axidraw:axidraw [Instructions]

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====== Axidraw ======


{{:axidraw:axidraw-v3-a3-personal-writing--drawing-robot.jpg?nolink&200|}}

A3 pen plotter. There are 3 available.

===== Quick Setup =====
This is a condensed version. To learn more, here is the [[https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/AxiDraw_User_Guide|manual]].

[[prepare_your_drawing:prepare_your_drawing|Tips to prepare your drawing]]
==== Install the software ====
  - 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.
  - 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.