Installing the Extrusion Upgrade Kit

[mike-truly 3]

OK, so I installed the extrusion upgrade kit converting my U2 to a U2+.  In general, all went fine.  But there were a couple of issues.  (I followed the video tutorial procedures for the upgrade).

 

1.  My U2 had no ferrite cores.  I have read several posts that said older U2s didn't have the cores and don't need them.  But then I have also read posts alluding to using ferrite cores to improve printing problems.  Not sure whether I need the ferrite cores or not?

 

2.  On the part of the upgrade dealing with aligning the axles...  The axle alignment tools that came with the upgrade kit... one of the tools is distorted and warped compared to the other tool.  The procedure seemed to say to loosen both hex screws on each end of the axle, snap on the alignment tools, and tighten the hex screws back down.  Well, when rotating the X axle so that one hex screw was available... the other hex screw was about 180 degrees out and was not available to loosen or tighten from that orientation.  I had to loosen one, move the print head to rotate the axle so that the other one would become available, loosen that one.  Then I snapped on the alignment tools (which wasn't easy as the distorted tool kept wanting to pop off so I had to hold it down with one hand) and then tighten one hex screw.  Then I had to take off the alignment tools, move the print head to rotate the axle so that the other screw would become available, snap the alignment tools back on into a different notch and tighten the other hex screw.  I had to do the same procedure on the Y axle.

 

Was I doing something wrong here?  I would have thought that both hex screws should be at matching orientations so that the could be loosened and tightened without moving the print head?  Or is that why the alignment tool has multiple notches so that when moving the print head, each time you snap into a different notch?

 

Bit confused about this part of the upgrade.  Right now, an Ultimaker robot is printing and seems to be coming out fine so far.

 

Also, while printing... periodically there is a quiet beep that occurs.  Not sure what this beeping is.

 

Thanks!

 

Mike

[gr5 2,192]

1 hour ago, mike-truly said:

Or is that why the alignment tool has multiple notches so that when moving the print head, each time you snap into a different notch?

 

This.  This is your answer.  But I'm sure you did fine.  

 

I think the ferrite cores are to reduce electromagnetic radiation for other things near the printer.  For example without the ferrite cores you might have trouble getting wifi or data on your phone.  Maybe.  Or more likely AM radio signals might suck within 2 feet of the printer.  I doubt the cores make the printer work any better.  I could be wrong - but I think they are just so you can pass FCC regulations.  FCC doesn't like you being a little radio station.

[IRobertI 520]

Yes, ideally the screws should be aligned in such a way that they are both visible at the same time. It's very easy to "mess up" during assembly though. The way you handled it sounds fine to me.

 

The ferrite cores aren't strictly necessary. Like gr5 said, they're there for certifications more than anything. The number of ferrite cores and where they're placed have changed a couple of times over the years.

 

The beep you're hearing. Could it be retractions? The new feeder is slightly louder and the motor spins at a different speed so the change in pitch might be what you're reacting to compared to the old one. If that's not it, post a video/sound clip, otherwise it's very hard to figure out what it is.

[mike-truly 3]

Thanks very much for the info!

 

When loosening and tightening the hex screws with the alignment tools snapped on... I didn't really notice anything change about the rods, etc.  And the Ultimaker Robot printed fine.

 

Here's a shot of the warped alignment tool:

 

 

I think the slight beeping sound may be the retractions... I'll keep an ear on it!

 

Thanks again.

 

Mike

 

[LePaul 324]

I had the same troubles with my UM2 to UM2+ upgrade using the guides to align to the rods.  In my case, one broke when it fell off the work bench.  I also played the "chase the set screw" game.  

 

Asides that ...and some awkwardness getting the new extruder gear/setup installed, the printer is working well..  I did a few 20 mm test cubes and they came out really good.

[mike-truly 3]

Yes, for me, the upgrade from U2 to U2+ has resulted in a great improvement of print quality.  Really liking the results.

 

Thanks again!

 

Mike