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Solved Left z stepper rod not moving, is buzzing

Discussion in 'Troubleshooting' started by Ed Govednik, Jun 11, 2016.

  1. Ed Govednik

    Ed Govednik New Member

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    Hey folks, need some help.

    I finished an overnight print and noticed at the top of my print a weird banding, but the print completed. When I tried to print something next and go through the nine-point calibration, the left side z rod made a buzzing noise and did not move. The right side of course does so I powered the printer off. I let the left stop float free to see if the z rod screw would turn but no, it just buzzes. Any idea? I can hand-turn it but cannot move it via software.
     
  2. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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  3. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    It is usually the stepper driver card (little card on top of the RAMPS, one for each stepper)
     
  4. Ed Govednik

    Ed Govednik New Member

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    OK, so I am hopeful I just have a loose wire. I removed the z rod, spun the motor freely (it does) then traced the wires back to the RAMPS board. I noticed one of the wires was askew on the board so I went and reseated all wiring. Attached the Z rod and powered back up. I'm able to get the z height to move up and down in small steps.

    I plan on putting the printer completely back together and trying a test print. Wish me luck!
     
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  5. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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  6. DavidTheNerd

    DavidTheNerd New Member

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    Hey so ironically about a hour ago this happened in my y axis just finished submitting the warranty form. So your stepper is defiently fried as your problems are the exact same as mine
     
  7. DavidTheNerd

    DavidTheNerd New Member

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    Ok so saw the rest of you post.... whoops, but I went through the same steps as you but my motor grinds as it moves. So nice job and lucky you!
     
  8. Ed Govednik

    Ed Govednik New Member

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    The printer is assembled and printing first test part. So far so good.

    Looks like I could have saved myself a lot of time tearing down the printer, but now I feel super confident working on taking it apart and reassembling most of it. I kept waiting for a shoe to drop and end up wedged, but this thing is really easy to work on. Ironic that I just watched NoviceExpert's youtube video where his friend assembled the Robo3d just yesterday. Thanks for the help.

    And, sorry David that you have a bad stepper. Good luck!
     
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  9. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    It is a simple to work on tool, not as complicated as it looks :)
    You did the right thing because eventually you will need to work on it.
     

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