Why does release tension work the way that it does? Could we have a button that unspools a set amount from a config value? Both for taking it off the anchors and for pausing to switch bits release tension doesn’t do very well, doesn’t spool out enough belt, only does on some sides, and often needs a full retract reset extend cycle before it can run again. I know that when it isn’t under tension the belts move back and forth in the encoders but is it possible to keep the machine aware while doing this? Can it count as the belt moves continuously?
Ideally I would like to spool out enough belt to turn the machine on it’s side, Unplug the router, switch bits, right it, apply tension again and go back to cutting. Is there a reason that this would be problematic? I know I can put a request in to the maslowbot but I wanted to understand more about the issue before I did.
As I understand it, the Release tension just sets the motor to allow a release of tension by a timed amount. Maslow can not push the belt out, so if there is no tension on a belt it does not release it. You can do multiple Release tensions while providing tension on one or more belts to release more belt. Maslow will keep track of how much belt has passed the encoders and compensate when Apply Tension is selected.
The reason it does not attempt to push out belt by driving it with the motor is to avoid jams in the arms, which were an early, and frustrating problem.
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thank you, that makes sense