DRIVER of Y STEPPER

[Mauri58]

Hi there,
I have a problem with the Y DRIVER on my Acrylic Geeetech Prusa I3 pro B 3D Printer DIY kit. After the assembly I corrected the firmware because the X motor was moving in the opposite direction solving the issue. After that everything was working apparently well and I made the calibration and started to print the test disk. First 2 layers are ok, quality is not good (I loaded your configuration file) but this is not the bigger issue. Suddenly, starting the third layer, the Y AXIS is not moving properly, it looses steps, moving randomly and vibrating, so the correct position is lost and the third layer is not right on top of the precedent two.
I decided to check the voltage on the A4988 DRIVERs that you suggest must to be between 0,87V and 1,20V. I've checked X, Z and EXTRUDER and set up the Voltage at 1V. But that is not possible on the Y DRIVER. In whichever position I put the potentiometer I'm not able to obtain more of 0,24V, very far from the minimum you suggest. So I think the reason of the Y malfunctioning is this one.

Any suggestion?

thanks and regards

Maurizio

[Cup]

Hi,Maurizio
Your driver on Y axis may be broken...
You can swap the driver with the one of X motor or Z motor to take a look.

[Deep_7]

Hi
I have the same issue with one of my A4988 stepper driver boards, I have swapped it to a new position & the issue follows the board.
symptoms include motor movement is jerky or doesn't move very far, when used for the extruder it doesn't flow very smoothly if at all.
I have tried to set the voltage on the board but it is very erratic the voltage jumps around without turning the screw.
waiting for support via email to get back to me

[Mauri58]

Hi there,

thanks for the replay.

Yes I swapped X and Y and I rechecked the Voltages. Around 1V on all except on the X one, so the issue is following the A4988 stepper from Y to X.
I tested the movements manually and it's clearly the X one now erratic. Y is moving well now.
I will ask for support.

Regards

Maurizio

[Mauri58]

Hi there,

I was investigating on the bad print quality. I've uploaded one picture. It is visible the first layer, in right position but with very poor quality (printed with the config file of GEETECH), the second layer shifted respect the first one (this is the effect of the lost steps and irregular moving of X axis due to the malfunctioning stepper, when the bad stepper was on Y axis the shifting was in Y direction), the third layer is even more shifted and with a very poor quality.
Observing the extruder working, I traced a little marker on the back side of the motor shaft to watch the rotation. The impression is that is not rotating regularly, some time is visible the retract effect, some time is rotating but even during the movements it stops long time. In my opinion this is the cause of the bad extrusion. During several movings there is not extrusion at all. But the temperature is ok, 205°, if I push manually the filament the extrusion is good and copious.
I decided to check the A4988 Voltage during the printing. The Y and Z axis that I know are working properly are showing a stable Voltage around 1V like I've set up. The X axis that now is moved by the bad stepper is showing a erratic and crazy Voltage, ever low, not stable Voltage, some time even at zero.
But the bad surprise is about the A4988 of the extruder. The Voltage is not stable at all, moving from 0,8V even up to 4,9V (the Voltage applied to all the stepper). So this stepper is not working like the 2 ones are working properly..........so I think I have two stepper malfunctioning, not only one.
50% of the stepper broken is not encouraging, it seems not a good performance for this kit........it's a pity because the assembly it was instructed good and kit well organized..
Waiting some answer about support on one A4988......now I will have to talk about two....!!!!

Regards
Maurizio

[bang]

Hi,Maurizio
Replace the driver on X motor with a new one,i think the error would be eliminated.

[Deep_7]

Hi, Maurizio

I have been in contact with support for my issue & they put me on to sales to organize a replacement A4988. they are shipping one to me & I will let you know how it goes.

have you contacted support yourself yet

Cheers
Craig

[Mauri58]

Hi Craig,
yes, the seller confirmed he's organizing the shipping.
I will share the results.

Regards

Maurizio