K8203 upgrade printing faulty

K8200 3D Printer K8200 - Issues while printing
1

I have recently installed the K8203 upgrade with, for me, disastrous results. I had several issues with the firmware but these were resolved through the forum – thank you. I eventually got the printer extruding but can print nothing.

The X and Y axes don’t move consistently. The Y axis in particular

Using Slic3r the Y repeatedly stops and then starts appearing to jump slightly making a clicking noise. The X axis also occasionally stop/starts.

Cura is little better but the symptoms are different. The Y axis jumps about 8mm forward and backward apparently randomly but with no sound.

I have flashed the firmware several times and downloaded the file twice. Restoring the EEPROM files each time. (Except on the first occasion when first tried printing - the results were no different)

A comparatively minor problem is that the fan doesn’t work. The light on the board comes on but there is no voltage at the fan. The fan is OK - tested with 12v supply.

2

For me, this is usually a symptom of loose/faulty wiring. It is easy to knock something loose any time you move or work on the printer.

Try re-seating the motor connectors at the controller board and inspect for any loose pins.

3

The stop start actions turned out to be dependent on print direction. When printing X direction the X motor stop/starts 45 degree both. This was a new control board. My original one had a loose USB connector so I bought a new one for the upgrade. Got the old one repaired and replaced the new one, now works OK. Although disappointed with quality of print.

4

When you changed the firmware did you use Arduino software 1.0.6 or lower?
The newer versions do not get along with the K8200

5

Yes 1.0.6 Flashed the firmware on to my old board and now runs OK. I’m returning the new board to the supplier for checking. I wonder if the uploading of the EEPROM settings is really reliable. What are the symptoms of failure at this step? The bead laid down by the direct drive is rougher than the gear drive. Is this because the individual steps of the motor are reflected in the output?

6

It’s hard to say at this point.
Could you post a picture of the failed print?
Did the board work ok with the stock hot end?

7

If by stock hot end you mean the original 8200 then yes

Have photos but seem to need a server for them to be on - would MS Onedrive or Dropbox work? Can email them

8

Drop box will work.
Just make them public and post the link here.

9

Wrong way

Posted to Dropbox public 4 pix 2 of screen and 2 associated print

dropbox.com/sh/drlwbzs7yrtf … D-eia?dl=0

10

The fact that the control board worked with the stock hotend but not with the new one is very confusing.
I’m not sure where to go next.
Did you properly adjust the reference voltage for all of the stepper drivers?
0.55mV works best.

11

Sorry misled you. The old board worked on 8200 and works now on 8203. The pix are from 8203 with the new board. It has only attempted to run on 8203

12

What about the reference voltages on the new board?
Did you adjust them?
Out of the box they are set around 0.80 this make the driver over heat and do crazy thing like you are seeing.
It starts OK but when they heat up then they act stupid.
I would start there Just adjust the X,Y and Z the Extruder should be OK since you have the K8203.

13

I didn’t adjust at all apart from the extruder driver. Certainly they sometimes ran OK laying down 2 skirt loops, 3 or 4 perimeters before losing the plot. Other times started misbehaving on the skirt loops. Have sent the board back to the supplier under warranty so will wait for their report.