(solved) Z motor wont move
Hello All,
I just finished building my new MK2 printer, powered it on and everything worked fine except the Z axis wouldn't move. The motors would grind a little then just make a high pitch whine when i attempted to move that axis. Tried taking off the threaded coupling for the X Axis and run the motor under no load and the threaded rod did not spin, the motor just grinded in place. I also notice it only attempts to move in 1 direction...down.. no matter which way i turn the dial on the LCD. I also notice a high pitch noise coming from only those motors when the unit has power but it not doing anything. I check and all wiring looks good. Any help is appreciated.
Re: Z motor wont move
Hi,
is it one motor or both motors?
Check if you didn't accidentally break the motor cables by making zipties too tight.
Re: Z motor wont move
Its both motors, same behavior in each. I can remove the wire from the control board and the high pitch goes away, ive also tested each independently with no load. They just grind but don't turn.
Re: Z motor wont move
Hmmm, this is a new one on me?! If you've checked that the motor to RAMBo Mini connectors are both in the right way round and in the correct pair of sockets then it should work... I'd be very surprised if two motors failed in one kit, but sometimes these things happen.
Maybe you could post some pics of your Printer focusing on the Z-Motors, and also a shot or two of the RAMBO Mini? That we we might be able to spot something you've missed... it happens!
See I let you go first there Josef! 😆
Re: Z motor wont move
Here are pics of the right motor and the electronics box
Re: Z motor wont move
Also, one thing i did notice when i was building. Once everything was connected. If i moved the print bed the LCD would illuminate..without the power cord attached.
Re: Z motor wont move
That's quite normal Angelo, as you move it, it turns the motor which generates an electrical charge that flows backwards into the RAMBo Mini and powers it up for a second or two. It's best to not do it too often or too hard to prevent the risk of damage to the electronics.
Well, the electronics look like their wired up correctly... I'm not seeing the picture of the motor(s) though, did you post one?
Re: Z motor wont move
Sorry here it is. I have a video of the issue as well, ill share it on my google drive. Doesnt look like i can insert it here.
Video: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0ByJR3nt3rg7aTWN6Ui1lMC16elE&usp=sharing
Re: Z motor wont move
While nothing screams out at being wrong by just looking can I just ask if you've tried loosening the Z Screw Covers? The little black cone like pieces sitting on top of each motor? If they are too tight they can interfere with the movement of the Lead Screws.
I'd also recommend hand turning the Z screws (with the power off) to raise the X-Carriage up as if it suddenly does work you could end up ramming your extruder nozzle into the bed causing damage.
These things:
Re: Z motor wont move
that was the first thing i did actually, they are sitting a few mm above the bottom of the threaded rod. I have raised the carriage up and down manually as well.
Re: Z motor wont move
I was able to resolve the issue, Josef was correct. The wires behind the left motor were squished against the frame i rotated the motor to the wires came out the left side and the motors both run nicely now. Thanks everyone for your help. Looking forward to calibrating now.
Re: Z motor wont move
I was able to resolve the issue, Josef was correct. The wires behind the left motor were squished against the frame i rotated the motor to the wires came out the left side and the motors both run nicely now. Thanks everyone for your help. Looking forward to calibrating now.
Glad to hear! Take care with those wires. There may be a break in them. If the wires move, they could disrupt a print while in progress. Keep this info on hand in case you get weird behavior in the future.
Good Luck!
John
Re: (solved) Z motor wont move
Thanks for the update, really pleased for you... it's amazing how something that seems so minor can cause so such a headache! I've got to admit I wouldn't have thought of that!