i3 MK3S+ Not Printing - Wants to recalibrate Z axis, can't read X axis, fails belt test
I suspect this may be firmware related, since I didn't have this problem until recent firmware updates.
Currently when I try to start my printer, sometimes the printhead is on the far right and the printer tries to start and position it and it does not know the printhead is on the right and tries to start doing the bed auto-level before it prints. It can't do this because when it moves down, since the printhead is to the far right, the SuperPINDA can't detect the bed at all and it goes too far down, then complains about needing Z-axis calibration.
I finally got so frustrated I move the printhead to the left by hand. This time it started and tried to do the 9 point auto-level. But on the second row of points, as the head was moving from right to left, I heard a noise, like a stuttering of my stepper and the belt, and looked to see that the printer was trying to move the printhead to the left, but the printhead wasn't moving - then it did move, but at this point, the printer thought the printhead had moved all the way to the left, but, because of the stuttering, it wasn't to the left.
And then the problem starts all over. The printer says it has to level the Z-Axis, and I press the button, it starts the process, but the print head ends up on the right side and the printer can't see it's over there.
So I think the basic issue is with the X-axis. The belt seems to be slipping and the printer isn't able to know where the printhead is, so it thinks it's elsewhere.
I started looking over calibrating the belt for the X-Axis, and the first thing I see is to do a belt test and that I should get a number in a set range. So I try the belt test and I get an error and a message that it failed. I don't get any number indicating whether it's in range or not. At this point, since I'm not experienced in dealing with an issue like this, I felt it best to ask for help first.
I know we're all in a rush to get things done, but I'm seriously frustrated. I've spent weeks working on a design for a client. I've been just on the design and haven't had to do any test prints for over a week and I try to use OctoPrint to start my test prints so I can fine tune things and get this to a client and I find I run right into something that is, basically, what I call a "full" malfunction because it's not something I can work around. Until it's fixed, I can't use the printer at all.
RE: i3 MK3S+ Not Printing - Wants to recalibrate Z axis, can't read X axis, fails belt test
I suspect this may be firmware related, since I didn't have this problem until recent firmware updates.
Currently when I try to start my printer, sometimes the printhead is on the far right and the printer tries to start and position it and it does not know the printhead is on the right and tries to start doing the bed auto-level before it prints. It can't do this because when it moves down, since the printhead is to the far right, the SuperPINDA can't detect the bed at all and it goes too far down, then complains about needing Z-axis calibration.
I finally got so frustrated I move the printhead to the left by hand. This time it started and tried to do the 9 point auto-level. But on the second row of points, as the head was moving from right to left, I heard a noise, like a stuttering of my stepper and the belt, and looked to see that the printer was trying to move the printhead to the left, but the printhead wasn't moving - then it did move, but at this point, the printer thought the printhead had moved all the way to the left, but, because of the stuttering, it wasn't to the left.
And then the problem starts all over. The printer says it has to level the Z-Axis, and I press the button, it starts the process, but the print head ends up on the right side and the printer can't see it's over there.
So I think the basic issue is with the X-axis. The belt seems to be slipping and the printer isn't able to know where the printhead is, so it thinks it's elsewhere.
I started looking over calibrating the belt for the X-Axis, and the first thing I see is to do a belt test and that I should get a number in a set range. So I try the belt test and I get an error and a message that it failed. I don't get any number indicating whether it's in range or not. At this point, since I'm not experienced in dealing with an issue like this, I felt it best to ask for help first.
I know we're all in a rush to get things done, but I'm seriously frustrated. I've spent weeks working on a design for a client. I've been just on the design and haven't had to do any test prints for over a week and I try to use OctoPrint to start my test prints so I can fine tune things and get this to a client and I find I run right into something that is, basically, what I call a "full" malfunction because it's not something I can work around. Until it's fixed, I can't use the printer at all.
I don't see this being firmware related. But to check just flash the firmware you were on previously 3.11 seems the most stable. I'd say the stepper motor is on the way out.
