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Examine the Position of the Machine Axes

ClosedOverview/Background Information

The limit switch lights indicate connectivity with the PathPilot® controller. On the PathPilot® interface, on the Status tab, if the Limit Switch lights are:

  • Off: The Machine Control Board isn't connected to the controller and the limit switches are open.
  • On: Machine Control Board is connected to the controller and limit switches are closed.

ClosedWhat Steps Have I Already Taken?

You've determined that:

  • The machine doesn't come out of reset
  • The Machine Control Board has power
  • The machine is communicating with the PathPilot® controller

Follow the Troubleshooting Steps to determine the cause of the reset mode failure.

Before You Begin

If you haven't yet done so:

  1. While looking at the front of the machine, examine the position of the machine table on the X-axis to determine if the machine is on or near a limit switch. The machine could be on or near a limit switch if the machine table is moved all the way to the right.


  2. While looking at the front of the machine, examine the position of the machine table on the Y-axis to determine if the machine is on or near a limit switch. The machine could be on or near a limit switch if the machine table is moved all the way forward.


  3. While looking at the front of the machine, examine the position of the machine table on the Z-axis to determine if the machine is on or near a limit switch. The machine could be on or near a limit switch if the spindle is moved all the way up.

Troubleshooting Steps

  1. From the PathPilot® interface, on the Main tab, click Reset.

  2. Jog the machine a small amount left (-X) and right (+X), forward (-Y), and down (-Z).

  3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the axes are moved off of the limit switches and the machine does not go into reset mode.

    NOTE: If one axis is on a limit switch, the machine goes into reset mode once you stop jogging. You may need to repeat the Troubleshooting Steps until all axes are off the limit switches.

  4. Examine the Reset button to verify that it isn't flashing. A flashing Reset button indicates that the machine is in reset mode.
  5. Click REF Z, REF X, and REF Y.

Did the machine reference all axes correctly?

  • Yes: You've successfully solved the problem! Close out of this troubleshooting guide and go make some chips.
  • No: This means that problem is related to the machine's limit switches. Go to Examine Limit Switch Lights.