UM original Y axis motor command issue

[3edegre 0]

Hi, thank you for your help.

Brand new UM self assembled. During setup I encountered and issue because the head didn't move correctly on the Y axis (curious noise and no or very small movements)

Details :

- first run wizard OK (upgraded firmware to Marlin during process)

- during the bed leveling wizard, the head doesn't move to the 4 corners, move just correctly on X axis

- checked carefully stoppers pulleys, belts and explored forums

- finally tried to remove the motor and it seems to work correctly (see below when I tried to invert the motors)

- checked connections, they appears correct.

- i made the test of connecting the X axis motor in place of the Y axis motor and it reproduces the issue on the other axis

The testing is using the control pannel on the UM then prepare > Move axis > 10 mm > and chose the axis.

Result, with the X motor command all is OK, with Y motor command the result is very small and irregular movements.

I hope that I gave enough information in order to help diagnosis.

Thank you for your help.

F.

 

[gr5 2,005]

Under your UM, on the electronics board, you will see 4 smaller boards. One for each of the 4 axes (plus a socket for a spare extruder if you do dual extrusion). These are sometimes called "stepper drivers" or "pololus".

There is a small potentiometer on there that you can rotate. It sounds like you might need to increase the current a tiny bit. If you turn it too much your stepper will gradually get very hot.

http://wiki.ultimaker.com/Electronics_build_guide#Tuning_the_stepper_motor_drivers

 

You could instead swap two stepper drivers and see if the problem moves. If it does you can write a ticket and they will probably ship you a new one for free on Monday.

If you choose to remove a stepper driver, it is easy but do it very slowly and carefully. Don't rush. Use something like a screwdriver to pry up one side part way. Then switch to the second side. Then go back to the first side. Go slow. It should take 2 or 3 prying tries. If you go too fast you will bend the pins.

 

[3edegre 0]

Thank you for this very extensive and detailed answer.

- I first tried to rotate slightly counter-clockwise the potentiometer > still very small and irregular steps for 10mm request

- then tried to rotate slightly clockwise the potentiometer > still very small and irregular steps for 10mm request

- then tried to rotate 30° clockwise the potentiometer > still very small and irregular steps for 10mm request

- launched the test for 1 mm request > movements are near the same than for 10 mm request

- then I removed carefully the stepper drivers X and Y (it was not difficult) and placed the X stepper driver in the Y slot > same wrong result.

Let me know if I can make some additional testing or how to be in touch with support about this issue.

Thank you for your cooperation.

F.

 

[illuminarti 18]

When you say 'same wrong result' after swapping the stepper drivers... did the problem stay on the same axis as before, or did it move with the stepper driver board? I think you're saying it stayed on the same axis, which means it's not the stepper driver, but the underlying electronics.

You can open a support ticket with Ultimaker at:

http://support.ultimaker.com

 

[3edegre 0]

Thanks illuminarti and gr5

Yes, you're right, it stayed on the same axis, which means it's not the stepper driver, but the underlying electronics.

I've created a support ticket ID #FYB-670-76902

Both your support are greatly appreciated.

F.

 

[gr5 2,005]

3edegre - what country do you live in? Please update your profile to reflect that, thanks. Depending on the country I have different advice. For example in USA you can get a new Arduino on ebay for $20 shipped and that is probably the part that is broken at this point and you would have a much shorter wait if you go that option.

 

[3edegre 0]

thanks gr5, I live in France and the machine is brand new (I just received it 1 week ago ;-)

I hope that the support team in Netherland will be as reactive as you were ;-) I ordered the kit especially because it was ready to ship and we have some jobs to do with.

Crossed fingers X

Thank you again.

F.

 

[gr5 2,005]

If it were me I would request an arduino from Ultimaker in the ticket *and* order a spare Arduino at the same time. You want the "Arduino mega 2560"