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Topic: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

I just got my new Solidoodle 4 but there doesn't seem to be any up to date information on it (they cover S2 and S3 stuff regularly) and all of the general websites listed on the documents are dead links.

I have the machine connected to Repetier - but when I hit the home button, the extruder head goes to the back corner and the heated bed jams upward. Also - the 'Park' button seems to not really do anything.

I'm not sure if I have the shape of the printer correct but I can't find default configuattion FOR THE SOLIDOODLE 4 anywhere. Any help? Please? Trying to understand what the hell to do with this but the information is all out of date.

Is it 200mm? 195? ANY help would be very appreciated.

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Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

Solidoodle 4 is just a Solidoodle 3 with lipstick on. All the firmware stuff applies to the 4 as it does the 3.

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Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

An SD4 is just a pretty SD3 so any of those settings are the same.
You are correct about the park button.
As far as the Z goes does it crash into the nozzle?  There is a knob on the back that you turn to adjust the z-height limit switch.  The switch hangs near the rear right of the moving platform.  Make sure it lines up with the screw that goes through the knob.
As far as shape it is supposed to be 200x200x200 but the SD4 has a fan on the left of the carriage that may limit that so start at 190 and if there is more space you can increase it.

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

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Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

the 'limit switch' doesn't appear to do anything? It will keep going up and up and looks like the bed will actually rip the plastic printed hand screw in the back.

I don't understand...

5 (edited by reidbaker 2014-09-24 02:41:09)

Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

Just added a picture. Regardless of whatever limit switch appears to be there, the screw will just pull up. Looks like it's about to be ripped off by the bed moving up...

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Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

So move the bed down a ways and for troubleshooting purposes trip the switch with your finger.  That switch isn't working or you have a bad connection.  When the switch is triggered it actually opens the circuit.  So you'd most likely be looking for a short either in the switch or one of the connectors.  That or the switch is wired wrong.

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

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Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

I just got it - don't they test these things? It says they do...

I can hit the switch with my fingers (appears to be the red switch UNDER the metal tab. But this creates another reaction.

I have no idea how the heck to get this thing working. That hand screw thing appears to serve absolutely no purpose other than being ripped apart by the bed moving up. There's no documentation on any of this too.

I don't know what I'm supposed to do here. What happens after I trip the switch? Every time I reopen repetier it seems to be a new everything - there's no continuity of settings..

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Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

Ok so the metal tab is spring loaded and when it comes in contact with the screw it should get pushed down until it hits the little red switch which should stop the z-axis.  What do you mean by "this creates another reaction" what actually happens.
SD does test them but shipping  can really knock things out of whack.

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

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Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

Figured out the z thing - metal tab was bent like an arch so it didn't actually catch the red switch...

Still everything else to figure out now!

10 (edited by wardjr 2014-09-24 03:35:38)

Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

So I sent a PM to user grob to ask if he'd give you a hand with the rest.  He's in Australia so early afternoon there.  For me it's time for bed but I'll check in in the morning.
Try not to get frustrated the learning curve is rather steep. 
Remember.... If it isn't fun why would you do it.
Take your time to learn from others and do a lot of research.
You are dealing with some of the most brilliant minds in the world of 3d printing.
We are all here to help so don't be afraid to ask and be patient.
Mostly getting all axis to home properly is very important.  It's the only way Repetier knows where things are. 
Next step is to adjust the z height.
Take a look at the WIKI and do the calibrations.

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

11

Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

The first time the switch hits, the bed will drop down and come back up a gain but a bit slower - all the homing works like this, it's supposed to make it both quick and accurate. So yes, you would have to tap it twice all up to stop the bed. If you get some reaction from pressing the switch while it's homing then it's working fine.

You should be able to press the metal tab, which will then press the red switch. Is this not happening? Is the metal tab jammed?

Hmmmm... Seems to me to be a bit of a design fail, that the bed hits the thumbwheel before the screw hits the switch... Given other SD4's do work, I expect something is not right with your particular printer. Can anybody with a functioning SD4 illuminate what might be the problem? Is there supposed to be something on the end of the thumbwheel screw for example?

SD3. Mk2b + glass, heated enclosure, GT2 belts, direct drive y shaft, linear bearings, bowden-feed E3D v5 w/ 0.9° stepper
Smoothieboard via Octoprint on RPi

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Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

For the Z Switch it literally was a bent metal tab that was causing so many issues. Are there schematics anywhere for these? I also notice some of the parts are literally 3D printed. I may have damaged the Z Screw holder in the process (functions now, but super delicate).

Glad that was solved. That physical bend could have been a much more difficult problem to debug.

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Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

Good to hear - I'd recommend your first print should be a replacement z screw holder if it looks delicate as you describe!

The machines being made of many printed parts is both a blessing and a curse - on one hand they can be a bit fragile at times, but on the other hand you can print new (even improved) ones on a whim. smile

I'm not sure whether it's been done already, search on thingiverse for 'solidoodle z tab' or similar to see (someone here might be able to point you further), otherwise just reverse engineer it a little - it's not a complex part. smile If you find one for an SD3 it's likely to be similar enough anyway, even though the screw has the thumbwheel on the SD4.

The metal tab is part of the switch - they are bought as one thing. Look up "limit switch" on eBay and you'll find lots of alternatives (although be careful - the hole spacing / overall size varies a lot). If it's working now, just hang on in there, I think you'll be OK.

SD3. Mk2b + glass, heated enclosure, GT2 belts, direct drive y shaft, linear bearings, bowden-feed E3D v5 w/ 0.9° stepper
Smoothieboard via Octoprint on RPi

14 (edited by Nerfz 2014-09-25 01:18:15)

Re: Can't find Solidoodle 4 Information PLEASE HELP! (Repetier)

Also don't know if you turned that knob but there is a whole on one side of it so it does not hit the rail...
And did you download the Solidoodle Repetier Software? It has a saved profile for the 4 on it...

SD4, Glass bed,(Soon to have) E3D v6, MK5 extruder