Endstop Issues
Endstop Issues
This guide covers diagnosis and resolution of endstop issues on the Vision Miner 22 IDEX. Use it when an axis fails to home correctly or when the printer falsely reports filament runout.
The 22 IDEX has 6 endstops and 2 filament sensors covered in this guide:
- 1� X-axis endstop
- 1� U-axis endstop (second X-carriage, opposite side)
- 2� Y-axis endstops (one on each side)
- 2� filament sensors (one per extruder � T0 and T1)
Info: NOTE: For Z-probe issues (Z-axis homing and bed leveling), see the dedicated Z-Probe Troubleshooting Guide.
Safety
Before starting, read the Safety Overview to understand the electrical, thermal, and mechanical hazards involved. Specific warnings are included inline at the relevant steps below.
Endstop Locations
Refer to this diagram to identify each endstop on the printer before starting diagnostics.
Running the Endstop Test
The printer has a built-in macro that tests all axis endstops and filament sensors in one sequence. Each endstop is tested individually � the macro asks you to press or trigger it 10 times, verifying repeatability and electrical response. This is the fastest way to identify a faulty endstop.
Info: IMPORTANT: The macro tests the Left Y and Right Y endstops separately. During normal operation they share one input, so this test is the easiest way to isolate which Y endstop has a problem.
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Open the Dashboard in the Web Interface.
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In the Macros panel, navigate to System ? Troubleshooting and click Endstops Test.
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A dialog appears with four buttons: Test, Skip, Adjust Build Plate, Cancel.
- Select Test to begin the full test sequence.
- Select Adjust Build Plate if the Y endstops are hard to reach � the printer will let you jog the bed to a comfortable position before testing.
Testing Axis Endstops
The macro tests axis endstops in this order: Left Y ? Right Y ? X ? U. For each endstop, a prompt tells you which switch to press.
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Left Y-axis endstop. A message appears: "Please press the Left Y-axis endstop 10 times and wait for light signal." Press the Left Y endstop switch 10 times. The printer's LED changes color on each successful detection.
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Right Y-axis endstop. Same prompt for the right side. Press the Right Y endstop switch 10 times.
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X-axis endstop. Press the X endstop switch 10 times.
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U-axis endstop. Press the U endstop switch 10 times.
Testing Filament Sensors
After the axis endstops, the macro prompts for filament sensor tests. Each sensor test has its own dialog with Test, Next (skip this sensor), or Cancel.
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Left filament sensor (T0). Select Test. Insert and remove a piece of filament through the left sensor 10 times. The LED changes on each successful detection.
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Right filament sensor (T1). Select Test. Insert and remove filament through the right sensor 10 times.
Interpreting Test Results
- All tests pass � the printer confirms success with an LED signal after each completed test. If all 6 tests finish without error, all endstops and filament sensors are working electrically.
If a test fails, one of these error messages appears:
- "Error: [endstop name] is already triggered" � the endstop is stuck in the triggered state before the test begins. Check for a physical obstruction holding the switch, or a wiring short.
- "Time for press the [endstop name] has expired" � the macro did not detect 10 presses within 120 seconds. The endstop is likely not responding or responding inconsistently.
Info: IMPORTANT: Note which specific endstop failed � the error message names it. This tells you exactly where to focus your troubleshooting.
If an axis endstop test failed ? see If an Axis Endstop Test Fails below. If all axis endstops passed but homing still fails ? see Endstop Passes Test but Homing Still Fails below. If a filament sensor test failed ? see If a Filament Sensor Test Fails below. If filament sensors pass the test but trigger incorrectly during printing ? see Filament Sensor Triggers Incorrectly During Printing below.
If an Axis Endstop Test Fails
This section applies when the endstop test macro reports an error for an X, U, or Y axis endstop.
- Inspect the endstop switch itself. Press the faulty endstop by hand. You should hear and feel a crisp, distinct click � both on press and release. Compare it to another endstop on the machine that passed the test. If the click is mushy, silent, or the switch feels stuck, the endstop is mechanically faulty and needs replacement.
- Inspect the wire path at the lid hinge spacers. The endstop wires run underneath the lid hinge spacers � the spacers sit between the lid hinge and the frame, and there is a cavity inside each spacer for the wires. It is possible for the wire to get pinched when the lid is installed at the factory. Inspect the wire where it passes through each spacer and check for crushed or damaged insulation.
Warning: WARNING: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power outlet before inspecting any connectors or wiring on the mainboard. Wait at least 60 seconds for the capacitors to discharge.
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Inspect the mainboard connector. Locate the connector of the faulty endstop on the mainboard and unplug it.
