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Answered Power when unplugged?

Discussion in 'Troubleshooting' started by cosber, Mar 21, 2015.

  1. cosber

    cosber Active Member

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    Not the best subject heading for this question, but I don't know what to call it. Basically just a wondering-
    I'm having trouble with y axis slippage and scoured the posts for solutions. I unplugged the printer to move it to someplace I could work on it. I turned it on its side to view underneath to see if anything was catching. I slid the bed back and forth and noticed the green light that's visible just below the USB plug and another on the board would light up as I'm sliding. Also the board fan turns. It's as if sliding the bed generates power. Anyone familiar with this?
    Also, is anyone using Tapatalk having problems viewing this forum?
     
    #1 cosber, Mar 21, 2015
  2. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Your DC motors are acting as generators.
    Not unusual for certain motor types.
     
    #2 mark tomlinson, Mar 21, 2015
  3. Fart_Plume

    Fart_Plume Member

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    Any motor including AC induction motors can be turned into generators/alternators. Some are just better than others for producing electricity. Steppers are wonderful for generating electric, lol
     
    #3 Fart_Plume, Mar 21, 2015
  4. Ben R

    Ben R Active Member

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    well, as long as they're permanent magnets.. these things are VERY good at producing electricity. There might be a fun project in that. Hmmm... I may make a wind generator if I can come up with a reason.
     
    #4 Ben R, Mar 21, 2015
  5. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Some types are way more efficient at it, but yea... Our PM steppers can generate a fair EM field.
     
    #5 mark tomlinson, Mar 21, 2015
  6. cosber

    cosber Active Member

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    Thanks for the answers. Electricity-what a concept!
     
    #6 cosber, Mar 21, 2015
  7. Stephen Capistron

    Stephen Capistron Active Member

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    If you have the USB plugged in and powered a few lights will turn on as well.
     
    #7 Stephen Capistron, Mar 22, 2015
  8. Fart_Plume

    Fart_Plume Member

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    That would be due to the Arduino board getting it's power from the USB. The power supply on board the printer is mainly for powering the steppers, fans, heated bed, and extruder.
     
    #8 Fart_Plume, Mar 22, 2015

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