Thanks for great Customer Service !

[cropwell]

Thanks Doddy,

Before I get too involved, I have a couple of things to try. I always print using the SD card and a faulty reader could be the cause, so first I am going to try printing via the USB link. Also I will get a new card reader from Wanhao UK on a return basis. If no difference, it can go back. The same for the mainboard, but I may end up sending that to them to check out in another 4DS machine

Sticking a finger on components is difficult as they are all under the main deck and difficult to access when the machine is running.

I thought about the PSU glitching, it is a 24v SMPS unit, so I might just put some sort of voltage drop detector on it using my little scope, but that would be a pain and so is down the list.

Likely suspect is the card reader or the cable from the reader to the mainboard, I had trouble with it before as it got sh1t in it, so maybe the pins are messed up.

I haven't got £150 to shell out on an off chance anyway, so I would have to be damn sure first.

Cheers,

Rob

[Doddy]

Certainly worth trying the easier things first.

I think yours is similar to mine (a Qidi - looks externally very similar, I've had it apart in the past but can't remember the board) - certainly appreciate it's awkward to get to - but set it on a couple of blocks with the bottom off, you can poke a digit or two.

The SMPS - I was actually looking at the SM regulator on the corner of the card - that'll drop the 24V to 5V for the logic, that's the one I'd scope.

Ironically, my previous 3D printers (a RepRap) - it was the USB that was the weak point with ground loops/noise and the card reader more robust (until I tripped over the cable and yanked the micro USB connector off the main board and replaced with a BlueTooth UART, which solved all the problems).

[cropwell]

I have just ordered a new card reader. I will see if that sorts it out later in the week. Connecting via USB is a PITA, getting the coms driver working is not for the faint hearted.

I think I am going to forget the 3D printer for a day or two and cut some ali on my router. If that doesn't bugger me about !!!