1

Hello guys, I got myself a CTC formaker printer, it looks and seems to be the same board as a dual printer.

I wanted to print a file and it seems to start just fine, no problems no nothing. But then after a couple of minutes the machine stops randomly, using the same and trying to print it several times the machine stops at different positions as if internally it would pause the file, but even after trying navigate to the menus and hitting pause/unpause, the print job is never finished.

I have heard this is because the EFI problems but not sure how to take action to see how to overcome the issue, any ideas?

2

I have seen pausing on my printer but that was because the PC i was using was set to turn the screen off after 5mins and go to sleep after 10, perhaps change your setting to never and see if that helps.

3

I am using the SD card, it is become somewhat frustraring

4

Oh okay, what software are you using and what makerbot machine is it based on?

5

(Not necessarily a makerbot)

6

I am using the makerware application on windows, but that doesnt make any difference, because it stops even when trying to print one of the sample files, I have read some posts that maybe the EMI might cause SD disconnection, what do you think?

7

Are you running the original firmware that came with the printer? If so I would start by updating it to the latest firmware, but be sure to do some research on what makerbot the software thinks it is as its a clone otherwise you could kill your printer if you don’t do select the right firmware. Fortunately the makerbot software is very easy it gives you instructions but it took me a couple of attempts because you have to press the reset button at the right time.

8

really did you update the firmware on the formaker? haha, that sounds awesome, it is still working then?

9

I have a ctc bizer, which a basically the replicator dual, I’m not sure what makerbot yours is based on, but updating the firmware should be pretty much the same, just remember to select the right model of printer. And yes my printer worked fine but then I moved to sailfish 7, if your unfamiliar with it it’s well worth looking into, it adds some great features to the printer which make it great for sd card prints. But before you try sailfish I recommend working out what’s wrong.

10

I had this same issue

It will be wire fatigue on the axis where the wire bends constantly

Replace this stretch of wire

I just cut and joined as I didn’t have any of those connectors

11

I read your comment in another thread, so your suggestion is to jog the printer a while until it just stops and replace that cable right?

12

Yes use the jog for a while (minutes) and if during this jogging you experience reboot, or any stutter at all you know it’s time to replace that axis motor cables. It looks me hours to discover this. I checked firmware, files and all that for hours but it was a a simple cable issue due to fatigue

Mine me took about 60 hours from brand new before I had to replace the stock axis motor cables and figure out a better solution.

its the axis which has the cable bending constantly

Tip: create a proper cable loom to make sure the new cables last MUCH longer