Failed Filament Detection

Before proceeding with recovering the print, please collect and record the following data: 

• What version of firmware are you running? Verify the version on your Gigabot's Viki controller (About Printer > Printer Info)
• Have you recently updated your firmware?
• Did the end of the filament get caught in the filament detection sensor or did it pull all the way through?
• Did you have filament in both filament detection sensors?
• Were you printing with the left or right extruder?
• Has your filament detection worked before?

Tools Needed:

• 1.5mm Allen key

Instructions:

1. Remove the filament detection cover by pushing in the two end tabs on the top and bottom.
   1. 
2. Take a picture of the two filament detection sensors. Are the limit switches open or closed? Here are photos of what the limit switches look like in the open and closed states:
   1. 
   2. 

Next, is anything preventing the limit switch lever and ball bearing from sliding back and forth and opening and closing the limit switch? If there is an obstruction, the lever may not open after filament is removed so filament detection will not be triggered. Please remove the obstruction and ensure the ball bearing and lever can slide back and forth easily. You will need to replace your filament detection unit if you are unable to repair the problem. Once fixed, check that when filament is inserted, your limit switch should look like the "closed" photo, and when you remove the filament, the limit switch should look like the "open" photo.

You can use the video instructions below to adjust the limit switch if needed to realign it in the proper position so it detects filament.

Adjusting the Limit Switch in the Filament Detection Sensor

1. To be sure that the limit switch is mounted in the proper location, please follow these instructions to adjust it:

   1. You can follow the instructions in this video or follow the written steps:

1. Using a 1.5 mm Allen key, loosen (do not fully remove) the two screws holding the limit switch in place.
2. Push the limit switch all the way over toward the bearing. Maintaining pressure, re-tighten the two screws holding the limit switch in place.
3. Re-install the filament detection cover.
4. Start a print and trigger filament detection by removing one of the wires on the limit switch. It will take about 20 moves of the printer before the filament detection triggers, so please be patient.
   • Record if this ended up solving the detection issue and report to [e-mail].
   • If this did not work, continue on to the following steps

Proceed through the following steps if you are still experiencing filament detection issues: 

M600 Test

1. Connect the Gigabot to a computer and open Simplify3D.
2. Make sure the Verbose box is checked to display all of the communication data
   • 
3. Start a print, then enter "M600" into the command line to trigger filament detection. Record if this ended up solving the detection issue and report to [e-mail].
4. If this did not work, continue on to the following steps:

M119 Test

1. 1. Insert filament into both filament detection units
   2. In the "Communication" tab of the "Machine Control Panel", enter "M119" to check the status of the switches as shown below. They should read "TRIGGERED"
      • 
2. While depressing the filament detection limit switches, enter "M119" again and see if the filament detection switches are "open". If this is not the case, then either the limit switch, the limit switch wire, or the Azteeg control board is not working.
   1. Limit switch continuity test:
      1. To test if the limit switch is working, use a multimeter to test continuity when the limit switch is closed.
      2. Similarly, test that the limit switch is NOT continuous when the limit switch is open.
      3. If either of these tests fail, the limit switch is broken.
   2. Limit switch wire continuity test:
      1. Use a multimeter to verify both the red wire and the black wire are continuous by probing the opposite ends of each color of wire.
      2. Verify the red and black wires on just one end of the wire are NOT continuous.
      3. If either of those tests fails, there is a break or short respectively in the wire and it will need to be replaced.
   3. Azteeg input pin test:
      1. Turn off and unplug the Gigabot
      2. Unplug the two filament detection wires from the board as shown in the wiring diagram or photos below:
         1. For an Azteeg X3 Pro:​ (NOTE: The black wires share a pin:
         2. Wiring Diagram: The components and pins specified are indicated by the pink box
      3. If the Azteeg X3 Pro is not your control board, you can find yours here: Electrical Wiring Diagrams
      4. Start a print. If the printer fails to detect filament, you may try to reupload firmware (Gigabot Firmware Installation Article), replace your Azteeg control board, or continue printing without the filament detection feature.

Questions or concerns? Reach out to our support team at support@re:3D.org or open a support ticket.