The Zzero circuit is relatively simple.
First, any time you run the ZZero, take a second to test it.
Touch the Z zero clip directly to the plate. While it is touching input 1 should come on in the Inputs section of the Red Position Window. Here is a picture showing the Input #1 triggered in the Red Position Window.
If it doesn’t come on then something in the ZZero circuit has an issue, such as a wire having come loose or disconnected.
For current versions of the ZZero assembly there will be a plug on the ends of the black coil cables that comes off of the alligator clip and aluminum plate. This connector is designed to be plugged in only one way, but it is possible to plug it in upside down if it is really pushed in there. Here is a picture that shows what the wiring should look like going into both halves of the connection.
Here are the pertinent ZZero connections to check:
Ground clip – The ground clip needs to wire to GND on the main control board – there generally is a green wire for this.
Zero Plate – The plate needs to wire to input 1(1/ZZ) on the main control board – there generally is a black wire for this.
If it does come on then simply clip the clip on the collet nut or bit, then test it by touching the plate to the bit, input 1 should come on. Now run the ZZero routine.
The bit comes down but stops on the plate during the ZZero routine.
If your Input #1 is triggering when the clip touches the plate, and when the bit touches the plate during the ZZero routine, but the bit just stops then a setting in your software may need to be changed.
Go to Values>Cutter Values and check to make sure that your Safe Z Pull Up Value is set to something greater than 0. Most ShopBot users set this to 1, unless you do not have a lot of clearance over your material in which case 0.2 can be used instead. Here is a picture of the setting to change.
