Troubleshooting
Contents
Troubleshooting
There are lots of ways to troubleshoot. Below is a quick guide, and links to other troubleshooting information. We ask that suppliers check the information relating to them below is accurate. Also feel free to update or correct this page as necessary.
Note: This page is in need of a lot of work. Feel free to rearrange it to make more sense. When it's actually at a useful stage, please remove this comment. :D
The Guide
The items below are not a step by step guide to troubleshooting. In fact, they're more or less helpful notes that help others help you resolve your problem.
Solving a Problem
Searching for some part of your problem (eg: all or part of an error message) may bring up the exact problem you have, and ways to fix it.
If you can reproduce the problem, that is always a good start. Being able to reproduce a problem, and detailing the steps you used to reproduce it, allows someone to be able to see exactly what is going on.
If you have to ask questions of people (in forums, irc, bugtrackers, etc), give the people as much information as you can. If it's software, which operating system you're using and what version it is helps immensely.
If you bought something pre-assembled, or in kit form, your first stop should be the supplier. Usually they have a website or forum. Failing that, they may have a dedicated section/thread on the main reprap.org forum, so check there as well. This is especially true of smaller suppliers.
Electrical Problems
If there is smoke, sparks, zapping sounds or you're just not sure, unplug the power FIRST, then worry about other stuff.
Connections to motors and other inductive loads (such as heater elements), should not be disconnected before first removing power. While this is not always true, it is for the majority of devices, and it avoids some of the problems caused by such issues.
- eg: Destroying stepper motor driver chips by disconnecting the stepper from the driver board.
Vibration can work connectors loose. If you suspect a problem with something connected by a cable, check the connectors are well seated and that they're making connection.
Mechanical Problems
Differences between Imperial and Metric threads need to be accounted for if the thread in any way acts as a threaded drive or as a pivot point.
- eg: While 5/16" is almost 8mm, the 5/16" threaded rod has a completely different thread pitch to 8mm threaded rod. In many cases however, 5/16" smooth rod can be used as a replacement for 8mm smooth rod, as there is no thread pitch to worry about.
Some parts are available in many different variants, some of which will be unsuitable for some applications. Many designers use what they have on hand, which may differ to what your local supplier has.
- eg: Washers come in many diameters. In some applications, the larger diameter washers may rub or simply extend too far, causing problems.
General Links
General useful links, not specifically about troubleshooting. Many relate specifically to engineering and plastic production.
How to ask smart questions - Essential guide for people new to technical fields.
The Engineering Toolbox - Conversion tools, tables of materials information and generally a useful resource.
Wikipedia's Plastic page - Links to useful references about all sorts of plastics. A good starting point if you're trying to find out more info about plastics in general.
Supplier Links
Links to suppliers and their support forums. Note that not all these suppliers sell true reprap parts/machines. Many are derivatives or look-a-likes that work in a similar manner. In some cases, the information below has been provided here to avoid constant questions about these products on the reprap forums.
Bits from Bytes - Have their own wiki and a forum.
BotMill - Provides support via email.
FlemingCNC - Provides documentation on their Isaac design, which is mirrored on the reprap wiki.
German RepRap Foundation - Have their own wiki and a forum.
Makerbot - Have their own wiki and a forum.
Makergear - Has a Google groups mailing list, plus lots of useful info on their website.
Mendel-parts - So far most support happens via email or through the reprap forums, however some documentation exists on their website.
Techzone Communications - Their Support page provides links to documentation, as well as contact details.
Ultimachine - Provides support via email.
Note to suppliers: If you provide information on the reprap wiki about your products (such as build guides, etc), please provide one page on your website that provides links to all your designs. This provides a single place for users to find all your information (easier for customers), and a single place for us to link to (making this page easier to maintain).
Specific Troubleshooting
Links to troubleshooting information for reprap.org information on a specific device, part, machine, etc. Specifically, these are links to the community provided documentation hosted here on the wiki.
Mendel Troubleshooting - Some basic tips on troubleshooting your Mendel
