Hi, just started to cut my struts for LR3, needed to move Y axis using TFT35 touch screen, Y2 stepper motor stopped and Y1 continued driving, turned off power, opened control box and found X and Y heatsinks had parted company with 2209 Drivers and lying on SKR board. The double sided tape had let go, I have replaced double sided tape with 3M heavier duty tape on all 5 heatsinks. Could the heat sinks sitting on board cause the machine to malfunction?
After powering down and restarting what is happening now, or what isn’t working?
Just powered up, Y2 stepper not working, checked by trying to move with TFT touch screen. Prior to this issue I had already stopped using homing to Y axis as Y2 end stop microswitch failed, did test it by switching out to another wired microswitch and checked using M119, this showed replacement microswitch OK. I will check wiring when I finalise build after completing struts. I used hard stops on Y axis so I could carry on machining struts and still used X and Z end stops. Machine had been running OK, machining first two tiles of struts using Vectric Desktop.
I have just checked the wiring cable connector to Y2 end stop microswitch, that had come apart in spite of me taping together, the connection to y2 stepper motor was OK but Y2 not driving Y 1 OK.
Lowrider 3 SKR Pro V1.2, TMC2209 drivers, TMC35-E3 V3.01 all purchased recently from Ryan. Running from touch screen. No problems running machine till recent event.
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Obviously getting too hot in the ‘box’. Do you have a fan blowing across the heatsinks? Have you set the maximum current for the stepper drivers? The double sided tape you have used to secure the heatsinks really ought to be double sided thermal tape to ensure the heat gets transferred to the heatsink…might be cheaper to buy new heatsinks rather than a roll of thermal tape! Clean the chip surface before replacing the heatsink.
Mike, I don’t have a fan blowing across the heatsinks, I do have one, I will install. I didn’t notice any excess heat on opening the box immediately the stepper motor died. I also thought the tape on the heatsinks lacked stickability, anyway I will have to look for some thermal tape. Not having electrical knowledge makes it a little harder, hence using the wrong tape, I just wanted something to stick, like shit to a blanket. I think my main problem is the Y2 stepper motor.
Bed time in New Zealand
Okay, first troubleshooting step. With the power off, physically swap the Y2 driver with the X driver. Where is the problem now?
It sounds like you also need to verify your end stops functions. Use the terminal and the m119 command to check all of your endstops.
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Ryan, swapped Y2 driver with X driver, the problem is now with X drive, no X movement. Y1 and Y2 stepper motors both move. Verified end stops with M119, all open, physically checked each limit switch by pressing limit switch and M119, all triggered. Tried homing on Y axis, homing function not working, stepper motors both graunch, power down to stop.
That is great news. It is only a popped stepper driver you need one new one.
Thanks Ryan, generally, what causes them to pop. should I buy a few of them? especially when I will have to order them from overseas.
Ryan, I’ve found this one in New Zealand, could you advise if they are suitable, if not I will just have to order from Aliexpress, but won’t get them till January next year. Thanks for all your help.
Product name: TMC2209 Stepper Motor Driver
Material: PCB Mode: DIR/STEP,UART Motor voltage: 5.5-28V Logic voltage: 3.3-5V RSense: 0.11 Ohm Current: 2A (Peak 2.8A) Micro steps: 256 Subdivision
or this one
Big Tree Tech TMC2209 V1.3 Mode DIR/STEP,UART, Motor voltage: 4.75-28V, Current: 2A
Max Micro steps: 256
This one is what I get so you will be matching.
If it’s a guy from Trademe, it should be alright! I’m running 4 of them. The heatsinks are a bit bigger too.
I’ve been having issues with my X axis over the last couple of days too (interestingly enough, it’s the one driver with the smaller heatsink) - might be the NZ summer. Have since installed a fan to cool the control box and it seems to have helped.
Found this supplier online, I’m sure he is on Trademe. Should get them today, I’ve installed two fans, as recommended by Mike dart1280, so touch wood it works.
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