In what situation might you need to cycle power on the controller?

Cycling power on the controller is often necessary after making specific changes to the settings that impact the core operation of the machine. One such situation is after setting software axis limits. This action typically requires a reboot of the controller to ensure that the system recognizes and applies the new limits correctly. Changing axis limits directly affects how the machine operates during machining processes, and the controller may need to refresh its memory and recalibrate to these new parameters.

While completing backups or starting programs may call for ensuring that systems are running optimally, they do not inherently require a power cycle. Additionally, changes in network settings may affect connectivity but usually do not necessitate cycling power to the controller unless specified by the manufacturer's guidelines. In this context, setting software axis limits is the most critical operation that mandates a power cycle to guarantee correct integration of the new settings.