1 Topic by a3393341 (edited by a3393341 2014-09-20 12:14:13)

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Topic: how to start with my printer? (Solidoodle 4)

So I got my first ever 3d printer today (Solidoodle 4).
There was a binding problem because one plastic part in the y axis got stuck deep in a screw. Likely got stuck there from a hit during delivery. I fixed that by removing the screw and moving the y axis by hand and putting the screw back.

i.imgur.com/6DQPh3T.jpg

i.imgur.com/jSu7dvj.jpg

i.imgur.com/Q2F6eEV.jpg


Now I can move the x, y and z axis in Repetier Host.

One thing I don't understand: how do I set the default (idle) x, y and z position? What is the idle position anyway?
Should the extruder head be in top-rightmost part of the print bed? The middle of the print bed? Should the print bed be all the way down or all the way up? I can't find this crucial information on the site. Many buttons lead to dead links.

2 Reply by AOYOU3D

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Re: how to start with my printer? (Solidoodle 4)

When  X & Y carriages touched their limit switches, it is a start point for X & Y plane,
Z limit switch is mounted on the heating bed, when it touched the Z tab (on the inside
Surface of the back of the frame), this is a home position, in general
at top-right corner ), from this point the nozzle travels 8" max. (200 mm）, to be set
in Repetier Host, You can change data.
If you bought a SD 4 recently, since MOD SD 4 now has a new metal extruder, closed loop belt, linear bearing on a new X carriage, etc., You don't need to calibrate anything, except Z direction,
You have to check a gap when you try to add a glass.
I saw my friend's new MOD SD 4, it is very good, much different with SD 3, never get a clog,
No E3D hot end needed, if you use it under 260C for plastic filament. 
Good luck!

3 Reply by Tin Falcon

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Re: how to start with my printer? (Solidoodle 4)

Now I can move the x, y and z axis in Repetier Host.
One thing I don't understand: how do I set the default (idle) x, y and z position? What is the idle position anyway?
Should the extruder head be in top-rightmost part of the print bed? The middle of the print bed? Should the print bed be all the way down or all the way up? I can't find this crucial information on the site. Many buttons lead to dead links.

Idle simply means the machine is waiting for a command either from manual  input or from g code.

I think what you are asking is how to home the machine.  I suggest you home one axis at a time  for a new machine. your RH has 4 little houses (HOME) icons  I suggest you press the x  the extrude should move right  +x until it hits the limit switch stop when it hits the switch then backes off the switch.  repeat for the y then for the z.
before you do this make sure the adjustable Z stop is intact and you may want to screw it down  to insure the nozzle does not hit the bed. When I got mine manually advanced the z screw and listened  for the switch to click  this insured no crash on z homing. IMHO better to start with the nozzle high  then  adjust down after the bed is level.
Once everything is adjusted and calibrated  to home you can just hit the unmarked home icon and all three axis will home at once.

When the machine is homed the bed will be up and the extruder in the back right corner of the machine.

Remember all coordinate moves are in reference to the nozzle  so a positive  z will move the bed down.

Follow the procedures found here http://wiki.solidoodle.com/solidoodle-1

I also suggest you read the manual  for the repetier Host and the manual for the slicer program(s) you are using.
these manuals are on line.

Tin Falcon

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

4 Reply by a3393341 (edited by a3393341 2014-09-21 07:35:32)

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Re: how to start with my printer? (Solidoodle 4)

Thanks alot. "Homing" was what I was looking for.

I bought my SD4 in end of June. It doesnt have a transparent acrylic extruder so I guess it is the new one.

It doesnt look like it doesnt need calibrating though. I get a bit of binding when moving the x or y to 200 mm and when I tried to print for the first time, the head hit the print bed and was trying to push its way out until I cut the power (Repetier didnt respond).
Ill try to home manually and calibrate the z.