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Additional Tests

Further tests

Respoolers

Run the TEST command against each lane (one at a time) to verify proper respooler operation:

  • TEST LANE=lane1
  • TEST LANE=lane2
  • TEST LANE=lane3
  • TEST LANE=lane4

Verify that each respooler works properly by moving in reverse like respooling a spool before proceeding.

If your respoolers are operating in reverse (typically seen in a Formbot kit), you can simply reverse the pin assignments for the respoolers in AFC_Turtle_1.cfg file.

e.g.

afc_motor_rwd: Turtle_1:MOT1_RWD
afc_motor_fwd: Turtle_1:MOT1_FWD

to 

afc_motor_rwd: Turtle_1:MOT1_FWD
afc_motor_fwd: Turtle_1:MOT1_RWD

Trigger switches

Actuating the trigger switch should begin pulsing that lane's extruder motor to load filament. Verify that the switch being actuated is activating that same lane's extruder motor. Between activating each trigger please allow 1-2 seconds before activating the next trigger.

Once all lanes are confirmed to be activating the correct extruder when the trigger switch is actuated, move on to the next step.

Extruders

Insert filament into the feeder tube (it helps to cut it at an angle) and press through until the extruder motor gears catch the filament and load it further. If you can press the filament through, but it feels like the extruder motor is pushing back on the filament instead of pulling it in, try reversing the dir_pin setting for that extruder motor in your unit-specific config file (e.g., AFC/AFC_Turtle_1.cfg for BoxTurtle).

If you are able to load filament into all lanes and get a green LED indicator, and AFC_STATUS at the console reports no errors, move on to the next step.

Lane selection

Run AFC_SELECT_LANE command against each lane (once at a time) to verify proper lane selection operation:

  • AFC_SELECT_LANE LANE=lane1
  • AFC_SELECT_LANE LANE=lane2
  • AFC_SELECT_LANE LANE=lane3
  • AFC_SELECT_LANE LANE=lane4

Homing Unit

Run AFC_HOME_UNIT command to verify that unit moves selector back to home pin:

  • AFC_HOME_UNIT UNIT=HTLF_1

Lane selection

Run AFC_SELECT_LANE command against each lane (once at a time) to verify proper lane selection operation:

  • AFC_SELECT_LANE LANE=lane1
  • AFC_SELECT_LANE LANE=lane2
  • AFC_SELECT_LANE LANE=lane3
  • AFC_SELECT_LANE LANE=lane4

Buffer

Test that your buffer is configured correctly by extending the slide all the way out, then run QUERY_BUFFER BUFFER=Turtle_1. This should return Trailing (buffer is compressing). Collapse the slide all the way so it triggers the switch at the rear, then rerun the QUERY_BUFFER command. It should then report Advancing (buffer is expanding).

To help understand the terminology:

  • Once the buffer fully expands, your AFC unit will reduce the speed of its stepper and the buffer will begin to compress.
  • Once the buffer fully compresses, your AFC unit will increase the speed of its stepper and the buffer will begin to expand.

Note

The buffer name in the QUERY_BUFFER command corresponds to the name configured during installation. For BoxTurtle, this is typically Turtle_1. Check your unit-specific config file for the correct buffer name.

Confirm proper operation of your buffer before proceeding.