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That version of the EggBot (and AxiDraw) software requires Inkscape 1.0 or newer; it will not work with Inkscape 0.92.
First, you might consider updating to version 3.6; we’ve streamlined the error messages a bit.
All of these error messages (“Failed after command”, “Error reading serial data”, “Error testing serial port”, “Failed to connect to AxiDraw.”) appear to indicate an actual loss of USB connectivity (encountered by the software in different circumstances). Together, they paint a picture of an unreliable USB connection.
Typically, this kind of thing happens when there’s a poor quality USB cable, for example way too long or unshielded. If you have a different USB cable available to try, go ahead and try that as a first step.
In addition to the cable, it’s possible to imagine this kind of thing happening due to USB adapter/hub, or software that’s keeping the computer extra busy, and so forth. You might try restarting the computer if a different cable doesn’t work.
It’s also possible that there’s something wrong with the USB port on the AxiDraw; a USB jack can potentially become flaky, though that’s uncommon except in cases of mechanical trauma.
I can’t immediately think of any situation where XY motion would work correctly but pen lift would not (in the way that you describe here) except:
* If the pen-up and pen-down heights were the same (or very close)
* Not connecting to the correct set of pins on the EBB for the currently saved servo_pin settingOr,
* All three servo motors are malfunctioning or
* Both servo output pins on the EBB are malfunctioning
* The 5 V power supply on the EBB is malfunctioningSo, double check that XY motion is still working and that you still have a good range set on the servo positions.
Check with the multimeter to see if there really is 5 V on the center pin versus the back pin, using the third set up (alternate servo position).
If those things are all OK, then it seems likely that either all three servos are malfunctioning or the EBB itself is malfunctioning– though both require multiple things to go wrong.
Can you please verify that you are using the original power supply without any kind of voltage adapter?
Did you test these three motors on the set of three pins *two positions* above the normal servo position, and with the brown wire towards the back of the AxiDraw?
You should consider updating the mac to the current version; this feature was added in version 3.5.
Near the top of axidraw_conf.py, what version number is listed there?
Then there’s no reason to suspect an issue with:
* Your USB cables
* Your USB ports
* Which platform you are using (Mac/Linux…)
* Your firmwareUntil the problem is resolved, I’d recommend testing the servo motors plugged in directly to the EBB (control board), to eliminate the vertical slide and the servo cabling as possible issues.
Check for any signs of damage — bent pins, anything loose or broken — around the EBB.
Set your pen range to 0, 100, and try cycle mode with a servo motor connected directly to the EBB.
If you’re still not seeing anything, let’s try using a different pin on the EBB.
A. Open Inkscape
B. From the menu, select Inkscape > Preferences (on a Mac) or Edit > Preferences (Linux)
C. Select System from the list on the left panel of the preferences window.
D. On the right-hand panel is a list of folder locations. Click the “Open” button to the right of the “User extensions” folder location. This will open the extensions folder on your computer.In that folder, find axidraw_conf.py, and open it in a plain text editor.
In that file, find where it saysservo_pin = 1and change it toservo_pin = 2and save the file.Then, try connecting your servo motors **two** positions above the normal servo position, and see if that works.
Is XY (horizontal) motion working correctly?
That’s a good suggestion; thank you. And, I’m sorry for the frustration.
I haven’t seen this particular set of error messages before. My first impression is that it looks like it could be an issue of access permissions (though that’s unusual on a Mac) or the port being busy.
A couple of things you might try:
* Unplug the AxiDraw from both power and USB, then connect it by USB alone, ideally to a different physical port. Then try running the updater again.
* Restart the AxiDraw into “bootloader mode” by unplugging both power and USB, then holding down the Pause button while connecting the USB cable. Release the button. That should put the LEDs into a rhythmic “heartbeat” pattern, indicating that it’s primed for bootloading. Then, try running the updater again.
* If those don’t work, try again after restarting the computer.
Yes, you can simply add a switch in the wire from a battery box — one that already works to power LEDs — to the LED(s).
Our store also sells battery boxes with built-in power switches.
There is not a corresponding setting for pen up. I’d recommend plotting one layer at a time if you need to do so.
Probably better to *leave off* the last LED, rather than short or jump it.
The EggBot software only supports EggBot hardware. There isn’t any support for alternate builds based on Arduino.
