1 Topic by Jonathan

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Topic: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

I (once again) am in need of your guys help.  My sd2 is has been running without major incident since I got it.  I’m lucky I know. I’ve not modified it much. I changed the z rood to a finer tread, swapped the hot end foe a e3d-v6 and changed the z stepper driver. But lately It seems I can’t use the thing without having an issue. Now it’s skipping steps in the y axis and the power connection on the mother board has come loose.  I’ve tried tightening the belts but that didn’t help. I’m at my wits end with this thing now. Every time I fix a problem a new one crops up. I want to get this thing in working semi stable condition. I understand that 3d printing is still relatively new and little issues will crop up. But I believe that I should be able to at least print a Key chain without issue lol. So my question is this. What upgrades do I need to make to get this thing running good? I know I need lawsys carriage replacements, but what else? New mother board, new power supply, etc. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

2 Reply by driggers

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

If you have an e3d-v6, I suggest you not use the stock 120W power supply.  The power connection can be fixed by soldering, presumably...  You might as well order the parts for Lawsy's carriages, but I don't think that will solve your Y-axis problem; that sounds like a power issue, or a problem with the stepper driver.

SD2 Sanguinololu 1.3a atmega1284p, wood platform, lawsy's carriages, braided fishing line, pallet wood overhead spool mount, carboard/magnet enclosure, glass bed, E3D v6, bed levelling knobs, extended z-stop, 25A DC-DC SSR for bed heater, everything fixed to the SD2 frame, marlin firmware with some adjustments and extra failsafes enabled.  I'll never give up on you, little printer that could(n't)!

3 Reply by Jonathan

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

Do you have a suggestion on what Power supply to use?

4 Reply by driggers

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

http://www.soliwiki.com/Upgrade_The_Power_Supply

Very easy mod.  Covers available on thingiverse.

SD2 Sanguinololu 1.3a atmega1284p, wood platform, lawsy's carriages, braided fishing line, pallet wood overhead spool mount, carboard/magnet enclosure, glass bed, E3D v6, bed levelling knobs, extended z-stop, 25A DC-DC SSR for bed heater, everything fixed to the SD2 frame, marlin firmware with some adjustments and extra failsafes enabled.  I'll never give up on you, little printer that could(n't)!

5 Reply by Jonathan

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

Thank you, Thank you Thank you! I had totally forgotten about the soliwiki page.  I've ordered the lm8uu bearings and rods to do lawsys  mod. Now Im going to get this psu as well. Should I change the print board or keep the one that came stock?

6 Reply by driggers

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

If you have sanguinololu 1.3a, keep it.  If you can't upload to it, buy an avr isp programmer (pololu works for any chip you'd use here).

If you won't be doing any firmware upgrades, keep your board as long as it's functioning.

If you have a printrboard and want to do mods that require firmware upgrades (e3d v6, sd card, panel), then consider upgrading to RAMPS 1.4 ($20-40?).  printrboard is tricky to flash www.soliwiki.com/Updating_Solidoodle_Firmware

SD2 Sanguinololu 1.3a atmega1284p, wood platform, lawsy's carriages, braided fishing line, pallet wood overhead spool mount, carboard/magnet enclosure, glass bed, E3D v6, bed levelling knobs, extended z-stop, 25A DC-DC SSR for bed heater, everything fixed to the SD2 frame, marlin firmware with some adjustments and extra failsafes enabled.  I'll never give up on you, little printer that could(n't)!

7 Reply by AZERATE (edited by AZERATE 2016-02-09 13:10:03)

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

I always recommend ditching that board ASAP....should users feel comfortable, that is.
The RUMBA is a favorite of mine as well as other users. It can be found here. It is much more robust and reliable.
Short and skinny
Pros:
-Removable/upgradeable stepper drivers
-gcode fan
-FAST heatup times. I shaved close to 40mins
-Easy to flash
-Can add LCD fairly easily
-Option of plugs or screw terminals for fans and motors

Cons:
-The plugs that came with your printer will not work as they are too bulky. You will need to add new connectors or utilize the screw terminals as mentioned. This will set you back time wise depending on your crimping/stripping capabilities.
-If you want to mount it to the existing holes in your frame, you will first need to print this guy and grab a few M3x10mm screws and M3x12/16mm screws.
-You need to jumper terminals. There are 6 endstop rows X+&-, etc. This means you have to either use or make jumpers....the former is simple.
-You also want extra 16g wire. This will be for bed heater terminals and is what will aid you in heatup times.
-Different USB cable. This uses a Micro B USB (correct me if I am wrong)

EDIT: The RUMBA uses a Mini B cable. Thank you wardjr and heartless for the clarification smile

Printit Mason and Printit Horizon printers
Multiple SD2s- Bulldog XL, E3D v5/v6/Lite6, Volcano, Hobb Goblin, Titan, .9 motor, Lawsy carriages, direct Y drive, fishing line...the list goes on
Filawinder and Filastruder #1870.....worth every penny!

8 Reply by wardjr

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

Mini-B wink

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

9 Reply by driggers

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

I agree that RAMPS makes things more convenient... but it just depends on your priorities and what your time is worth.  I'll invite AZERATE and wardrj (veteran and highly knowledgeable SD owners!) to tell us whether or not RAMPS will improve print quality or not big_smile

SD2 Sanguinololu 1.3a atmega1284p, wood platform, lawsy's carriages, braided fishing line, pallet wood overhead spool mount, carboard/magnet enclosure, glass bed, E3D v6, bed levelling knobs, extended z-stop, 25A DC-DC SSR for bed heater, everything fixed to the SD2 frame, marlin firmware with some adjustments and extra failsafes enabled.  I'll never give up on you, little printer that could(n't)!

