Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- axidraw:axidraw [2020/09/30 02:43] – [Axidraw] formlab
+++ axidraw:axidraw [2023/06/19 07:29] (current) – [Replace the servo with a cheaper alternative] formlab
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== Axidraw ======
 {{:axidraw:axidraw-v3-a3-personal-writing--drawing-robot.jpg?nolink&200|}}
 A3 pen plotter. There are 3 available.
-==== Quick Setup ====
+===== Quick Setup =====
-Read the [[https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/AxiDraw_User_Guide|manual]] first (this is a summary)
+This is a condensed version. To learn more, here is the [[https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/AxiDraw_User_Guide|manual]].
-  - Move the AxiDraw to its Home Corner.
+[[prepare_your_drawing:prepare_your_drawing|Tips to prepare your drawing]]
-  - Plug in power and USB cables.
+==== Install the software ====
-  - Clip in your pen, with height just above the paper.
+  - Install [[https://inkscape.org/|Inkscape]]. (Free open source software similar to Adobe Illustrator).
+  - Install the [[https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/Axidraw_Software_Installation|Axidraw plugin for Inkscape]]
+==== Setup the Axidraw ====
+  - **FIRST**: Move the AxiDraw to its Home Corner: \\ {{:axidraw:axidraw-home-corner.png?400|}}
+  - **AFTER** Axidraw is homed: Plug in the power.
+  - Plug in the USB connector.
+    - All USB plugs seem to work: in the back of the computer (iMac), in the keyboard, in a usb hub...
+  - Add a pen to the pen holder.
   - Position your paper with its upper-left corner below the pen tip.
-  - In Inkscape
+  - Open Inkscape
+    - Select the drawing or text and select ''Path > Object to path''.
     - ''Extensions > AxiDraw Control''. Go to tab ''setup''. Click the ''Toggle pen between UP, DOWN'' option. Click apply to toggle the pen down and back up to check the correct vertical movement.
+      - Adjust the pen's height
+      - Try to keep the range of movement to a minimum. This will draw faster and is better for the servo motor.
     - ''Extensions > AxiDraw Control''. Go to tab ''Plot'' and click Apply to start plotting.
       - Each visible layer will print.
+  - To pause or stop, press the metal button on the left side of the controller:\\ {{:axidraw:axidraw-pause-button.jpg?400|}}
+Vertical documents in Inkscape will be rotated left 90° on the Axidraw:\\
+{{:axidraw:axidraw-left-turn.jpg|}}
 For single line fonts, check Inkscape ''Extensions > text > Hershey text''
 Download the manual [[https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/AxiDraw_User_Guide|here]]
+===== Maintenance =====
+==== Replace the servo with a cheaper alternative ====
+Cheap compatible servos can be bought at Gotron: [[https://www.gotron.be/analog-micro-servo-1-3kg-cm-120-rotation.html|FS90]] (€5). Keep the horns from the broken 'Tower Pro' (SG90) servos. They can be used on the new ones.
+**Prepare the new servo for installation on the Axidraw**:
+^ Images      ^ Steps       ^
+|{{:axidraw:servo_01.jpg?100|}}| Without a horn installed, you cant know the current position of the servo. |
+|{{:axidraw:servo_02.jpg?100|}}| Attach the old servo horn (no need for the screw yet). |
+|{{:axidraw:servo_03.jpg?100|}}| Turn it as far as possible one way. |
+|{{:axidraw:servo_04.jpg?100|}}| Then the other way. |
+|{{:axidraw:servo_05.jpg?100|}}| Position the horn in the middle of the two motion limits. This is the center position of the gears. |
+|{{:axidraw:servo_06.jpg?100|}}| Remove the horn. |
+|{{:axidraw:servo_07.jpg?100|}}| Place it back, but now on the servo's center line. It's ready for installation in the Axidraw plotter. |
+==== Tightening the V-slot wheels ====
+{{:axidraw:axidraw_wobble.jpg|}}\\
+When the Axidraw arm feels wobbly, tighten the eccentric nuts on the carriage to firm up the motion.
+=== Locations of the eccentric nuts ===
+{{:axidraw:axidraw_nut_x.jpg|}}\\
+The big wheels on the X-axis can be tightened here. Use a number 10 wrench. Only 2 big wheels need tightening.
+{{:axidraw:axidraw_nut_y.jpg|}}\\
+The smaller wheels on the Y-axis can be tightened here. Use a number 8 wrench. Only 2 small wheels need tightening.
+=== Procedure ===
+  * No need to loosen any bolts first.
+  * Turn the eccentric nut one way or another. The direction doesn't matter. One way will be tighter, the other will be looser.
+  * Work in small increments and feel with 1 finger if one of of the V-slot wheels can be rotated so it's slipping. If the wheels rotates, tighten the eccentric nut a little more and test again. When it's snug against the aluminum profile and doesn't slip anymore, it's good to go.
+  * Wait 15 minutes and move the axes back and forth carefully. Feel for little bumps. If the tension was set too high, the wheels could be squished a little, resulting in bumps. If so, release some tension, wait another 15 minutes and feel for bumps again.
+Based on [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsEdU8ZtI6U|this video]], as there's no info about this in the Axidraw manual.