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Examine Cables DB25 and J4

ClosedOverview/Background Information

If you want background information on this problem, go to How Power is Controlled.

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 Control Board isn't operating properly

Follow the Troubleshooting Steps to determine the cause of the controller communication failure.

Before You Begin

If you haven't yet done so:

  1. Power off the machine and the PathPilot® controller.

    1. Push in the Emergency Stop button on the operator panel, which disables movement of the axes and the spindle.
    2. From the PathPilot® interface, click Exit.
    3. Turn the Main Disconnect switch to Off on the side of the electrical cabinet.
    4. Remove the power plug(s) from the wall outlet. If your system is hardwired, isolate the machine by opening its circuit breaker(s).

    5. Follow correct lockout/tagout procedures.

      ClosedWatch how to lockout/tagout your machine

  2. Open the electrical cabinet door.

    WARNING! Electrocution Hazard: When servicing the machine from inside the electrical cabinet, always use caution. Points in the electrical cabinet have high voltages that can electrocute or shock you. Even after you've powered off the machine, electronic devices in the electrical cabinet may retain dangerous electrical voltages. Only qualified electrical machinery technicians should perform maintenance or troubleshooting procedures inside the electrical cabinet while power is still on.

Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Locate the power connection panel on the bottom of the electrical cabinet.

  2. Locate cable J4, which is connected to the Machine Control Board.

  3. Examine cable J4 for breaks or damaged connectors.

  4. Locate the opposite side of the power connection panel on the rear of the machine (below the electrical cabinet).

  5. Locate cable DB25, which is connected to the PathPilot® controller.

  6. Examine cable DB25 for breaks or damaged connectors.

  7. Make sure that cable DB25 is securely connected to both sides of the power connection panel.

    WARNING! Electrocution Hazard: When servicing the machine from inside the electrical cabinet, always use caution. Points in the electrical cabinet have high voltages that can electrocute or shock you. Even after you've powered off the machine, electronic devices in the electrical cabinet may retain dangerous electrical voltages. Only qualified electrical machinery technicians should perform maintenance or troubleshooting procedures inside the electrical cabinet while power is still on.

  8. Remove and re-connect ribbon cable J4 at both connection points in the electrical cabinet.
  9. Remove and re-connect cable DB25 at both connection points on the power connection panel.

  10. Power on the machine and the PathPilot® controller.

    1. Turn the Main Disconnect switch to ON on the right side of the electrical cabinet.
    2. Twist out the Emergency Stop button on the operator panel, which enables movement to the machine axes and the spindle.
    3. Press the Start button on the operator panel.
    4. Bring the machine out of reset and reference it.
  11. From the PathPilot® interface, on the Status tab, examine the Machine OK light.

Is the Machine OK light on?

  • Yes: You've successfully solved the problem! Close out of this troubleshooting guide and go make some chips.
  • No: This means that there may be a damaged cable. Tormach Technical Support for guidance on how to proceed.