The Next Wave CNC Shark LCD Pendant is a control unit designed to enhance the operation of Shark CNC routers, offering a user-friendly interface for managing various aspects of the machine's functionality. This device serves as a primary interface, allowing users to control the CNC router using a finger, a soft stylus, or a pencil eraser, making it accessible and intuitive.
Function Description:
The LCD Pendant's core function is to provide a comprehensive control interface for Shark CNC routers. It allows users to:
- Jog the router: Move the router along the X, Y, and Z axes with precision, using directional buttons and adjustable jog speeds (Slow, Medium, Fast).
- Set zero points: Establish the X, Y, and Z zero positions for the workpiece, crucial for accurate routing. This includes options for "Zero XY" and "Zero Z" buttons.
- Home the machine: Return the router to its predefined home position, ensuring consistent starting points for projects. The "Home" button initiates this process, and the "Home X & Y Axes" function guides users through calibrating these axes.
- Load and manage project files: Access and select project files (.tap files) from a USB drive, enabling the execution of routing operations.
- Access advanced settings: Configure various machine parameters through the "Setup" menu, including jog speed, beep sound, LCD brightness, model number, and display metrics.
- Utilize specialized applications: The "Apps" menu provides access to advanced features like "Touch Plate Calibration," "Virtual Zero," "Job Array," "Home X & Y Axes," "Center Finder," "Digitizer," and "Laser" functions, expanding the pendant's capabilities beyond basic control.
- Perform maintenance checks: The "Maintenance" section allows users to unregister the LCD, view information about the pendant and controller, and check for firmware updates.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Display: The pendant features an LCD screen that displays real-time position values (X, Y, Z), jog speed settings, and various menu options.
- Connectivity: It connects to the Shark CNC router via a control box cable connection and supports USB drives for project file transfer.
- Power: The pendant is powered through its connection to the CNC control box.
- Dimensions: While not explicitly stated, the images suggest a compact, handheld form factor.
- Material: The touch plate accessory is made of 1/8" thick aluminum.
- Warranty: Next Wave CNC offers a TWO-YEAR warranty on the Shark LCD Pendant for defects in material and workmanship from the date of purchase. This warranty applies only to the original retail purchaser from an authorized Next Wave CNC distributor and covers parts and labor for defect correction, excluding shipping costs. The warranty is void if the pendant is modified without permission, or if the machine is located outside the country of purchase.
Usage Features:
- Intuitive Interface: The pendant's screen is designed for ease of use, with clearly labeled buttons and a logical menu structure. The numeric keypad allows for precise input of values.
- Jogging Control: Users can precisely control router movement with directional buttons (Right X+, Left X-, Away Y+, Near Y-, Up Z+, Dn Z-) and toggle between Slow, Medium, and Fast jog speeds. The "Mv 0.0" button provides a micro-movement option.
- Zeroing Procedures: The "Zero XY" and "Zero Z" buttons simplify the process of setting the workpiece origin. The optional Shark Z Zero Touch Plate accessory offers a fast and accurate method for Z-axis zeroing, involving placing the plate on the material and using a magnet to connect it to the router bit.
- Home X & Y Axes Calibration: A guided process helps users calibrate the X and Y axes by moving the router until it contacts the limit switches, ensuring accurate home positions.
- Touch Plate App: This application facilitates Z-axis calibration, offering options for running Z calibration, setting plunge speed, and storing plate thickness.
- Virtual Zero App: This advanced feature allows users to map the surface of irregular material, creating a virtual zero plane for precise routing on uneven surfaces. It involves capturing multiple points on the material to define the virtual zero.
- Job Array App: This feature enables users to create multiple parts from a single setup, defining the number of rows and columns for a job array.
- Maintenance and Firmware Updates: The pendant allows users to check firmware versions for both the pendant and the controller, and provides a mechanism for updating firmware via USB.
- Safety Features: The "Safe Height" setting helps prevent router bit collisions by ensuring the router moves to a safe height above the workpiece during operations. The manual also emphasizes securing the workpiece and positioning clamps to avoid interference with toolpaths.
- Error Handling: The system provides clear messages for issues like "Touch Plate Found! Remove Contact to Proceed" or "Confirm Proper Touch Plate Connection," guiding users through troubleshooting.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the pendant screen and case is recommended to prevent sawdust and debris from causing problems. A soft cloth and a piece of paper can be used to clean between the screen and the plastic housing.
- Firmware Updates: Next Wave CNC periodically releases firmware updates to improve functionality and address issues. Users can check for and install these updates through the pendant's "Maintenance" menu, ensuring the device operates with the latest software.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides guidance on common issues, such as the pendant not responding, and suggests steps like restarting the controller and checking connections.
- Warranty Support: In case of defects, users can contact Next Wave CNC for warranty service, which covers parts and labor for repairs, provided the conditions of the warranty are met.
The Shark LCD Pendant is a crucial component for maximizing the efficiency and precision of Next Wave CNC Shark routers, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly control experience.
Need help?
General
To Next Page