There are possibilities that the Filament Maker shows only a black screen with or without turning on. This article lists the reasons for why this might happen.
Getting a permanent black screen on the machine's interface can be cause for concern, and it unfortunately also stops progress. There are several things to check for and troubleshoot when this happens, to help you on your way.
Caution!
The following steps require you to open up the housing of the machine and check for hardware issues, including cables, fuses, and switchboxes. If you are unsure or not comfortable carrying out these tasks, do not touch anything, and Contact Support!
If you will continue and check for the issue, please take pictures before and after each change you make. This is to ensure that there are no changes being made to the machine that would cause a short circuit, or further problems.
Note:
Please note that for the last 3 options, you will need to remove the back panel.
Table of Contents
Noise
A quick an easy way to start is to check whether the machine itself turns on or not, independent of the display.
- Turn on the machine and listen for any noise coming from the machine.
- system fans
and/or
-
- beep
If there is a noise, the machine is still working, and the issue is most likely with the display.
Please check the connection of the OLED Display.
If there isn't a noise, the machine doesn't turn on at all, because it is getting no power.
Please continue with the following options.
Power outlet
- Plug the machine into a different wall socket or power outlet, and turn it on.
If possible, try a different room or space as well. Once again, check if there is any effect on the machine's screen.
If there isn't, continue with the following option.
Fuse
Find the main power entry port at the narrow end of the machine. The fuse box is underneath the on/off switch, shown here by the red rectangle (picture 1).
- Use a flat screw driver to open up the fuse box, and check the fuse inside.
Visual evidence
If the wire inside the fuse is damaged (picture 2) or if the glass of the fuse is dark brown, or has black spots, it means the fuse is blown, and will need to be replaced.
Testing
There's a chance that the fuse is broken, even if it doesn't look like it.
- Use a multimeter (put it in Ohm) to check the fuse (picture 3)
If the multimeter shows 0, it means the fuse is blown, and will need to be replaced.
Caution!
Make sure to replace the broken fuse with the same type of fuse!
In general, we recommend using fuses in the range of 6A up to 8A, but no higher.
Remove back panel
To continue with the following troubleshooting steps, you will need to remove the back panel.
Note
If you are not able to, or are not comfortable doing this, please ask for assistance or Contact Support!
Light
Once you have access to the inside of the machine, have a look at the main PCB, or DevoBoard. There is a small light shown here by the red rectangle.
- Turn on the machine and see if the light turns on.
If it does not light up, then the machine will need a new PCB. Contact Support to order one.
If it lights up, then the DevoBoard works and we can cross out this option.
Heater cables
There is a possibility that one of the heaters is faulty and is causing a short circuit in the machine. We can simply check for the connection issue.
See if there is any change in the machine If there isn't, we can cross out this option. |
Power supply light
Switch Box
There is one last possibility, which is the switch box. This is still a very low probability but if all other options have been crossed off, it's good to check.
If there are no issues, great. If there are, Contact Support. |
This is a comprehensive list of all the options that might have an issue if the screen of the machine is black. As always, if you have any uncertainties, questions, or have found the solution, Contact Support!