10 Reply by wardjr

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

It will only improve print quality if you implement an G-code controlled nozzle fan.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

11 Reply by heartless

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

Rumba uses the Mini B - Not Micro... and those are getting harder to come by.

I ordered a couple of spares from Monoprice.com - pretty good quality cables.
http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=5448

may order a couple more since I am thinking about upgrading #2 to the Rumba as well... big_smile

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

12 Reply by Jonathan

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

Is there a recommended method to calibrate the stepper drivers? I found this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89BHS9hfSUk. obviously I would need to find the specs for the sd2s steppers and drivers.

13 Reply by AZERATE

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

Best way is to tune them by ear. Manually control each motor individually in RH and adjust until the motor sounds steady without being stressed. Hard to understand in written form, but once you start doing this you will know what I am trying to describe.

All voltage checks for VREF adjustment is just to get you in the ball park. The voltage will vary from board to board.

Printit Mason and Printit Horizon printers
Multiple SD2s- Bulldog XL, E3D v5/v6/Lite6, Volcano, Hobb Goblin, Titan, .9 motor, Lawsy carriages, direct Y drive, fishing line...the list goes on
Filawinder and Filastruder #1870.....worth every penny!

14 Reply by pirvan

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

AZERATE wrote:

Best way is to tune them by ear. Manually control each motor individually in RH and adjust until the motor sounds steady without being stressed. Hard to understand in written form, but once you start doing this you will know what I am trying to describe.

All voltage checks for VREF adjustment is just to get you in the ball park. The voltage will vary from board to board.

I actually tune mine by feel.  If you have a light touch, you can feel the motor pulse, so the idea is to get it adjusted to where the pulses are gone.  Once you're there back off a bit, until you can barely feel it come back.

I do this for all but the "Z", which I do basically by ear.

To print or, 3D print, that is the question...
SD3 printer w/too many mods,  Printrbot Simple Maker Ed.,  FormLabs Form 1+
AnyCubic Photon, Shining 3D EinScan-S & Atlas 3D scanners...
...and too much time on my hands.

15 Reply by wardjr

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

pirvan wrote:
AZERATE wrote:

Best way is to tune them by ear. Manually control each motor individually in RH and adjust until the motor sounds steady without being stressed. Hard to understand in written form, but once you start doing this you will know what I am trying to describe.

All voltage checks for VREF adjustment is just to get you in the ball park. The voltage will vary from board to board.

I actually tune mine by feel.  If you have a light touch, you can feel the motor pulse, so the idea is to get it adjusted to where the pulses are gone.  Once you're there back off a bit, until you can barely feel it come back.

I do this for all but the "Z", which I do basically by ear.

A combination of both techniques along with some practice/experience will yield a finely tuned machine.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

16 Reply by Jonathan

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

So I see that to the left of the z axis plug there appears to be a place on the mother board for another 12 volt header. Could I solider some header pins in that spot and run another fan off of it?

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e25/spectar1981us/20160216_104859_zpspbj4ew6a.jpg

17 Reply by Jonathan

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

Will these work with a sd2? I think I need some new stepper drivers. http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-A4988-Stepp … SwgQ9VpbJZ

18 Reply by wardjr

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

You get what you pay for with drivers.
If your question is will these work on a Sanguinololu the answer is they should.
If you have a Printrboard the answer is no.
As long as you're replacing drivers you may want to consider an 8825 for the E: driver.  This will double the steps for your extruder which will eliminate moiré.
I'd look for drivers from a reputable source such as MakerFarm or RRD.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

19 Reply by heartless

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

+10 on reputable sources for electronics. MakerFarm is quite good if you are in the US.

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

20 Reply by Jonathan

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

Ok so I have tested my x and y stepper motors by hooking a led into them and manually turning the motor. Both lit the led with no problem so they are ok I think. So the issue is either with my steppers or my board and I figure I might as well replace both since the sd2 is know for having some board issues. Is there a 1 particular ramps board that is better suited for the sd2?

21 Reply by wardjr

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

The Sanguinololu you have is a fairy reliable board, you should list some specific problems.  If you're simply looking to upgrade because you can, Rumba or Azteeg X3 would both be good upgrades.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

22 Reply by Jonathan

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

wardjr wrote:

The Sanguinololu you have is a fairy reliable board, you should list some specific problems.  If you're simply looking to upgrade because you can, Rumba or Azteeg X3 would both be good upgrades.

I was having trouble with skipping in my Y axis so I tightened all of the belts and made sure there was no binding. After that the problem would still occur so I thought that I might need to adjust the trim pot on the stepper drivers. I heard a hi pitched squill and turned everything off. Now nothing works. I know for a fact that my Z axis was working. Ive tried adjusting the pots on XYZ but it doesn't do anything. I can hear the steppers trying  to turn some times just a little, but thats it. sad

23 Reply by wardjr

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

Unless you shorted something out when adjusting the VREF's the board should be fine.  If you're willing to do some troubleshooting you may be able to avoid replacing the board.  Try removing the y motor drive belt and see if it will turn when you jog the y axis via manual controls in R-H.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

24 Reply by Jonathan

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

Ok I removed the belt and am using the manual controls in RH. I can hear the Y motor making a buzzing sound but it is not turning.

25 Reply by wardjr

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Re: sd2 in need of upgrade!!!

So now turn that pot all the way clockwise and see if it turns via R-H manual control.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website