[rchacich]

I recently purchased Planet CNC MK3/4 contoller and software license. It is my first time setting up a Planet CNC controller, but I have set up many other CNC machines.
I loaded the latest software on a windows 10 computer. I activated the license file. I had a good connection with the controller using an Amazon double shielded USB cable. I set up my steps per inch, velocity, acceleration and tested axis. I got everything going the correct direction and everything worked. I went to increase the velocity for the onscreen arrows to jog the axis from 25 to 100ipm, then the X axis started moving by itself. I hit the estop to stop the machine and then reset it. Nothing worked after that.

The issue is that I no longer have a connection between the software and controller. The once green light in the bottom right corner now blinks between red and green and flashes 1% and sometimes 2% as it tries to reestablish a connection.
I tried rebootting the controller and computer, resetting and reconnecting the controller in the software, but nothing has changed. Checked the input voltage to controller and is 24.1V. I tried another new usb cable that came with my proma controller and had the same issue.

I had to disconnect the usb since many items were grayed out in the software. I got the program running in simulation mode. I checked for software updates, but I have the latest software. I updated the firmware on the controller and it was successful.
I switch from simulation mode back to my licensed controller, and I have the same issue with the connection light switching from green to red every second as it connects and fails. I am thinking the card went bad unless it is something else that I am missing, but I would expect that I would not have had everything working correctly for 10 minutes if I had it set up incorrectly. Any insight would be appreciated.

[Teddy38]

I recently purchased Planet CNC MK3/4 contoller and software license. It is my first time setting up a Planet CNC controller, but I have set up many other CNC machines.
I loaded the latest software on a windows 10 computer. I activated the license file. I had a good connection with the controller using an Amazon double shielded USB cable. I set up my steps per inch, velocity, acceleration and tested axis. I got everything going the correct direction and everything worked. I went to increase the velocity for the onscreen arrows to jog the axis from 25 to 100ipm, then the X axis started moving by itself. I hit the estop to stop the machine and then reset it. Nothing worked after that.

The issue is that I no longer have a connection between the software and controller. The once green light in the bottom right corner now blinks between red and green and flashes 1% and sometimes 2% as it tries to reestablish a connection.
I tried rebootting the controller and computer, resetting and reconnecting the controller in the software, but nothing has changed. Checked the input voltage to controller and is 24.1V. I tried another new usb cable that came with my proma controller and had the same issue.

I had to disconnect the usb since many items were grayed out in the software. I got the program running in simulation mode. I checked for software updates, but I have the latest software. I updated the firmware on the controller and it was successful.
I switch from simulation mode back to my licensed controller, and I have the same issue with the connection light switching from green to red every second as it connects and fails. I am thinking the card went bad unless it is something else that I am missing, but I would expect that I would not have had everything working correctly for 10 minutes if I had it set up incorrectly. Any insight would be appreciated.

JeI switched to Raspberry Pi, no more Windows problems. I had the same problem with Windows.

[rchacich]

Unfortunately, I need the Planet CNC controller to work with windows. I recently developed 3 new CNC routers for different companies to manufacture, and my plan was to use Planet CNC hardware and software. I need to determine if this issue is something that I have not set up correctly or if it is a defect in the hardware/software. I am currently installing one on my Bulldog CNC router that had a handheld pendant controller. I also have an enclosed base machine that used a Masso on the first machine, and an Ice carver that I planned on using PlanetCNC.

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[Teddy38]

Know the solution I'm using. PlanetCNC and its map are the most flexible and easily customizable that I've ever used. The learning curve is a bit rough at first, but I'm ultra satisfied at the end.
Maybe a USB driver is missing? ?

[rchacich]

Since it allowed me to set up my motors and jog the axis for 10 minutes before it quit working, I don't think it would be a missing USB driver. If I was missing the driver, I wouldn't expect it to work at all.

[PlanetCNC]

This seems like serious issue.
"X axis started moving by itself" is not something that should happen. Did only motor move or did coordinates on screen also change accordingly?
Contact our support.

[rchacich]

I did not see if the coordinates moved because I was startled that it was moving without me pressing the mouse button on the X axis jog arrow. I quickly used the mouse to hit the e-stop button, then it stopped. I hit the estop button again to reset, but then I could never get the gantry to move again. That is when I looked at the lower right corner and saw that the green indicator was switching between green and red rapidly. I will contact support. Thanks.

[PlanetCNC]

Please post any addition info (screenshots, external equipment used etc..) and you profile file (File/Export profile)to our support email: [email protected]

[PlanetCNC]

I saw that you already post it, I would still ask you for any additional info (screenshots, external equipment used etc..) and your profile file (File/Export profile)
Thank you

[rchacich]

My machine runs 180W integrated servo motors from stepperonline. Since this is my first time setting up the Planet CNC controller, I wanted to start by getting my motors to move, so that is all that I currently have wired on the controller. I have attached a video showing the screen and a video showing the controller. I will email you the profile.
https://youtu.be/YnKTPLI-qgg
https://youtube.com/shorts/jKSaRZGLmRo?feature=share

[PlanetCNC]

We are handling this issue via support.

[rchacich]

Solution:
I removed the card from my machine so that I could bench test at home. I connected it to my laptop and I had the same issue at home. I then set up a desktop machine running windows 10. Using the same installation file and license key, I installed Planet CNC software on the desktop computer and license key, and everything works as it should.
I then uninstalled the Planet CNC software and USB driver on my laptop and reinstalled using the same files. I reconnected to the controller card and had the same issue. I then checked and saw that it retained all my settings. I did it again, but this time I found and deleted the PlanetCNC folder on my hard drive. When I reinstalled the software and license key, it reverted to the default settings and everything works as it should on my laptop as well.