Currently trying to run a Reprap Mendlemax with Aduino with RAMPS 1.4 shield with Marlin installed. Have had it running with a previous hotend so not completely new to this but since I installed the v5 the hotend doesn't heat up. Thermister is working tested with a soldering iron in close proximity. There is voltage from the RAMPS board proven by a multimeter (and prev hotend use). I am concerned that the 12v Heater Cartridge is faulty as the multimeter records complete/total resistance when investigated by the multimeter. Is this normal? Is there anyway to test the Heater Cartridge? Can I simply wire it to my 12V power pack? Thanks for the help
NEVER, NEVER wire a heater cartridge directly into a 12v source without some way to control the temperature. The cartridge should show a low resistance of 1 to 3 ohms if it is good. If it is showing a very high resistance it is defective. I don't know what you mean by complete or total resistance, but it sounds as though the cartridge is showing a high resistance. If so it is defective, you'll need to get another. Cartridges are one of the items I always buy 3 of at a time so that I can have some spares. Best of luck getting your printer up and running.