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axidraw:axidraw [2020/09/30 02:30] – formlab | axidraw:axidraw [2023/06/19 07:29] (current) – [Replace the servo with a cheaper alternative] formlab | ||
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====== Axidraw ====== | ====== Axidraw ====== | ||
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{{: | {{: | ||
- | A3 pen plotter. | + | A3 pen plotter. There are 3 available. |
- | 3 available | + | ===== Quick Setup ===== |
+ | This is a condensed version. To learn more, here is the [[https:// | ||
- | ==== Quick overview | + | [[prepare_your_drawing: |
- | - Move the AxiDraw to its Home Corner. | + | ==== Install the software |
- | - Plug in power and USB cables. | + | - Install [[https:// |
- | - Clip in your pen, with height just above the paper. | + | - Install the [[https:// |
+ | |||
+ | ==== Setup the Axidraw ==== | ||
+ | - **FIRST**: | ||
+ | - **AFTER** Axidraw is homed: | ||
+ | - 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. | - Position your paper with its upper-left corner below the pen tip. | ||
- | - In Inkscape | + | - Open Inkscape |
+ | - Select the drawing or text and select '' | ||
- '' | - '' | ||
- | | + | - 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. | ||
+ | | ||
+ | - Each visible layer will print. | ||
+ | - To pause or stop, press the metal button on the left side of the controller: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Vertical documents in Inkscape will be rotated left 90° on the Axidraw:\\ | ||
+ | {{: | ||
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+ | For single line fonts, check Inkscape '' | ||
Download the manual [[https:// | Download the manual [[https:// | ||
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+ | ===== Maintenance ===== | ||
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+ | ==== Replace the servo with a cheaper alternative ==== | ||
+ | Cheap compatible servos can be bought at Gotron: [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Prepare the new servo for installation on the Axidraw**: | ||
+ | ^ Images | ||
+ | |{{: | ||
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+ | ==== Tightening the V-slot wheels ==== | ||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | When the Axidraw arm feels wobbly, tighten the eccentric nuts on the carriage to firm up the motion. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Locations of the eccentric nuts === | ||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | The big wheels on the X-axis can be tightened here. Use a number 10 wrench. Only 2 big wheels need tightening. | ||
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+ | {{: | ||
+ | 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' | ||
+ | * 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' | ||
+ | * 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. | ||
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+ | Based on [[https:// | ||
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