# Need help on initial startup and calibration
**URL:** https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/need-help-on-initial-startup-and-calibration/26190
**Category:** Troubleshooting
**Created:** [September 2, 2026, 2:15am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/need-help-on-initial-startup-and-calibration/26190 "2026-09-02T02:15:11Z")
**Posts on this page:** 6
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Selfie](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Selfie)
#### Post date: [September 2, 2026, 2:15am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/need-help-on-initial-startup-and-calibration/26190/1 "2026-09-02T02:15:11Z")
I have had my machine for a few months now and have had now luck in getting past initial calibration.
The first issue have is I can’t get any Z axis movement. When I try to step the Z, the fan spins and then nothing… I don’t think the steppers are getting power as there is no resistance if I try to turn the screw by hand.
If I ignore the Z axis issue and try to get some more setup done, I set the calibration grid, retract the belts, then extend and attach the belts but when I go to Find the anchor locations I get no further. The log says it is finding anchor points but then the browser tab changes to "maslow(AP mode)(Disabled). After that the network drops out and after I reconnect I then have to retract and extend the belts for the same thing to happen again.
There is a bunch of error messages in the log with the last three character being different “Invalid setting or command:/kniematics/MaslowKinematics/trX”
Have I missed something? Can anyone offer some help?
---
### Author:  [@wouldchuck](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/wouldchuck)
#### Post date: [September 2, 2026, 2:50am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/need-help-on-initial-startup-and-calibration/26190/2 "2026-09-02T02:50:10Z")
Don’t know about the z motor part. Maybe a loose wire?
With that message I might try to download and reload a clean yaml file that holds the configuration information. In the maslow at the top left there is a tab for Fluid NC settings. When you open that there is a green button that lets you upload files. And a yellow button that lets you load new firmware. I would load the latest firmware and a new yaml and index file along with it as a place to start.
You need the matching firmware, index and yaml files from this site:
> **[Releases · MaslowCNC/Maslow\_4](https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Maslow_4/releases)**
>
> The next generation of motion control firmware. Contribute to MaslowCNC/Maslow\_4 development by creating an account on GitHub.
What firmware are you on? You can find it by clicking on the blue button at the top of this screen too.
---
### Author:  [@Selfie](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Selfie)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2026, 10:09pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/need-help-on-initial-startup-and-calibration/26190/3 "2026-09-09T22:09:14Z")
Thanks Wouldchuck, I reloaded the firmware and a fresh yaml and seem to have succeeded in setting anchor points and running a gcode.
Now I just need to kill the habits of running a Multicam machine for years when programming codes and setting homes. I will see how I go today running a gcode on something that matters.
---
### Author:  [@ian\_ab](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/ian_ab)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2026, 2:41am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/need-help-on-initial-startup-and-calibration/26190/4 "2026-09-10T02:41:27Z")
Are you still having a problem with the Z axis?
---
### Author:  [@Selfie](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Selfie)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2026, 8:49am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/need-help-on-initial-startup-and-calibration/26190/5 "2026-09-10T08:49:35Z")
Yes and no. I have it operating(and I think it may have always been) but I now need time to get my head around and cross reference how the maslow software operates and labels the Z axis reference points in comparison with the way I have done it in the past.
---
### Author:  [@ian\_ab](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/ian_ab)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2026, 9:49am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/need-help-on-initial-startup-and-calibration/26190/6 "2026-09-10T09:49:35Z")
Because the Maslow is sitting on top of the work surface it changes how the Z axis is referenced from other CNCs. In short, the Z home is the height at which the bit just clears the work surface (which you set) and Z stop is where the Maslow is at the lowest point possible without a bit in. Zm is the Z position in relation to Z stop. If set correctly, Zm = 0 when Z axis is at the bottom of its travel and goes to Zm = 72 just before the Maslow rises off the screws. Z stop is set from Setup button then Set Z Stop when the Maslow is right down. It is possible to set the Z stop above optimum, with unpredictable results. This can also happen after a power interruption when running.