Shopsmith Forums

There has been much discussion about a loud banging noise while using the bandsaw. I have also experienced this noise while using the disc sander, and when starting up the table saw. In theory, I think what happens is that the PowerPro is continuously monitoring and adjusting the speed to keep it constant as the load varies. An accessory or attachment with a large diameter has a large rotational inertia (ie resistance to change) so it "fights" with the PowerPro. SPT's such as the jointer or planer have a much smaller inertia, so there is no problem using these tools.

I loved my new PowerPro. That is - until I used the bandsaw. Like many others have experienced, set screws have loosened, and couplers have broken (which has never happened in over 25 years). Very frustrating.

A call to SS Tech Support, and Wes walked me through the procedure to adjust the settings. At first all was well, but then I noticed it was not quite right. I made a few more tweaks and now my PowerPro is running sweet!

The procedure is not difficult, but it involves many steps. If you are not conformable programming a VCR or DVD player, then I suggest you call SS and have them walk you through it. Otherwise, Here it is:


ADJUSTING THE POWERPRO SETTINGS

*** DISCLAIMER ***
This procedure was given to me by ShopSmith Tech Support to solve the banging noise issue while using the bandsaw. It involves making changes to two settings. Please read and follow this carefully, as I don’t know what will happen if the wrong parameter is changed.

1) Press “LOCK” and “9500” at the same time.
2) Press “2000”. You will be prompted to enter the Service Password (3210) as follows:
i) Press “900” to set the first digit to 3
ii) Press “1350” to set the second digit to 2
iii) Press “2000” to set the third digit to 1
iv) The display should now read “3210”. Press “CONFIRM”. Display will say “Accepted”
3) Press “UP RPM” until the top line reads “CurLimM = “. (Make a note of this original value).
4) Press “CONFIRM” to edit this value. Use the “UP RPM” or “DOWN RPM” buttons to set this value to 100, then press “CONFIRM”.
5) Press “UP RPM” until the top line reads “IrOFFSET = “. (Make a note of this original value).
6) Press “CONFIRM” to edit this value. Use the “UP RPM” or “DOWN RPM” buttons to set this value to 100, then press “CONFIRM”.
7) Press “OFF” to exit Service Mode.
8) Test the bandsaw by resawing a wide board.
9) If the banging noise persists, repeat this procedure and set “IrOFFSET” to a higher value
10) If the banging noise is eliminated, but overspeed is a problem, set “IrOFFSET” to a lower value.
11) There is a compromise between the banging and overspeed. Try to find the smallest value that will eliminate the banging, and the overspeed will not be much of an issue. In my case this value was 130.

Overspeed is not much of an issue because the speed immediately drops to the set point as soon as a load is applied. Perhaps one of the other settings can adjust the overspeed, but I do not know which one, nor am I willing to “experiment”.

Thank you! I know in 2010, Wes told me not to publicize this procedure, so I had not written it down. But clearly it's something that's got to be told, when phone contact is so hard to do.

nuhobby wrote:Thank you! I know in 2010, Wes told me not to publicize this procedure, so I had not written it down. But clearly it's something that's got to be told, when phone contact is so hard to do.

In 2010 the procedure had just been developed and had not really been field tested. I suspect that is why Wes did not want it openly broadcasted.

If that is not the reason - well Wes now knows that a secret once told is no longer a secret.:rolleyes:

dusty wrote:In 2010 the procedure had just been developed and had not really been field tested. I suspect that is why Wes did not want it openly broadcasted.

If that is not the reason - well Wes now knows that a secret once told is no longer a secret.:rolleyes:

And Admin will I am sure inform him of the 'leak' so that he can respond if necessary!!!;)

[quote="JPG40504"]And Admin will I am sure inform him of the 'leak' so that he can respond if necessary!!!]

And I made a copy and emailed it to myself... in case it goes away.

Ed

I have not had my band saw hooked up to the Power-pro yet. I still have one more upgrade to do. I will try and get that done this week and see if there are any issues. I will also copy the adjustment procedure for future reference.
Thanks for sharing this information.

reible wrote:And I made a copy and emailed it to myself... in case it goes away.

Ed

I copied the entire thread(html) to disk.

Thanks Michael this was a great help. I was convinced I did something wrong when I did the diy. I've had a call into SS with no responce yet (2 days) so I found your fix and it worked. I can now hear the phone ring when I'm working. I also agree with all your assement of the propower. I went one step further I made a small alignment adj on the coupling. My number was 120. Thanks again Ray Wallingford, Connecticut.

Electronic re-programming is not always the fix you need. There are sometimes mechanical issues that cannot be corrected by re-programming. I know of two headstocks that had slightly irregular motor pulleys. There may also be other slightly "off" mechanics that do not raise issues with the old headstock but do with the PowerPro.

It would be a cryin' shame if you screw up your warranty and still have a problem!:eek: Re-Programming by yourself may be the most expensive mistake you ever made.

Recommended reading prior to DIY tweaking of Power pro parameters.

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?p=116984&postcount=91

And:

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?p=111713&postcount=13