The Laser Module Won't Move

This article applies to:

D1 and D1 Pro with all laser modules.

Issue Description

If you find that the laser module can't move on either or both of the X and Y-Axis, this article can help you troubleshoot. Please follow the instructions below.

For X-Axis Movement Issues

#1 Check the Firmware

If your D1 machine is somehow installed with a D1 Pro's firmware or vice versa, the motor will be locked.

1.  Check if the indicator near the Start button on the front plate is off when the machine is powered on.
   
2.  At the same time, check if the firmware version is blank on XCS. Click on the wheel sign -> Basic info -> Firmware version.
   
3.  If so, please install the correct firmware according to the below instructions:
   Upgrade the Firmware for D1 and D1 Pro

#2 Check the Z-Axis Plate

When the laser module is moving in the X-axis direction, if the contact between the belt and the Z-axis Plate is not tight enough, the belt may not move the module.

1. Turn the machine upside down so you can see the fastener of the Z-axis plate and the X-axis belt.
2.  Check if the belt is correctly fitted into the fastener. If the belt slips out, put it back in.

#3 Check the X-Axis Motor Cable

The X-axis motor cable connects the motherboard and the motor. On the motherboard, the port for the cable is red. On the motor, the port is white.

1. Check if the cable is loose on both ends or damaged.
2. Unplug and replug the cable, or replace the cable if damaged.
3. Check if the pins in the red port are damaged.
4. Check if the pins in the white port are damaged.
5. If they are damaged, you may need to replace the motor or the motherboard, or both.

Please refer to the links below to replace the parts:

• Replace the Motherboard [Video]
• Replace the X or Y-Axis Motor [Video]

#4 Check the X-Axis Belt and Pulley

Make sure you've checked the firmware is not mismatched according to #2.

1.  Turn the machine off and manually move the laser module from left to right.
2.  Check if the belt and the synchronizer pulley on the motor are moving at the same time.
3.  If it's hard for the laser module to move, you may need to replace the X-axis belt and motor.

Please refer to the links below to replace the parts:

Replace the X-axis belt video: D1 How to replace the X-axis belt [Video]
Replace the X-axis motor video: Replace the X or Y-Axis Motor [Video]

#5 Check the X-Axis Motor and Motherboard

To test if the motor or the motherboard is functioning properly, we'll use XCS to move the laser module around and see if it goes as commanded.

1.  Launch XCS and go to the preview page.
2.  Under the 'Move laser module' section, click on the four arrows to move it left, right, up, and down. See if the laser module moves accordingly.
   
3. If the laser module can't move on the X-axis (left and right) but can on the Y-axis (up and down), exchange the X and Y-axis motor wire on the motherboard, and repeat step 2.
   • If the X-axis movement is normal and the Y-axis is not, the motherboard may need to be replaced.
   • If the Y-axis movement is normal and the X-axis is not, the X-axis motor may need to be replaced.
4.  Contact tech support for advice. You can also refer to these videos to replace the parts:
   1. Replace the motherboard: Replace the Motherboard
   2. Replace the motor: Replace the X or Y-Axis Motor [Video]

For Y-Axis Movement Issues

#1 Check the Firmware

If your D1 machine is somehow installed with a D1 Pro's firmware or vice versa, the motor will be locked.

1. Check if the indicator near the Start button on the front plate is off when the machine is powered on.
   
2. At the same time, check if the firmware version is blank on XCS. Click on the wheel sign -> Basic info -> Firmware version.
   
3. If so, please install the correct firmware according to these instructions:
   Upgrade the Firmware for D1 and D1 Pro
   
   

#2 Check the Y-Axis Motor Cable

The Y-axis motor cable connects the motherboard and the motor. On the motherboard, the port for the cable is yellow. On the motor, the port is white.

1.  Check if the cable is loose on both ends or damaged.
2.  Unplug and replug the cable, or replace the cable if damaged.
3.  Check if the pins in the red port are damaged.
4.  Check if the pins in the white port are damaged.
5.  If they are damaged, you may need to replace the motor or the motherboard, or both.

#3 Check the Y-Axis Belt

1.  Check the tightness of both belts on the Y-Axis.
2.  Check if both belts are installed properly according to the photos below.
   
   
3. Move the laser module manually from front to back and check if the belt and timing pulley is moving at the same time.
4. If it's hard to move the laser module, you may need to replace the Y-axis belt and Y-axis motor.

#4 Check the Y-Axis Motor and Motherboard

To test if the motor or the motherboard is functioning properly, we'll use XCS to move the laser module around and see if it goes as commanded.

1. Launch XCS and go to the preview page.
2.  Under the 'Move laser module' section, click on the four arrows to move it left, right, up, and down. See if the laser module moves accordingly.
   
3. If the laser module can't move on the Y-axis (up and down) but can on the X-axis (left to right), exchange the X and Y-axis motor wire on the motherboard, and repeat step 2.
   
   • If the Y-axis movement is normal and the X-axis is not, the motherboard may need to be replaced.
   • If the X-axis movement is normal and the Y-axis is not, the Y-axis motor may need to be replaced.
4. Contact tech support for advice. You can also refer to these videos to replace the parts:
   
   • Replace the motherboard: Replace the Motherboard
   • Replace the motor: Replace the X or Y-Axis Motor [Video]

If None of the Above Works

If you have followed the instructions above and the issue is still not resolved, please read the article in the link below, collect the troubleshooting steps you have taken, and contact xTool tech support for further advice.

• Help Tech Support Troubleshoot Faster