How to solve SD card reader issues (BCN3D Sigma)

 

Tools  
allen-icon
Allen 2.5mm
socket-driver-icon
 Socket brench 3mm
phillips-screwdriver-01
Phillips screwdriver

 

If you spot that the file information is not correct, it's bugged or the system asks you to insert an SD card even though you have one plugged in, you are experiencing SD reading issues.

It is also possible that during the printjob, the screen shows illogical values or the printer moves in a strange way. Follow this troubleshooting guide to locate the issue:

 

insert-sd-card


SD card verification

 

1. First, make sure that the SD card is properly placed and verify that it is unlocked.

insert-sd-card-2

 

2. If you have another SD card, try it as well, to make sure that the issue isn’t being caused by a defective SD card.

 


SD card reader verification

If the message keeps showing up, the problem may be caused by the SD reader itself.

 

1. Move the printing surface up to have access to the printer’s central cover. Then turn off and disconnect the printer.

 

bcn3d-sigma turn-on

 

Move-printing-surface

 

Note: To move the printing surface, go to the menu Move printing surface: 

Options/Maintenance/Move printing surface

 

2. Remove the central and right side cover using the Allen key and the Philips screwdriver.

screw-iconx6 M3 8mm  

screw-iconx2 M3.2 9.5mm

sigma2-inner-cover-1-01

 

If you have the old extruder motor version, remove the screw located under the extruder motor.

screw-iconx1 M3 8mm

You will need to unscrew it to remove the right cover and avoid damaging the lower bowden.

extruder-motor-bowden

extruder-motor-bowden-2

 

3. Check if your SD reader has a voltage switch.


There are two types of SD readers; the blue one does have a voltage switch, while the
green one does not. The green model is the final version and the new units of the BCN3D Sigma have it.

sd-card-reader

If you have a blue SD reader, change the switch position from 5V to 3.3V as shown in the picture.

sd-card-reader-2

 

4. Turn on the printer, insert the SD card, and check if the SD reader is working correctly.


If the issues continue, turn off the printer, remove the SD card, and apply some pressure to the SD reader slot. Then insert the SD card and check if it works.

sd-card-reader-3

 

If the problem persists, the SD reader is faulty. You will need to get a new one and replace it. Follow the next point to know how to replace the SD card reader.

 


SD card reader change

 

1. Turn off and disconnect the printer

sigma-turn-off-1 sigma-turn-off-2

 

2. Disconnect the SD reader cable, paying attention to the position of the cables.

sd-card-reader-4

3. Remove the two nuts which hold the SD reader to the frame of the printer. nut-iconx2 M3

The oldest printers have these two nuts under the SD reader, so you’ll have to remove it with a flexible arm tool.

sd-card-reader-5

4. Once the SD reader is removed, loosen the screws which hold the SD reader to the metal support. screw-iconx3 M3 8mm

Place the new SD reader and install it in the printer.

 

Front Back
sd-card-reader-6 sd-card-reader-7

 

 

Conclusions

Usually, the reading problems are caused by the SD card and in fewer cases by the SD card reader. If you are using a micro SD card adapter, check if it is okay and try to change it before changing the SD reader.

Is important that the SD card is formatted in FAT32 to ensure the correct reading process. 

Forum Community

 

This article doesn't fix your issue? Check out our forum community for more info about this

 

It's important to keep your printer in good shape to make the most out of it. In this chart you can find a list of the extruder maintenance procedures and how frequently these should be done. Maintenance Plan

 

bcn3d-recycle  Take your e-waste to a certified recycler. Check how we do it in BCN3D.

 

 

Parts   Buy these parts
sd-reader-component SD reader SKU 10973


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