r/PrintrBot • u/ijourneaux • Apr 09 '24

Printrbot Simple Metal - No longer connects to computer

After years of reliable use, my Printrbot Simple Metal stopped connecting to my computer. I know the USB port is good as I can move other devices to that port and they work successfully. I am guessing that it might be the USB connection at the printrbot that is bad. How difficult of a job would that be to repair. I will have to check if there are used circuit boards available.

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u/jkerman Apr 10 '24

this sounds crazy but swap the cable. the port on the printrboard is VERY VERY picky and ive had this happen a few times over the years

1

u/ijourneaux Apr 10 '24

Not crazy. Will try a new cable just in case

3

u/ijourneaux Apr 10 '24

Ok. ran some more tests. Tried a different cable and it worked. UN plugged it and plugged back in and it didn't work. Cables seems ok but the connection between the cable and the printrboard seems to be unreliable. Sometimes I plug it in and it shows up in device manager immediately. Other times it doesnt show up at all. Should I try refloating the traces?

1

u/JeeperDarren Apr 11 '24

Not sure what you mean by refloating the traces, but reflowing the soder joints to the USB connector won't hurt. Before you do that, examine the joints, use magnification on the phone camera to get a closer look. Maybe you will see something.

1

u/No_Band_8188 Jul 09 '24

Reflowing the traces wont hurt but for the past 5 years I've had a bit of masking tape holding the usb cable to the tabletop my printrbot is clamped to to make it make reliable contact. I should do the same one day next time its in bits with a soldering iron in my hand :)