Let’s Install:

Motor Cables for the MakerBot Rep 2/2x

If it’s time to replace your stepper motor cables on your Replicator 2 or 2x, follow along with the video or instructions  below.

As always, turn off and unplug your machine before doing any repair work.

  • Crescent wrench
  • Side cutters
  • 2.5mm hex key
  • 3mm hex key
  • Small zip tie
  • Motor cables
  • Cable extension, (comes in kit)

 

1

Detaching the y-axis motor

  • Remove the right side panel of your printer by unscrewing the six hex bolts.
  • Loosen the lock nuts in the back right corner of the printer.
  • Be sure not to remove the lock nuts, only loosen.
  • Detach y-axis motor.

2

Detaching the x-axis motor

  • Loosen the plastic tabs in the front right corner of the printer.
  • Tip the printer on its left side.
  • Cut the zip tie carefully to ensure no damage is done to the n-stop cable.
  • Once the cables are released, remove the pin that’s locking the cables in, (also known as the x-axis primary.)
  • Unplug the x-axis motor.

3

Continuing with x-axis motor.

  • Keep the printer on its left side. Move to the motherboard cover.
  • Remove the four hex bolts, then take the cover off.
  • Locate where the three cables exit at the top left of the printer.
  • Below where they exit, loosen the last plastic tab’s lock nut.

4

Pulling x and y-axis cables through printer

  • Fish x-axis motor cable through the hole of the upper left corner of the printer.
  • Be careful not to damage the n-stop cable while doing this.
  • Once the x-axis cable is out, move to the upper right side of the casing.
  • Remove the y-axis motor cable. Be careful not to damage other cables.

5

Removing the motherboard

  • Once both of the axis cables are pulled through, remove their corresponding ferrites.
  • Unplug the z-axis motor under the motherboard, and remove its ferrite from its holder.
  • Unplug the motor cable connector on the motherboard.
  • Remove the motherboard off of five standoffs, (screws).
  • Don’t remove motherboard from the far two standoffs.
  • To remove board, gently lift up with both hands while working each standoff. Doing this little by little with ensure that the board doesn’t crack.

6

Plugging in the z-axis motor

  • Once the motherboard is removed, lift the board slightly and remove the z-axis cable from behind.
  • Start fishing the z-axis cable behind the motherboard.
  • After you get the z-axis cable through, set the ferrite connector in its holder and push the motherboard back on its standoffs.
  • Plug in the z-axis motor.
  • Plug in the large grey connecter back onto the motherboard.

7

Working with the y-axis cable

  • Seat the remaining x and y ferrites into their holders and fish the x-axis cable through the upper left slot and attach extension on the other side.
  • Place the plastic tab over the wires and tighten the lock nut.
  • Back on the upper right side, push the y-axis cable through its slot.
  • Replace motherboard cover and re-seat the hex bolts.

8

Assembling cables

  • With the printer still on its left side, plug in the x-axis motor cable and run both the n-stop and motor cable through the y-axis cable trough.
  • Be sure to replace the pin with little force.
  • Run excess cables along the inside top of the frame above the y-axis as they were prior and zip tie them.
  • Consider shaping the end of the zip tie similar to a hook. It will be easier to fish through the zip tie hole this way.
  • Once the zip tie is secure, cut off the excess. Be sure not to cut the cables.

9

Finishing up

  • Replace the cables in their plastic tabs on the right inside area of the machine.
  • Tip the printer back up-right.
  • Go to the back corner and go to the y-axis motor.
  • Plug in the y-axis motor on tabs.
  • Replace the right side panel and tighten.

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Fargo 3D Printing is not associated with HID Global and their FARGO division.

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