X-Carve Pro Instructions / 4x4 / Connect Computer

12. Connect Computer

During this step you will be connecting your computer to the X-Carve Pro and using the gantry’s motion to square the machine. You will need an internet connection to finish the assembly and setup your X-Carve Pro.

First, you will need to download the correct drivers to your computer to allow it to connect to the X-Carve Pro.

You will need to Install the Easel driver and if your computer runs Windows, you will need to install the FTDI driver. You can access all driver downloads here:

Easel Downloads

Once the two drivers are installed, re-launch your browser and return to this step.

Before continuing, ensure that there is nothing on or within 12 inches (300mm) of the X-Carve Pro or table on all sides.

Note: The Y1 end of the gantry extends 8 inches (200mm) past the end of the machine. Ensure there are at least 12 inches (300mm) of space at the back of the machine to allow your gantry room to not crash into anything.

Note: Easel will guide you through installing the washboard in Step 13 during the Easel Setup.

Tools

  • Computer
  • Internet connection
  • Easel /Inventables credentials

Cables

  • USB-A to USB-C - 2M
  • USB-A to USB-C adapter (if needed)

Steps

  1. Connect Your Computer to the X-Carve Pro
    • Using the included 2M USB-C to USB-A cable, connect your computer to the front of the HMI.

      NOTE: If your computer only has USB-C ports, use the supplied USB-A to USB-C adapter. At this time, using a USB-C to USB-C cable will not allow the computer to connect properly.

  2. Use Easel to continue X-Carve Pro setup. These steps will be guided and include:
    • Logging into Easel (use your Easel or Inventables username and password)
    • Square and home the machine
    • Install and plane the wasteboard

Usage

The buttons on the HMI (Human Machine Interface) function the same as the buttons in the carve menu. These three buttons (from left to right) on the HMI allow you to start and stop, and reset a job while it’s running.

These are formally known as ‘Feed Hold’, ‘Cycle Start’, and ‘Reset’ .

Feed Hold (click for details) If you've already started a job from your computer and need to pause it momentarily, you can click the feed hold button to stop the axes from moving. Note that the spindle will not turn off.


Cycle Start (click for details) It's important to note that this will not start a job, though it will re-start one that has been paused. This only has an effect when the feed hold button has been pressed first.


Reset (click for details) If, after pressing the feed hold button, you want to scrap the current job and start a new one, you can press the reset button. This will return the X and Y axes to home and keep your set home position. This button will only work if you've pressed the feed hold first. The HMI also has a red button, which is the E-stop (emergency-stop). This is only to be used when there is a hazard during carving and you need to immediately stop and cut power to the machine.

Press down on the e-stop to engage it and twist it clockwise (follow the arrows) while pulling up to disengage it. You’ll know it is engaged when the green power light on the HMI is off, and disengaged when the green power light turns back on.

NOTE: The X-Carve Pro should be powered off using the power switch on the back of the controller when not in use. Do not use the E-stop as a regular power off switch, but instead use the switch on the back of the controller. It is not meant to be left on indefinitely, and doing so can harm the longevity of the machine.

The controller is not an approved user serviceable component. Do not attempt to modify or open the controller. Such actions can void your warranty.

Locate Your X-Carve Pro Serial Number

All X-Carve Pro units have a unique serial number. This serial number helps to distinguish and identify between the numerous X-Carve Pro machines in use. You can add your machine’s serial number in Easel under your Machine Settings.

You can find the serial number for your X-Carve Pro machine on a sticker located underneath the gantry, closest to the Y1 axis. When looking at the machine from the front, the Y1 axis will be on the left-hand side.

The video below shows where the serial number is located on each machine.

Clicking on next step will guide you through the last assembly steps to square your machine and install the wasteboard via Easel.
Next step: Finish setup with Easel