axidraw:axidraw

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axidraw:axidraw [2020/05/25 04:36] formlabaxidraw:axidraw [2023/06/19 07:29] (current) – [Replace the servo with a cheaper alternative] formlab
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 ====== Axidraw ====== ====== Axidraw ======
 +
 +
 {{:axidraw:axidraw-v3-a3-personal-writing--drawing-robot.jpg?nolink&200|}} {{:axidraw:axidraw-v3-a3-personal-writing--drawing-robot.jpg?nolink&200|}}
  
-A3 pen plotter. +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. 
 + 
 + 
  
-3 available 
  • axidraw/axidraw.1590406562.txt.gz
  • Last modified: 2020/05/25 04:36
  • by formlab