1 Topic by hlaps1990

  • hlaps1990
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2014-05-30
  • Posts: 10

Topic: SD4 Motherboard problem?

I've had my SD4 for four months now, and the latest in a series of irritating calamities has been that my SD4 has become invisible to computers.  The connectivity hasn't been a problem up until now, but I recently attempted to switch the computer I print with from my current Toshiba laptop (Win 7, 64 bit) to my older Toshiba netbook (Win 7, 32 bit).

I'm pretty used to external motion control via USB not working the first time, so I was willing to play around with the netbook for a few days, but then I had to print something and my original computer started having the same problems.

Here's the issue: When I plug it in, the device manager shows no change in USB, no COM & LPT ports, and no indication that a device is actually plugged in.  I downloaded USBDview (I recommend it, it's a neat little program) and even that doesn't pick up any change in USB.

I have tried: Everything on SD website except re-flashing the firmware (which I can't do because I can't connect.)  I have reinstalled the drivers, Repetier, Arduino, updated Windows and contacted SD support (which I'm starting to suspect isn't going to solve my problems)

I think it's the motherboard because both computers can still connect to Arduinos via a virtual COM port, ergo it's not the drivers, and because I haven't changed any Repetier or driver settings on the computer I normally use so it should still work.

All that said, has anyone else had this problem?  Is my motherboard dead?  Should I spend $180 on a new motherboard and get bludgeoned with duty fees (I live in Canada, eh?)?.

My system:  SD4 with E3D, 12V 30A new PSU, original firmware, NEMA 17 motor on Y (when your NEMA 14 burns out you should get one too!)

Thanks!

2 Reply by knowack

  • knowack
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: Columbia, MO
  • Registered: 2013-12-05
  • Posts: 612

Re: SD4 Motherboard problem?

On my SD4, (even with power off) whenever I plug the USB into my computer, a green LED illuminates on the motherboard and the little fan on the bottom starts to turn.

Does yours do that, or does it appear completely dead?

3 Reply by AZERATE

  • AZERATE
  • AZERATE
  • PRINTiT
  • Offline
  • From: Chicago
  • Registered: 2013-11-28
  • Posts: 2,077

Re: SD4 Motherboard problem?

Your problem may be due to the stock firmware. When you upgrade to the E3D, you NEED to change the firmware...plain and simple. The most recent Solidoodle's are sent with the Printrboards which are more tricky to flash firmware which caused me to delay in firmware updates and resulted in many issues.
*LEDs flickered
*Temps were all over the place
*Prints failed half way after awhile, then after 2 layers, then before the skirt was finished
*Had to restart printer, RH, as well as PC every fail


When I thought my board was dead, I was reassured when others informed me the lights still came on and the SD still "connected" to RH, though most controls were useless.
And don't buy a new Printrboard from SD...you would be better off buying a Sang or Rumba for the same price or better.

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!

4 Reply by hlaps1990

  • hlaps1990
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2014-05-30
  • Posts: 10

Re: SD4 Motherboard problem?

i DO get the green LED and the 5V fans do run, so I take it the board is powered.

I'll try doing a firmware update -- the update itself does look pretty convoluted, and again, if I can't get any communcation to the board I don't know how I can flash new firmware.  I'm pricing out RAMPS... it looks like there are some pretty good deals out there.  Thoughts for SD?

If I switch my board, I will officially have changed out every system in my SD4 except the case, platform and drive mechanism.  It is a very nice case though

5 Reply by hlaps1990

  • hlaps1990
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2014-05-30
  • Posts: 10

Re: SD4 Motherboard problem?

No luck, I can't update firmware because it can't find the device.

6 Reply by aaronboo

  • aaronboo
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2012-11-23
  • Posts: 34

Re: SD4 Motherboard problem?

I am having the same issue too, plugged my SD 4 into my computer and apparently the computer does not detect the printer.

I was thinking it might be the USB Souldering on the board. Any Solidoodle Staff able to help?

7 Reply by hlaps1990

  • hlaps1990
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2014-05-30
  • Posts: 10

Re: SD4 Motherboard problem?

I got a Rumba and it works really well.  It's super forgiving and reliable and I would definitely recommend it.  My SD4 is now about 50% SD and 50% replacement parts.