Frequently asked questions¶

The terraPen is developed continuously, and its workflow differs from other plotters on the market. These are the questions we hear most often.

For symptom-by-symptom help, see Troubleshooting.

Does it need assembling?¶

A little. The stepper toolhead ships unattached — four screws with the supplied hex key. See Fitting the toolhead.

Where is the power switch?¶

At the rear right of the plotter. Plug the adaptor in, then switch it on there.

What software should I use?¶

terraForge — our own application, built for this machine. The terraPen also plots standard G-code, so other tools work; see Uploading files.

How big can I plot?¶

A full A2 sheet — 594 × 420 mm.

Do I need a computer connected while it plots?¶

No. Artwork is stored on the terraPen's SD card, so once a plot starts you can close terraForge or take your laptop away.

But if you disconnect, do not reconnect until the plot has finished. Reconnecting part way through can stall the controller and end the plot. If you think you might want to pause, stay connected from the start — see deciding whether you are staying.

Can I check on a plot from another room?¶

Only if you stayed connected. Reconnecting to a running plot risks ending it, so if you have already walked away, leave it to finish.

Can I use USB instead of Wi-Fi?¶

Yes. Select USB in terraForge's machine settings — file upload works over the cable too. See Connect via USB-C.

What do I do if the machine crashes into itself?¶

Power it down immediately using the switch at the rear right. Usually either the artwork is bigger than the bed, or a limit switch was not seen. Nothing on the machine catches either one. See the machine is crashing into itself for how to recover and check the switches.

Should I home the machine every time?¶

Yes. The terraPen has limit switches, so homing is the reliable way to establish position. You can still set your own zero afterwards if a job needs to start somewhere specific.

How do I set the pen height?¶

Bring the nib to the paper, set Z zero, then jog up 5 mm. Aim to set zero fractionally into the paper so the spring keeps the pen down over any dips in the bed. See Your first plot.

I have an older machine with a solenoid — does this guide apply?¶

Yes, almost all of it. Setup, Wi-Fi, homing, paper, plotting and stopping are the same. See Solenoid pen lift for the handful of differences, mainly the terraForge pen settings.

Do you still sell the solenoid toolhead?¶

No. Current machines use a stepper toolhead. Existing solenoid machines are still supported — see Solenoid pen lift.

Can it cut vinyl?¶

Yes — fit a drag knife instead of a pen and use terraForge's cutting mode. See cutting vinyl. The feature is experimental, so test on offcuts first.

What pens can I use?¶

Most pens fit. Pen height matters far more than pen brand.

You are not limited to pens either — a paintbrush works, though it needs the full Z travel rather than the usual 5 mm of lift. See why 5 mm, and when you need more.

Why does it go into alarm when I abort a plot?¶

Because the firmware no longer knows where the pen is. Clear the alarm and home the machine again — occasionally it needs a full power cycle first.

You can usually avoid it: pause rather than abort. Pausing stops the machine safely and lets you resume. See pause first.

Can I stop a plot part way and carry on later?¶

Yes — that is exactly what Pause is for. The pen lifts and the machine waits until you resume.