Ezstruder stuck on first calibration test

[Gimbo11]

We have a Rostock Max v2 ordered at the start of December, It has slowly gone together and been calibrated to this final step; checking the direction that the extruder pushes when you tell it to push forward in mattercontrol. We have been using the latest instructions for the rostock max v2 and all the recommended firmware.

When we tell the extruder to move forward or backwards with the E+ or E- button, the extruder nob tries to move, fidgeting back and forth. It can be encouraged to move in either direction from this point with minimal pressure. This pressure must be continuously applied or it goes back to fidgeting. This is as yet without every putting any filament into the extruder.

We tried plugging the z tower stepper motor into the extruder slot and it moves up and down fine with the E+ and E- buttons.

I have a hunch it may be that we need to adjust the tension in the ezstruder which I have only inferred is possible through various posts. I have not had access to the machine for a few days as my partner in this venture is sick and it resides at his house.

Can someone describe to me how to adjust the tension on the ezstruder, as well as any other thoughts on what might be the problem?

[Mac The Knife]

Double check the wiring for the ez struder stepper,,,, sounds like you may have a coil wired backwards.

[Gimbo11]

We have been fiddling with the wiring for the ez struder. It initially didn't move at all. As an aside, we installed a quick release in the wiring for the easy struder, unfortunately not is the easiest place to get to LOL. We readjusted the order in which it attaches to the rambo board and the got the movement we have now.

I will check the wiring again when I have access to it. I think I will also try the extruder connection attached to one of the tower ports, and see if it runs the extruder any differently.

[Gimbo11]

Double check the wiring for the ez struder stepper,,,, sounds like you may have a coil wired backwards.

By a coil do you mean the power for the motor?

[Mac The Knife]

stepper motors have two coils, and the Rambo board "steps" through the rotations by energizing them back and forth. two wire are for one coil, and two for the other coil. Be careful with your quick disconnect, if you disconnect the motor while the Rambo is powered up, you can blow the stepper drive.

[Mac The Knife]

Here's a good source for stepper motor basics, http://www.geckodrive.com/support.html

[Gimbo11]

Thanks for your advice mac the knife it got me as far as getting out my fathers prized multi meter which I was hesitant to do.
It was not a coil wired backwards, it is a coil with an open circuit. There was a loose connection in the quick connect for one of the wires.

A secondary issue that arose was the ez struder seemed to be slipping on the filament alto. It turned out the Grub screw was not properly oriented on the drive shaft and the gear was turning independently of the drive shaft.