SOLVED Hemera VREF setting for Sidewinder X1

Discussion in 'HotEnds & Extruders' started by johny, Jan 20, 2020.

  1. johny

    johny Member

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    Does anyone happen to know which stepper drivers the Artillery Sidewinder X1 (EVNOVO) uses? The firmware source code appears to suggest it uses TMC2100 drivers. Is that correct?

    If so the Hemera Current Adjustments guide says to check the datasheet for TMC drivers. I believe this is the correct datasheet: https://www.trinamic.com/fileadmin/assets/Products/ICs_Documents/TMC2100_datasheet_Rev1.10.pdf

    I am slightly overwhelmed by the document but page 24 appears to show some relevant calculations. Would anyone be kind enough to explain how I would calculate the correct value to use for the Hemera please?

    Many thanks in advance.
     
  2. johny

    johny Member

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    The stock Artillery Sidewinder X1 (EVNOVO) extruder motor has a model number of 17HS4023S-23.

    According to this page which lists a motor with a similar model number (17HS4023S) it has a rated current of 1.33A. 1.33A is the same rating as the Hemera motor current. Does this mean I do not need to adjust the VREF to use the Hemera?
     
  3. johny

    johny Member

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    Following a bit more research I think I have found the answer. I'll share it here as it might help others.

    The Hemera's Motor Max Current rating is: 1.33A

    The max VREF (not recommended) calculation for the TMC2100 is:
    • RMS (Root Mean Squared): Max Current / 1.41
    • RMS = 1.33 / 1.41 = 0.943262411347518
    • VREF: (RMS * 2.5) / 1.77
    • VREF = (0.943262411347518 * 2.5) / 1.77 = 1.3322915414513
    The general recommendation seems to be to run at 90% so:
    • 90% of VREF: 1.3322915414513 * 0.9 = 1.19906238730617
    If you prefer you can calculate the value by starting with 90% of the Hemera Motor Max Current instead:
    • 90% of Hemera Motor Max Current: 1.33 * 0.9 = 1.197
    • RMS = 1.197 / 1.41 = 0.848936170212766
    • VREF = (0.848936170212766 * 2.5) / 1.77 = 1.19906238730617
    The stock VREF value was set to 0.982V, so I turned the potentiometer clockwise a fraction until my multi-meter read: 1.199V

    Update:
    At the time of writing this, the E3D Hemera Current Adjustments (VREF) guide did not include the VREF calculation for the TMC2100, but @Daniel Rock has kindly updated it now.
     
    #3 johny, Jan 22, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2020
  4. Sajjad Haider

    Sajjad Haider New Member

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    Thanks @johny, Can you please show with pictures where on the board and how to adjust VREF?
     
  5. johny

    johny Member

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    You are welcome. This helpful TMC2100 guide explains how to adjust the VREF.

    I’m afraid I do not have any pictures but the stepper driver I had to adjust was the one next to the connector with red wires.
     
    Sajjad Haider likes this.
  6. Danny Baughan

    Danny Baughan Member

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    Did you notice any difference over stock please johny? i.e is it worth the bother?
     
  7. johny

    johny Member

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    Do you mean compared to using the Hemera without adjusting the VREF from the stock value (0.982V)? If so, I'm afraid I didn't try that. I contacted support to ask if it was necessary to adjust the VREF given that the motor ratings were the same (1.33A) and they said that I should still adjust the VREF, so that's what I did and I've not experienced any issue with failed extrusions. However I haven't tried printing a flexible filament yet.
     
    Danny Baughan likes this.
  8. Daniel Seah

    Daniel Seah Member

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    Will Vref cause clogging? i having clogging issue just within 10mins print.
     
  9. johny

    johny Member

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    It technically could e.g. if the VREF was too low and the motor didn't have enough power to push the filament though, but there are a number of issues it could be. What material are you printing? Does the first layer generally go down ok? Do you hear any clicking or grinding noises whilst extruding?

    It is difficult to offer a comprehensive list of things to try, but other things to check include the temperature being too low, the tensioner being set incorrectly, debris in the extruder/nozzle (e.g. stuck filament) or slicer settings (such as retraction settings).

    I'd recommend checking/adjusting one thing at a time and seeing what effect it has.
     
  10. Danny Baughan

    Danny Baughan Member

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    Worth pointing out that I had been printing without adjusting vref and it was quiet. Clocked up and it's noticably noisier. TPU is still clogging so I might actually dial it back down.
     
  11. johny

    johny Member

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    Interesting. Would you say it is a lot noisier? Did you adjust the VREF to about 90%? Does it sound like the noise is coming from the motor or the gears? I can’t say I’ve noticed it being any noisier than the stock setup. I’d still describe it as very quiet.

    Regarding TPU, what brand are you using? Have you tried any other brands to see how it compares? How have you adjusted the tensioner? Did you start with it set ‘low’ and gradually dial it up?
     
  12. Danny Baughan

    Danny Baughan Member

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    So no, it's not considerably noisier but there is a whine where there was none. Yes @ 90%.
    Regarding the brand see the other tpu threads. I've tried 7 different TPU of varying degrees of flex. I have adjusted and played with every concievable variation of heat, pressure, retraction, speed, cooling... you name it. I have seriously lost days to this folly. I'm convinced without lube the flex filaments are a no go.
     
  13. johny

    johny Member

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    @Danny Baughan did you resolve this? Just curious to know if you tried slowing the print speed down to something like 30 mm/s or even 20 mm/s?

    Edit: Also did you try disabling retraction completely?
     
    #13 johny, Mar 2, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2020
  14. johny

    johny Member

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    I'm unsure if this will help, but I've posted a follow up to explain how I managed to overcome clogging with TPU and the settings I used.
     

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