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SD card is not being found  

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MrMik
(@mrmik)
Honorable Member
SD card is not being found

My Prusa i3 MK2 had issues from day 1 with the SD card slot, but now it stopped working altogether.

Initially, it would say 'SD card inserted' (or something like that, but when pushing the button to go to 'Print from SD card' it would announce 'No SD card'. The fix for it hitherto had been to pull the SD card out just a little bit, then it would work properly.

Now it does not find the card at all.

Any ideas how to fix this?

Thanks, Mik

Posted : 13/11/2016 2:38 am
MrMik
(@mrmik)
Honorable Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: SD card is not being found

I have narrowed the problem down a bit but do not understand how it happens.

It is related to a modification that I made to the data cables between Rambo and the LCD controller box. When I remove the cables that I added, then the SD card works.

I wanted to make a plug-in connectin from the inside of the housing to the outside, so that I do not have to route the data cables through the wall of the box each time I take the printer out. The cables are about 70cm longer than the originals and have 2 additional plugs each. Is that too long? Is there a maximum length that these cables may have, or do the connectors introduce some noise or voltage drop?

Everything else seems to work with the new cables, e.g. I can control the stepper motors and the nozzle temperature.

It does now say 'Card inserted' and 'Card removed' on the info screen, but 'No SD card' after pushing the button once (between 'Preheat' and 'Load filament').

Posted : 13/11/2016 3:48 am
MrMik
(@mrmik)
Honorable Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: SD card is not being found

I think I have verified that the cables and connectors are OK, because I can use just one of the cables, on either of the two data cable ports, and everything works if the other cable is plugged in directly. And it works with either of my two cable additions in either position. Each cable by itself is fine, but both together make the SD card disappear from the menue. 😕

I guess it means the cables are too long when both used together, but I am guessing.

Let me know if you have an understanding of how this can happen.

Cheers, Mik

Posted : 13/11/2016 4:10 am
MrMik
(@mrmik)
Honorable Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: SD card is not being found

I can now print from SD card when using extension data cables.

I managed to fix the problem by wrapping the data cables and the bulkhead adapter cables and the extension data cables in aluminium foil.

Now the LCD controller box is outside of the enclosure and most holes sealed well, but I can quickly disconnect the printer from the enclosure and take it out for servicing.

Posted : 27/11/2016 8:27 am
david.b14
(@david-b14)
Honorable Member
Re: SD card is not being found

The foil does the trick, but you may also look into metal braid since foil will crack if moved frequently. They also sell aluminum tape. I noticed some of your stepper wires cross at a 90 degree angle which is the optimal angle for electrical interference. Ideally you would want all your wires going parallel but this usually not possible - but you may only need foil around areas where the 90 cross points are. All this being said, this is out of my area of expertise.

Posted : 29/11/2016 2:33 am
david.b14
(@david-b14)
Honorable Member
Re: SD card is not being found

Looks like shielded ribbon cable is available online:

It would be cool if a part like this could be found with the connector in place.

Posted : 29/11/2016 2:22 pm
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