and password is the same the last I knew. Probotix

MT Stringer

Discussion Starter · #68 · Dec 16, 2017

beltramidave said:
Their default login and password is the same the last I knew. Probotix

But then it displays a command prompt. I have no idea what to do.

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beltramidave

· #69 · Dec 16, 2017

I wish I knew what to tell you, Mike. Looks like you are exactly where you were.
Did you have any luck with 4D's suggestions?

Reactions: 1

honesttjohn

· #70 · Dec 16, 2017

Try a different port. Use one on the front. For some reason, they work better.

Reactions: 1

MT Stringer

Discussion Starter · #71 · Dec 16, 2017

Holy Krap, Batman! IT'S ALIVE!!!

I brought the PC, monitor, mouse and keyboard into my office and hooked up spare power and a video cable. Turned it on and it fired right up! I connected the mouse and rebooted. Fired up again! I connected the keyboard and rebooted. Fired up again. Yipeee!

So I took the hardware out to the CNC and hooked up everything again. It would not boot!!! Pulled everything off except for the video cable and the power cord. Same thing - no boot. I replaced the power cord with the one I had tested it with. Still no boot. HMMM...As I stood there scratching my aching head, I realized the only thing left was the video cable. So, I replaced it with the spare from the office. VOILA! It booted right up.

A damm video cable. Who would have thunkit!

So now, I have to put everything back in its place and hook up the controller and see if it will operate as it should.

All I can say is thank you everyone for all the suggestions and advice. I can keeping my fingers crossed that the controller will work OK. I will find out in a little bit.

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Reactions: 1

beltramidave

· #72 · Dec 16, 2017

That is great news! Interesting solution, though. Not sure how a video cable would keep it from booting, but yet still let you into the terminal. But then, I am not a computer guy either..
Hope everything else continues to work out for you, so you can get back to making chips.

Dave

honesttjohn

· #73 · Dec 16, 2017

Make that dust!!

Cable was probably that Chinese junk.

MT Stringer

Discussion Starter · #74 · Dec 16, 2017

OK. More troubleshooting needed. I can navigate the control screen, but get an ESTOP error whenever I try to home the machine. Obviously it won't move and wasn't in ESTOP when the power failure occurred.

I can't clear the ESTOP. I toggled the button, and toggled using F1, but nothing happens. The keyboard seems to be working OK. I can move around using the arrow keys when I have the files folder open. And F3, F4, F5 all seem to work OK.

The machine isn't up against any of the limit switches. Seems to be a communication problem. I guess I will dig in the spare parts drawer and see if I can find another parallel port cable, and a USB cable.

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4DThinker

· #75 · Dec 16, 2017

Try typing "exit" at the command prompt.

MT Stringer

Discussion Starter · #76 · Dec 16, 2017

OK. It's working now. Maybe next time I will take a picture of which LPT port the cable is connected to on the PC! :surprise::frown: SMDH! Mine has two.

Time for the ten o'clock news.

Hopefully tomorrow I will get to sling some chips. I have alread been moving the cantry around and the control board is looking good, so yeah, I would say there was a communication problem! :grin:

beltramidave

· #77 · Dec 16, 2017

I'm assuming that you checked the estop cable on the back of the controller. If you have an ohm meter, unplug the cable from the controller and ohm out the cable and remote switch.
Dave

Reactions: 1

beltramidave

· #78 · Dec 16, 2017

Mark had a similar issue when his came back from Probotix recently. He says they switched which parallel port was the main one and the one for the tool sensor.

Reactions: 1

MT Stringer

Discussion Starter · #79 · Dec 16, 2017

I will sleep a lot better tonight. And issue an apology to the Probotix guys Monday.

RainMan 2.0

· #80 · Dec 16, 2017

These cnc router tables don’t sound like a real cakewalk some days

Glad to hear your back in business Mike . Strange how cables go bad like that . If seems as though if it’s not a parallel port cable , it’s a video cable

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