Background
Our MX line of machines have an encoder and read head on the spindle. This measures the real-time speed of the spindle which allows the machine to rigid tap and, with an automatic tool changer (ATC), orient using the M19 R0 Q10
command.
Tools
-
Small flat-bladed screwdriver
-
Metric hex wench set
Inspect the Connectors and Wires at the Machine Control Board
Reason: Loose or incorrectly wired encoder wires or connector.
-
Power off the machine.
-
Examine the connection at the machine control board. Verify that the connectors are firmly seated, and examine the connectors for loose wires or ferrules.
![]() |
J9.1 - Red J9.2 - Green J9.3 - Brown J9.4 - White J9.5 - Gray J9.6 - Yellow J9.7 - Orange J9.8 - Black J9.9 - No Connection |
---|
Match the Spindle Range to the Spindle Pulley
Reason: The spindle belt is on the wrong pully for the selected Spindle Range in the PathPilot interface.
-
Open the spindle door and locate the spindle belt.
-
From the PathPilot interface, confirm that the Spindle Range button matches the spindle belt position. If it does not, do one of the following:
-
Select the Spindle Range button so it matches the belt position.
-
Adjust the spindle belt position to match the Spindle Range.
-
Inspect the Spindle for Rubbing Surfaces
Reason: There is extra resistance in the system.
-
Power off the machine.
-
Open the spindle door and, while turning the spindle by hand, inspect the following for interference:
-
Power drawbar base and flange.
-
Power drawbar bolt and drawbar/spring stack.
-
-
Make adjustments to relieve the interference. If that is not possible, contact Technical Support for help.
Inspect the Encoder Head Alignment
Reason: Incorrectly aligned encoder read head.
-
Power on the machine, the PathPilot controller, and take the machine out of reset.
-
On the Main tab, in the MDI Line DRO field, type ADMIN ENCODER TEST. Then select the Enter key. Follow the on-screen instructions.
The ADMIN ENCODER TEST has built-in diagnostics and troubleshooting that indicate where the problem is coming from.