[Guide] How to Fix Common Auto Home Issues with iDraw Pen Plotters

The Auto Home function is essential for initializing your iDraw Pen Plotter, allowing the machine to locate its origin before starting a job. However, some users may encounter issues where the plotter either doesn’t home correctly or doesn’t respond at all when initiating Auto Home. This guide aims to walk you through the most common causes and their solutions to get your machine running smoothly again.

🔧 Common Auto Home Issues & Solutions

1. Check Limit Switch Cable Connections

The limit switches are crucial sensors that tell the machine where the home position is. If they are not connected properly, the Auto Home function will fail.

Solution:

• Inspect the wiring of your contact/limit switches.
• Ensure each switch is firmly connected.
• Pay special attention to the wire labeled “X” — this wire must be connected to the X-axis limit switch.

If this is connected incorrectly, your plotter may attempt to home in the wrong direction or not respond at all.

Tip: Gently tug on the wires to ensure they are not loose. If the wire easily comes off, reinsert it or replace the connector.

2. Manually Check for Limit Switch Obstruction

Sometimes, even if the wiring is fine, the switches might already be triggered due to mechanical blockage or improper carriage positioning.

Solution:

• Power off the machine and gently move the carriage by hand along both the X and Y axes.
• Watch the limit switches — they should only be pressed when the carriage reaches its maximum travel (i.e., the home position).
• If a switch is stuck in the pressed position or being continuously triggered, the machine will think it is already at "home" and not move.

Tip: You should hear or feel a small “click” when a switch is activated. If the switch doesn’t click or feel responsive, it might be faulty.

3. Organize Your Cables Carefully

A very common, but often overlooked, issue is cable obstruction. If cables get tangled or caught in the frame, they may block the movement of the carriage and prevent it from reaching the limit switches.

Solution:

• Power off the plotter and inspect the routing of all wires and cables, especially the ones near the moving gantry.
• Use zip ties or cable holders to organize the cables neatly and out of the way.
• Make sure nothing is obstructing the switch area on either side of the axes.

Tip: Move the carriage slowly by hand after organizing cables to ensure a smooth path and that it can reach and press the limit switches freely.

✅ Additional Troubleshooting Tips

Firmware Check: If all hardware is correct but the problem persists, make sure your firmware is up to date and properly configured for Auto Home. Download the lastest firmware here>>>

Software Settings: Verify the correct COM port and machine settings in the control software (e.g., Inkscape with iDraw, or UUNA TEK software). Check the way to install Inscape Extension here>>>

Noise Filtering: Sometimes, electrical noise can affect signal accuracy. Shielded cables can help in industrial environments.

📝 Conclusion

Auto Home is a fundamental feature that ensures accurate and consistent drawing or writing, but it can be disrupted by small mechanical or wiring issues. By systematically checking:

Whether the wires are connected correctly, especially the X-labeled one;

That the limit switches are functioning and not falsely triggered;

And ensuring that cables aren’t physically blocking the machine’s movement;

You can resolve most common Auto Home issues with ease.

If you've tried all the above and your machine still isn't working as expected, feel free to reach out to UUNA TEK's 24/7 support via email or live chat. We're always here to help you create your best work with confidence!