Dead HBP
My HBP died so the ToM is down until I can fix it. Clearly this black wire got so hot it burned through the connector. That's not good. The question is: do I need a new platform heater or is something else wrong?
Dead HBP
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» Dead HBP
My HBP died so the ToM is down until I can fix it. Clearly this black wire got so hot it burned through the connector. That's not good. The question is: do I need a new platform heater or is something else wrong?
Same thing has happened to me although my HBP still currently works since the housing integrity is still in tact.
http://wiki.makerbot.com/forum/t-363183/name-that-connector
MBI is replacing it for me. However I plan to make some modifications to this as the connector is way to rigid, and in the position its in causes to many problems with the platform moving back and forth like it is.
Thermal compound will improve the heat transfer to the aluminum plate, thus avoiding hot spots on the heater. You need to spread it very evenly and rub platform and heater together in small circles to improve the spread. If the electrical contact at the connector is good more heat that might build up in the connector will also go towards the aluminum faster.
I was down at the botcave a few days ago showing them this. While the thermal transfer can help it the problem is more the fact that the connector has the ability to move. This creates a short at times because the pins are not receiving good contact. After repeated use the pin coatings can get worn down heavily making this even worse. The result after this repeatedly happening is what you see above.
That connector needs to be able to lock in better so it has not chance of moving. I'm actually working on removing it entirely.
I have locked the connector in place by means of a cable-tie on the nearest screw holding the HBP. So during the build the connector does not move at all and no force is put on it.
Seems to be holding well.
Good suggestion Paul. They also mentioned I could try to tie a knot with the cable at the connector end to re-leave strain. Not sure how well that would work or not. In any case tho the tie wrap method is quick and simple to avoid the problem.
I've wrapped my ABP/HBP electrical connection with electrical tape to cover a portion of the board connector, the plug end, and down the wires about 1.5 inches to relieve stress on connector-plug union and the wires. After 3 months —- no problem. During/after long prints the taped area is warm but so-far, so-good.
It's just like http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5082/5246091800_c21c851a07.jpg but with the HBP the connector is at the left rear instead of the right front, and the cable-tie goes around the closest screw that holds the heated platform. That stops any cable movement from that spot to the connector.
/forum/t-364059/dead-hbp#post-
