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Topic: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

Hi, I have had my prusa i3 Printer for about a year now which I bought from aliexpress. I haven't had any major problems so far but now my printer has started turning itself off and then rebooting. I'm not sure what is causing it. Could it possibly be something to do with the extender and heat bed heating up and then causing the board to cut out? I'm so frustrated as I can't think of anything to do
Please help

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Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

Buy a better power supply
The super night is a popular tested choice and will run you about $29 you want one rated for at least IIRC 360 watts.

Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura

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Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

Sounds like a failing power supply to me, too...

I can highly recommend this one: http://www.printitindustries.com/collec … wer-supply

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

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Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

Thanks guys I will buy one of these and let you know how it goes. Hopefully it works!
Is it the 12v or 24v I need to get?

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Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

verify the voltage output on your current power supply (should say on it somewhere) but I am thinking it should be 12v

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

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Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

Yeah it's 12v thanks for your help!

7 (edited by Wez00 2016-08-23 11:30:27)

Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

Hey guys just received my new 12v power supply rated 30A 360W. I installed it to my printer and I am still getting the same problem with it turning off. Could it possibly be something to do with the mainboard?

Now my printer is switching off when I turn both heatbed and extruder on its not even getting up to temperature.

8 (edited by heartless 2016-08-23 11:46:14)

Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

is it switching power off completely?
Or is is disconnecting from PC? (if you are connected to PC that is)
If you are connected to a PC and it is disconnecting from that, try a different USB cable 1st.

If it is losing power completely - 1st, make sure your connections are good and tight at the power supply and at the board.
it does sound like a possible board issue if you have replaced the power supply & all connections are good.

Personally, I refuse to buy anything from Aliexpress - I dont care how cheap the prices are - you get what you pay for.

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

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Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

I found the problem. It was a loose connection smh lol. Thanks for your help.

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Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

Turns out the terminal block to power the board has melted! So I need a new terminal block what Amp rating block do I need to buy?

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Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

something caused it to melt. could be loose connection and arcing or could be a short. Be fore moving forward check your hot end and heat bed resistance.
you should read a few  ohms but not zero .
tin

Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura

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Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

it seems the power terminals on Ramps boards frequently have this issue.

It is wise to periodically check and tighten as needed all screw terminal connections - they can, and do, loosen up with multiple on/off cycles (heat and cool)

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

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Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

Yeah thanks guys I think it was caused by a loose connection. Scary thing could have burnt my house down! I will definately make sure I check over everything everytime.

14 (edited by NicoleJS 2020-06-07 06:35:45)

Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

You could put a multimeter on the powersupply and monitor the volatages and see if it sags, or drops out.
https://descargartonos.info/notificacio … a-mensajes

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Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

I've had the same problem. I used these to replace the original ones
10Pcs 300V 15A 5.08mm Pitch 4-Pin PCB Screw Terminal Block Connector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QC6QS5W/re … 7xbA0QN5H1

Sd4 #9080 with a glass bed. E3d chimera duel extruder. Paste extruder , duet wifi.
Lawsy carriages. linear bearings. Y axis direct drive, Kinect scanner
SD4#8188 glass bed, lawsly carriages, E3d v6, octoprint http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hotrod96z28
Filastruder/filawinder, Custom Delta 300mm x 600mm

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Re: Prusa i3 keeps switching off!

You could put a multimeter on the powersupply and monitor the volatages and see if it sags, or drops out.

if you are looking for constant monitoring small digital volt meters are available. but as pointed out by the OP the real problem was a loose connection the ramps board.. This is common with screw terminals in electronics. there are several ways to deal with this.
some manufacturers will add a crimp on connector that will not crush. the wires can be tinned. instrument grade lock tight may work.  .
Good grade connectors can help. As will scheduled preventative maintenance checks.
Tin

Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura