# EX Servo system - Z-Axis Brake **URL:** \ **Category:** General Chat\ **Created:** [September 1, 2024, 2:03pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-servo-system-z-axis-brake/3661 "2024-09-01T14:03:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![wbegg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/85e7bf/32.png) [@wbegg](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/wbegg)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2024, 2:03pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-servo-system-z-axis-brake/3661/1 "2024-09-01T14:03:01Z")
Does the new Centroid EX control system come with a brake for the Z axis? I know from experience that Servos have much less frictional holding force when not powered, and may be OK with a 4 hp spindle, but with the 8hp spindle, I would imagine the Z will drop when powered down without the use of a brake for the Z axis motor. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/eric/32/3220_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2024, 2:08pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-servo-system-z-axis-brake/3661/2 "2024-09-01T14:08:51Z")
Yes all EX controls require a brake. We send a simple retrofit kit when you order one. Going forward all of our Z axes will have an electric brake regardless of whether or not you get steppers or servos ---
**Author:** ![Connor](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/connor/32/3822_2.png) [@Connor](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Connor)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-servo-system-z-axis-brake/3661/3 "2024-09-05T20:01:15Z")
My 4HP CNC Depot stays in place… But, I can easily move it down if the servo is disabled. I’m using ClearPATH servo’s on everything. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/eric/32/3220_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 12:19am UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-servo-system-z-axis-brake/3661/4 "2024-09-06T00:19:24Z")
Yeah our drag brake has JUST enough resistance to hold the 4hp… but just. That’s why we’re switching to the electric brake. ---
**Author:** ![Aces4days](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/aces4days/32/4645_2.png) [@Aces4days](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Aces4days)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2024, 5:21pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-servo-system-z-axis-brake/3661/5 "2024-11-23T17:21:26Z")
Hi Eric, I purchased the EX Conroller last month expecting there to be some sort of braking system. I have been working with Cory and Jack, who have been very helpful. When I was in the process of going over a check list during the purchase of the controller. We spoke about the brake being needed and I was told the servos and the controller were modified to have a programmed braking system. I am already behind on custom jobs that I am supposed to be doing and this machine is replacing my X-Carve. ANy assistance would be appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/eric/32/3220_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2024, 9:15pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-servo-system-z-axis-brake/3661/6 "2024-11-23T21:15:51Z")
If you’re upgrading an Avid machine to EX it comes with a brake kit you add to your Z axis. ---
**Author:** ![Aces4days](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/aces4days/32/4645_2.png) [@Aces4days](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Aces4days)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2024, 7:47pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-servo-system-z-axis-brake/3661/7 "2024-11-24T19:47:05Z")
I bought the EX Controller for my DIY cnc. Was my control box supposed to be built oriented with the on switch away from me if mounted to the right side? ![20241115_172607](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/uploads/avidcnc/original/2X/7/7dc4db30d4750bea26fcd6bdc5dbd849f1bc1286.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/eric/32/3220_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2024, 10:15pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-servo-system-z-axis-brake/3661/8 "2024-11-24T22:15:54Z")
That is correctly built. If you want the switch on the other side just rotate the box 180 degrees. ---
**Author:** ![Aces4days](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/aces4days/32/4645_2.png) [@Aces4days](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Aces4days)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 12:15am UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-servo-system-z-axis-brake/3661/9 "2024-11-25T00:15:38Z")
Okay thanks. Would you know why my Y axis is not in sync? If I am facing my cnc like in this picture, the Y motor goes in the direction I click but the Slave motor is going in the opposite direction. I can’t seem to figure out how to adjust this? Plus it seems that my z- axis is inverted. Sorry for all the questions. I understand if I don’t get this figured out this weekend. > **(attachments)** > > ![20241124_160626.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/uploads/avidcnc/original/2X/e/eced424d4ad2d6ff5d7586fc022049063660299f.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/eric/32/3220_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 1:07am UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-servo-system-z-axis-brake/3661/10 "2024-11-25T01:07:46Z")
If you are using our servo motors we send them pre-programmed and pre-tuned. Z has it’s own tune, X has a tune and both Y motors have the same tune. That last bit is important: Both Y motors have the same tune, so they spin in the same direction. On your servo board (it’s the board that’s right behind where all of the 8 pin connections are) there’s a jumper or a dip switch for “Y2 invert” This is jumped (or turned on) for gantry systems that require one of the Y motors to be reversed. Since you have a non avid system you need to make sure that you: A) are using the Y motors on the Y axis (they are labeled when they leave our facility) B) you have engaged the “Y2 invert” dip switch or jumper on your servo board. Normally we do this for a new machine for you, but since yours was going to a custom machine I’m not sure what our “default” setting is. Definitely worth checking after you confirm that you have the correct motors mounted in the correct places.