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Solved Horizontal smooth threads uneven...an issue?

Discussion in 'Troubleshooting' started by Rasterize, Feb 18, 2015.

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  1. Jacob Kirsch

    Jacob Kirsch Member

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    If the Z motors always run the same steps because they share the same stepper controller, and he starts with the carriage level to the bed, how could the carriage ever get out of level, regardless of the level of the switches? If it were the switches, I'd expect it to move the head up and down from one side to the other; not for the carriage to get out of level.

    It seems like one motor just isn't turning the same as the other. Maybe bad motor or loose cable?
     
    #21 Jacob Kirsch, Feb 18, 2015
  2. Rasterize

    Rasterize Member

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    Here is a quick video of what is happening during auto level.



    It's gotten worse and now goes up at 4 points!
    Don't ask me what S rods are. S is for Secret. ;)
     
    #22 Rasterize, Feb 18, 2015
  3. jbigler1986

    jbigler1986 Active Member

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    Have you tried to update the firmware? Try the 5/16 firmware and the 5mm firmware. See if one of those solves it. Just a thought.
     
    #23 jbigler1986, Feb 18, 2015
  4. Mike Kelly

    Mike Kelly Volunteer

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    Na it's not a firmware issue but mechanical.

    Here's what i want you to do. Either remove the lid or twist the right endstop holder until you can get access to the screw that secures it. Loosen it a little.

    With the carriage on the left side raise the switch until it's pressed against the right motor idler carriage and activated. Then retighten the screw and try again/
     
    #24 Mike Kelly, Feb 18, 2015
  5. Stephen Capistron

    Stephen Capistron Active Member

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    Mike is almost assuredly correct.

    Put a different way, the switches need to be slid up the metal nut a little ways.
     
    #25 Stephen Capistron, Feb 18, 2015
  6. Jacob Kirsch

    Jacob Kirsch Member

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    How do the left and right Z motors get out of sync? It's clear that it starts out with the carriage level but when the print starts it is lower on the right.
     
    #26 Jacob Kirsch, Feb 18, 2015
  7. Rasterize

    Rasterize Member

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    Well, that fixed the auto level! If functioned normally. Thanks Mike!
    I still have the high on the right, low on the left issue. Not near as bad however.
    Is there another bed calibration method for Cura? The Expert bed leveling wizard doesn't seem to make to much sense for a Robo.
    20150218_205329.jpg
     
    #27 Rasterize, Feb 18, 2015
  8. Rasterize

    Rasterize Member

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    Question: The metal collar at the bottom of the threaded rod with the two screws. Should I be able to hold those and still turn the threaded rod?
    I can't on the left and can on the right.
     
    #28 Rasterize, Feb 18, 2015
  9. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Nope.
     
    #29 mark tomlinson, Feb 18, 2015
  10. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    I had one break loose and even though the screws were tight, it turned.
    CyanoAcrylate fixed it.

    In your case first check the set screws.
     
    #30 mark tomlinson, Feb 18, 2015
  11. Rasterize

    Rasterize Member

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    Yep. Top wont turn and the bottom seems a bit stripped.
     
    #31 Rasterize, Feb 18, 2015
  12. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    SuperGlue fixed it for me (it has been stuck back together ever since) and is a 5 minute fix :)

    And I got the KS version -- my rod was broken from the start... so it has been holding for a while.
     
    #32 mark tomlinson, Feb 18, 2015
  13. Rasterize

    Rasterize Member

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    Could this be my bed leveling issue?
     
    #33 Rasterize, Feb 18, 2015
  14. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    It almost certainly is. With the broken coupler you get it set right but the autolevel almost can't succeed with the rod slipping. Because, the Z will not be consistent.
     
    #34 mark tomlinson, Feb 18, 2015
  15. Jacob Kirsch

    Jacob Kirsch Member

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    That explains why the carriage is tilting! CA is a good workaround but I would also contact support and get a replacement coupler. Seems like the builder was a little over zealous.
     
    #35 Jacob Kirsch, Feb 18, 2015
  16. Rasterize

    Rasterize Member

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    I got the screws out. Should I just unscrew the rod and take a look?
     
    #36 Rasterize, Feb 18, 2015
  17. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Your call. The CA glue is a quick fix, but a new coupler is probably a good idea (I still am using a super-glued one 2 years later).
     
    #37 mark tomlinson, Feb 18, 2015
  18. Jacob Kirsch

    Jacob Kirsch Member

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    The screws should be clamping the rod. I have 5/16" rods with Teflon tape in them. I think that's to take up the space in the couplers and help with centering. If you don't have tape it shouldn't be a problem to remove them and add some CA to hold it until you can get a replacement coupler.
     
    #38 Jacob Kirsch, Feb 18, 2015
  19. Rasterize

    Rasterize Member

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    What the heck, why not. Worst thing that could happen is that I might learn something. I'll take it apart, reassemble it and see it it flies...tomorrow.
    It's late (EST). I'll look at it with fresh eyes in the morning.
    Thanks to everyone here!
    ps.. how do you tell what rods you have?
     
    #39 Rasterize, Feb 18, 2015
  20. Jacob Kirsch

    Jacob Kirsch Member

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    If you have a cover on the bottom you have metric rods (and smooth rods that go to the top of the case). You have to be a Robo3D whisperer to know which model you have
     
    #40 Jacob Kirsch, Feb 18, 2015
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