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Inspect the metal pins inside the connector and the socket on the mainboard. Look for:
- Pins pulled out of the connector housing
- Bent or broken pins
- Oxidation or corrosion
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If the pins look clean and undamaged, re-seat the connector firmly. Power on and re-run the test macro (steps 1�3). If the endstop still fails after all checks, contact Vision Miner support with a description of which endstop failed and what you found during inspection.
Endstop Passes Test but Homing Still Fails
This section applies when the endstop passes the test macro but the physical homing procedure still fails.
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Inspect the full travel path of the affected axis. Look for anything blocking free movement toward the endstop:
- Foreign objects or debris
- Improperly routed or snagging cables
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(Y-axis only) Inspect the 3D-printed endstop holder. The Left Y and Right Y endstops are mounted on 3D-printed holders. Inspect the holder body carefully � look for cracks, warping, or breakage. A damaged holder can shift the endstop position so the switch is no longer triggered reliably during homing.
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(X/U-axis only) Verify motor body overlap with the endstop. During X and U homing, the extruder motor body on each toolhead is the part that physically presses the endstop switch. Manually slide the toolhead toward the endstop and confirm that the motor body overlaps with and fully engages the switch lever. If the motor body does not reach or only partially contacts the switch, the endstop will not trigger reliably.
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Inspect the 3D-printed endstop mounting bracket. Check for:
- Cracks or deformation
- Loose attachment to the housing
- Misalignment causing inconsistent or incorrect triggering
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If a mounting bracket is cracked or broken, replace it with a correctly printed part. Contact Vision Miner support if you need the STL file or a replacement.
Z-Probe Issues
Symptoms that bring you here: During Z-homing or calibration, the nozzle crashes into the bed, or the printer reports probe-related errors.
The Z-probe is not covered by the Endstops Test macro. It has its own dedicated troubleshooting guide with a built-in self-test macro and step-by-step diagnosis � see the Z-Probe Troubleshooting Guide.
If a Filament Sensor Test Fails
This section applies when the Endstops Test macro reports an error for a filament sensor.
Warning: WARNING: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power outlet before inspecting any connectors. Wait at least 60 seconds for the capacitors to discharge.
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Inspect the filament sensor contacts at both the sensor end and the mainboard. Ensure it is securely seated and that pins are not bent, corroded, or pulled out of the housing.
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Re-seat the connector firmly. Power on and re-run the test macro (steps 1�3). If the sensor still fails, contact Vision Miner support for a replacement sensor.
Filament Sensor Triggers Incorrectly During Printing
If the filament sensor passes the test macro but still triggers false alerts during active printing, the issue is likely mechanical � not electrical.
- Request a replacement housing. Minor dimensional inaccuracies or wear in the 3D-printed sensor housing can cause the sensing mechanism to stick intermittently under the dynamic conditions of active printing. You can reprint the housing yourself, or Vision Miner can send a replacement sensor housing. Contact support with your original order number and a description of the issue.
- Replace the filament endstop switch. The filament sensor endstop is under increased mechanical load because its design includes a roller. Filament constantly presses against it with a certain force, which can wear out the switch over time. If the switch has failed, contact Vision Miner support to order a new filament endstop switch.
FAQ
How does the test macro identify which Y endstop is faulty?
The macro temporarily reconfigures the Y-axis input to test the Left and Right Y endstops separately. During normal operation both Y endstops share one input (io1.in+io2.in), but the macro splits them � first testing io1.in (Left Y), then io2.in (Right Y). After the test, it restores the normal configuration automatically.
Do I need to recalibrate after replacing an endstop?
Yes. It is recommended to run the full auto-calibration procedure after replacing any axis endstop (X, U, or Y). Filament sensor replacements do not require recalibration.
Can I temporarily disable a filament sensor to keep printing?
Yes. In the Web Interface, go to Macros ? System ? Settings ? Filament Runout and run Sensor Mode Tool 0 or Sensor Mode Tool 1. Select Disable when prompted. This persists across reboots. Re-enable the sensor once the issue is resolved � printing without filament detection risks failed prints going unnoticed.
What is the difference between an endstop and the Z-probe?
The X, U, and Y endstops are simple mechanical switches that define home positions. The Z-probe is a magnetically attached mechanical switch with an opto-isolated detection circuit � it is used for Z-homing and bed mesh compensation. The Z-probe has its own dedicated troubleshooting guide.
The test macro says the endstop is "already triggered" before the test starts. What does that mean?
The switch is stuck in the pressed position. Either something is physically holding it down, there is a wiring short causing a permanent triggered signal, or the endstop itself may be damaged. Inspect the switch area for obstructions first, then check the wiring if the area looks clear. If neither reveals an issue, the endstop may need to be replaced.
Support
Vision Miner Support
- Email: support@visionminer.com
- Phone: +1 (949) 522-4422