Please help me out by downloading a model it's free and easy but really helps me out https://www.printables.com/@Hello_474427/models
RE: i3 MK3S+ Not Printing - Wants to recalibrate Z axis, can't read X axis, fails belt test
I don't see this being firmware related. But to check just flash the firmware you were on previously 3.11 seems the most stable.
I was thinking that. I've had a few problems, such as one version where the SuperPINDA probe could not detect the bed if the probe were directly over one of the screws holding the bed in place. I'm on 3.22, latest version, now.
I'd say the stepper motor is on the way out.
Is there any MTTF on those? While I've had this for about a year and a half, there have been long periods where I haven't been using the printer. There are times I've used it heavily, but that's generally only for 4-5 days at a time - again, with long breaks between those times. I figure at most I've used about 4 spools of filament.
The three common reasons for prints suddenly failing after a printer has been unused for a while:
A dirty print bed. Give it a really thorough clean and avoid touching the print area.
Damp filament. Look up threads here about drying filament especially if it has been left open.
... and the one Iwould address first in your sitution:
General neglect, dust and cobwebs... Basic cleaning, lubrication and general maintenance have all been missed.
See: https://help.prusa3d.com/en/article/i3-printers-regular-maintenance_2072 https://help.prusa3d.com/guide/maintenance-tips_23200
Please come back if problems persist.
Cheerio,
RE: i3 MK3S+ Not Printing - Wants to recalibrate Z axis, can't read X axis, fails belt test
The three common reasons for prints suddenly failing after a printer has been unused for a while:
A dirty print bed. Give it a really thorough clean and avoid touching the print area.
Damp filament. Look up threads here about drying filament especially if it has been left open.
... and the one Iwould address first in your sitution:
General neglect, dust and cobwebs... Basic cleaning, lubrication and general maintenance have all been missed.
See: https://help.prusa3d.com/en/article/i3-printers-regular-maintenance_2072 https://help.prusa3d.com/guide/maintenance-tips_23200
Please come back if problems persist.
Cheerio,
Umm diem did you read the post properly?
Please help me out by downloading a model it's free and easy but really helps me out https://www.printables.com/@Hello_474427/models
RE: i3 MK3S+ Not Printing - Wants to recalibrate Z axis, can't read X axis, fails belt test
I don't see this being firmware related. But to check just flash the firmware you were on previously 3.11 seems the most stable.
I was thinking that. I've had a few problems, such as one version where the SuperPINDA probe could not detect the bed if the probe were directly over one of the screws holding the bed in place. I'm on 3.22, latest version, now.
I'd say the stepper motor is on the way out.
Is there any MTTF on those? While I've had this for about a year and a half, there have been long periods where I haven't been using the printer. There are times I've used it heavily, but that's generally only for 4-5 days at a time - again, with long breaks between those times. I figure at most I've used about 4 spools of filament.
Move the print head side to side with something metal under the pinda. On the lcd go menu support sensor info see if the value moves from 1 even a flicker can indicate a lose wire.
Stepper motor. Move the print head side to side can you feel any un normal resistance.
Please help me out by downloading a model it's free and easy but really helps me out https://www.printables.com/@Hello_474427/models
Umm diem did you read the post properly?
Yes.
The page linked runs through al the likely causes of resistance and checking all electrical connections.
General maintenance is never wasted and always eliminate the easy stuff before diving into complex diagnostics.
Cheerio,
RE: i3 MK3S+ Not Printing - Wants to recalibrate Z axis, can't read X axis, fails belt test
Umm diem did you read the post properly?
Yes.
The page linked runs through al the likely causes of resistance and checking all electrical connections.
General maintenance is never wasted and always eliminate the easy stuff before diving into complex diagnostics.
Cheerio,
Oh right ok sorry.
Please help me out by downloading a model it's free and easy but really helps me out https://www.printables.com/@Hello_474427/models
RE: i3 MK3S+ Not Printing - Wants to recalibrate Z axis, can't read X axis, fails belt test
Responded and something ate my reply.
I tightened the belt for my X axis and that fixed it. I'm ordering a backup belt and stepper for this so I'll have supplies to fix it if the belt is bad or if that leads to issues with the stepper motor.