PowerPro - good news

[nuhobby]

Hi,

Wes called just now and led me through the steps. I am under promise to not divulge too much. In fact I did not write down the steps and can't remember them. But I can say this:

- Wes has had about 12 calls for the Power Pro calibration-correction procedure to date, mine included.

- Wes estimated that some 18 early Power Pro units were shipped with the wrong calibration values. Subsequent Power Pro production has been corrected.

- The changes/calibrations are stored in a non-volatile memory in the Power Pro, so it won't go away if power is removed.

- The calibration fields that he had me change had to do with general control-loop parameters -- coefficients, delays, buffers, gains, etc..

- The Sanding disk is indeed much smoother now! The manner in which it ramps to speed is now more gentle, without so much speed overshoot and 'clutching / de-clutching' electronic action.

- Wes was delayed in calling me because he was busy all day with an issue at one of the CNC milling machines at the Shopsmith plant.

I'm more at ease now, knowing this.

[horologist]

I also spoke with Wes this evening and got my machine set up correctly. I thought the problem had gone away but it turns out that all the vibration loosened the set screw on the sanding disk. Once re tightened the noise and vibration returned.

The trouble shooting section in the manual is pretty sparse and the user guide portion (in the mail) was missing from my copy.

As has been noted, the procedure involves a bit of button pushing and while I tried to make notes, I don't think they want such things posted publicly. When I called this afternoon they said Wes would have to call me back, as it got close to 5 pm I suggested that they email the procedure as otherwise I would have to wait a week to call, instead I got a call back from Wes. He was very helpful and when I mentioned that we would probably have to perform the procedure on my dad's machine he offered to call sometime during the weekend to talk us through the procedure if necessary. So far during the upgrade I have talked to Dave, Jan (?), and Wes they have all been friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. What a refreshing change of pace after arguing with half of India over my dad's web cam.

Troy

[charlese]

Is there not a service manual that came with the PowerPro?:rolleyes:

Does that service manual not have a step-by-step procedure for doing what it appears each of you are having to do?:eek:

Is Wes the only one who has the secret key code?

There is a operating/troubleshooting manual that comes with the PowerPro.

As Chris (nuhobby) reported]suspect[/U] all of these machines may vary a bit. So the process of calibration may also vary.

We all know, but have forgotten, the Mark V manual comes without headstock repair procedures. Since that headstock needs lubrication, there are instructions for that maintenance, but nothing on repair. Many of us have sent for those after calls to CS. There are now many such instructions, undoubtedly developed over time. Also, the Sawdust Sessions also went into detail of repair.

There is NO maintenance required on the PowerPro! I could guess that in a few years, additional info on programming/calibrating the PowerPro may appear, but as for now the headstock motor,controller and power units once set should stay that way for a long time. Bearings and belts will wear, but that also will take a while. We can certainly replace the parts of the PowerPro, but changing calibrations is not in our purview. There are several statements in the manual that electronic parts are only serviceable by Shopsmith. There's even that big warning on the power module (pictured in this thread by nuhobby) that says there are no serviceable parts inside.

Wes appears to be the Shopsmith resident expert on calibrating these control panels. On the bright side - he is a very friendly, outgoing, kind spoken man and is (seems) happy to help! He also works late. My calls from him came in at 2:30 PDT which is 5:30 EDT. We also understand he works weekends and nights!

[Ed in Tampa]

Wes appears to be the Shopsmith resident expert on calibrating these control panels. On the bright side - he is a very friendly, outgoing, kind spoken man and is (seems) happy to help! He also works late. My calls from him came in at 2:30 PDT which is 5:30 EDT. We also understand he works weekends and nights!

I hope that Wes writes down what he is doing, because if they are working him nights and weekends he is going to die sooner rather than later.

Seriously what if the worst happens and SS closes (hope it doesn't) it would be nice to have a manual to be able to calibrate these machnes.

[dusty]

I hope that Wes writes down what he is doing, because if they are working him nights and weekends he is going to die sooner rather than later.

Seriously what if the worst happens and SS closes (hope it doesn't) it would be nice to have a manual to be able to calibrate these machnes.

No sweat, ED. Once calibrated, it will never need to be done again. But if you still need technical support, you can always contact Teknatool. Try looking at the world from the bright side; it is a better view from here.

[nuhobby]

Some interesting reading on this fellow's site, recently:

http://shopsmith-tool-hunter.blogspot.com/

[riot_nrrd]

We can certainly replace the parts of the PowerPro, but changing calibrations is not in our purview.

No offense, but I have to disagree with you there.

For one, the Teknatool literature explains how to set some settings that I believe are related to this. The reason they do this is so that their users can tweak the settings based on the kind of work they are doing. So if their users can be trusted, why not us?

But more importantly, I generally do not subscribe to the idea that I can buy technology but can't be allowed to control it. I like being able to tune the fuel injection in my car, our upgrade the clutch, or swap the engine or ECU. I like building my computer the way I want, rahter than the way Dell or Apple wants it. I like hacking my cell phone so it can do things other's can't. Strangely enough, I also like doing my own carpentry and woodworking. :-)

Now granted, not everyone should be out tinkering with their fuel injection or messing with the control loop paramters of a variable speed motor. But by the same token, they should not be prohibited from doing so if they are willling to take on the risk of screwing up their property.

It's better to have the knowledge and not need it, than to need it and not have it. I think Shopsmith should make the info available and put a big warning on it that says "tinker at your own risk."

Anyway, that's my $.02.

[SDSSmith]

No offense, but I have to disagree with you there.

For one, the Teknatool literature explains how to set some settings that I believe are related to this. The reason they do this is so that their users can tweak the settings based on the kind of work they are doing. So if their users can be trusted, why not us?

But more importantly, I generally do not subscribe to the idea that I can buy technology but can't be allowed to control it. I like being able to tune the fuel injection in my car, our upgrade the clutch, or swap the engine or ECU. I like building my computer the way I want, rahter than the way Dell or Apple wants it. I like hacking my cell phone so it can do things other's can't. Strangely enough, I also like doing my own carpentry and woodworking. :-)

Now granted, not everyone should be out tinkering with their fuel injection or messing with the control loop paramters of a variable speed motor. But by the same token, they should not be prohibited from doing so if they are willling to take on the risk of screwing up their property.

It's better to have the knowledge and not need it, than to need it and not have it. I think Shopsmith should make the info available and put a big warning on it that says "tinker at your own risk."

Anyway, that's my $.02.

Reminds me of an expression from the 60's. Right On riot_nrrd! Power to the people!:D

[charlese]

No offense, but I have to disagree with you there.

No offense taken! You're $.02 is well taken! You make a valid point! I'm sure others agree with you!

In the meantime - I'm happy as a dog with a new bone!! The PowerPro is running like a super machine! I'm very happy with it. It runs smoother - quieter - and cooler than the old unit. The first couple hours, it ran hot, but now the belts have settled in and I'm not testing highest speeds,-- it's cool running.

P.S. I have packaged all my Old headstock parts and if worse comes to worse - they are re-installable.

[JPG]

Reminds me of an expression from the 60's. Right On riot_nrrd! Power to the people!:D

Add to all that, we should be able to take things apart without breaking a glue joint!:(