3D Printer Part 23: Setting up, troubleshooting and the unexpected

At the end of my last post in this series, we had completed the build.  This post focuses on installation of the software and updating the firmware ready to print, from issues 65 and 76 of 3D Create and Print by Eaglemoss Technology.  If you’ve skipped a part of this series you can start from the beginning, including details of the Vector 3 printer I’m building on my 3D printer page.

If you haven’t already done so, download the correct V3 software from the V3 website.  While you’re there, also get the updated firmware for the Arduino board that powers the V3. Continue reading 3D Printer Part 23: Setting up, troubleshooting and the unexpected

3D Printer Part 22: Hood frame and lifting mechanism

At the end of my last post in this series, we had added the rear hood.  This post focuses on the hood frame and lifting mechanism, covering issues 85-90 of 3D Create and Print by Eaglemoss Technology.  If you’ve skipped a part of this series you can start from the beginning, including details of the Vector 3 printer I’m building on my 3D printer page.   You will also need the parts from issue 78 that you should have kept safe… Continue reading 3D Printer Part 22: Hood frame and lifting mechanism

3D Printer Part 21: Rear hood and maintenance

V3 with front and rear hood fitted
V3 with front and rear hood fitted

At the end of my last post in this series, we had added the top cover, filament guide and hood.  This post focuses on the rear cover and some additional maintenance, covering issues 82-84 of 3D Create and Print by Eaglemoss Technology.  If you’ve skipped a part of this series you can start from the beginning, including details of the Vector 3 printer I’m building on my 3D printer page

It’s been a while since my last post where I was hoping that I would have a post on my first print.  However, after reflashing the firmware as advised, I’ve struggled to get the laptop speaking to the printer.  There are things to be done that I’m working through and as soon as I have a solution I will post it up.  If you’ve got to this point and your printer is not working, please do not panic, I’ll put up diagnostic steps and solutions as soon as I have them. Continue reading 3D Printer Part 21: Rear hood and maintenance

3D Printer Part 20: Top cover and hood

At the end of my last post in this series, we had added the print head to the main frame and created the filament spool.  This post focuses on the top cover, filament guide and hood, covering issues 77-81 of 3D Create and Print by Eaglemoss Technology.  If you’ve skipped a part of this series you can start from the beginning, including details of the Vector 3 printer I’m building on my 3D printer page.  Some of these issues do not have build instructions but instead provide instructions on calibrating the printer and preparing for the first print, which I’ll cover in part 21.  You will need all the parts from these 5 issues, but the instructions are in issues 77, 78 and 81. Continue reading 3D Printer Part 20: Top cover and hood

3D Printer Part 19: Print guard and filament

At the end of my last post in this series, we had constructed the print head assembly (and replaced some sub standard parts).  This post focuses on the print guard and filament spool, covering issues 72 – 75 of 3D Create and Print by Eaglemoss Technology.  If you’ve skipped a part of this series you can start from the beginning, including details of the Vector 3 printer I’m building on my 3D printer page. Continue reading 3D Printer Part 19: Print guard and filament

3D Printer Part 18: Print Head

At the end of my last post in this series, we had added the cables and feeder components.  This post focuses on the print head assembly, covering issues 68 – 71 of 3D Create and Print by Eaglemoss Technology.  If you’ve skipped a part of this series you can start from the beginning, including details of the Vector 3 printer I’m building on my 3D printer page. Continue reading 3D Printer Part 18: Print Head

3D Printer part 17: Cables and feeder

At the end of my last post in this series, we had added the top plates and roller holder.  This post focuses on the cables and feeder components, covering issues 64 – 67 of 3D Create and Print by Eaglemoss Technology.  If you’ve skipped a part of this series you can start from the beginning, including details of the Vector 3 printer I’m building on my 3D printer page.

  1. Testing the connection
    Testing the connection

    Cables: Issue 64 comes with your country specific power cable, and issue 65 comes with the USB-component cable.  I initially wasn’t going to even open these as I knew there’d be no chance of printing.  However, there was a very important step – validating that the computer could talk to the printer.  As my surface doesn’t have any USB ports, I had to break out the Dell XPS.  The software from Eaglemoss requires .Net 3.5 so if you’re on Windows 10 then you’ll get an error message and need to enable this.  Microsoft have a helpful guide on how to do this if you’re not sure.  With the v3 software installed, the printer connected to the mains, the USB cable connecting them both and the power turned on, my laptop was able to “see” the printer.  This was a great step forward.

    Continue reading 3D Printer part 17: Cables and feeder

3D Printer part 16: top plate and roller holder

At the end of my last post in this series, we had added the power module and fan.  This post focuses on the top plates and roller holder covering issues 60 – 63 of 3D Create and Print by Eaglemoss Technology.  If you’ve skipped a part of this series you can start from the beginning, including details of the Vector 3 printer I’m building on my 3D printer page.

This drop comes with another much needed binder for the magazines, starting to get us back into phase with the right number of binders to loose magazines.  With the plate covers we enclose the wires and finally start the process of building the components for the top of the printer. Continue reading 3D Printer part 16: top plate and roller holder

3D Printer part 15: Power module and fan

At the end of my last post in this series, we had added the USB, microcontroller and motor boards.  This post focuses on the power module and fan covering issues 56-59 of 3D Create and Print by Eaglemoss Technology.  If you’ve skipped a part of this series you can start from the beginning, including details of the Vector 3 printer I’m building on my 3D printer page. Continue reading 3D Printer part 15: Power module and fan

3D Printer part 14: USB, microcontroller and motor boards

At the end of my last post in this series, we had added the power switch and control unit covers and the look of the main part of the printer was starting to come together.  This post focuses on the USB, microcontroller and motor boards covering issues 52-55 of 3D Create and Print by Eaglemoss Technology.  If you’ve skipped a part of this series you can start from the beginning, including details of the Vector 3 printer I’m building on my 3D printer page.

Due to some of my OU studies and work, I figure I’m now 6 months behind in this build so please accept my apologies if you’ve been waiting on my posts to do your own builds. So, when I finally opened the pack, I initially panicked to see that there were two issue 55 parts that came in my pack.  On checking the magazines, they had different part numbers but were identical in every respect as far as I could tell from the magazine.  As such, I have used these parts as supplied.  If this turns out to be a problem I’m sure I’ll find out later… Continue reading 3D Printer part 14: USB, microcontroller and motor boards