TMC 'stepper' reports GSTAT: 00000001 reset=1(Reset)

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TMC ‘stepper’ reports GSTAT: 00000001 reset=1(Reset)

Background

During the startup phase of the printer, the relevant TMC driver registers are programmed by Klipper. This includes, but is not limited to, run_current, microsteps, etc.

During printer runtime, Klipper periodically reads back the current state of the TMC drivers. If it finds that a driver has lost its programmed configuration, the error

TMC 'stepper' reports GSTAT: 00000001 reset=1(Reset)

is thrown and any running operation is aborted with a hard error. It is not possible to recover from this state during printing.
Unfortunately, the driver is not able to provide more detailed information about why this happened, so diagnosing this error can be tedious.

If one sees the following constellation in the klippy.log

TMC 'stepper' reports GSTAT: 00000001 reset=1(Reset)
TMC 'stepper' reports GSTAT: 00000000

then this is no reason for concern. This is a normal startup procedure, where Klipper found an unprogrammed TMC driver and programmed it.

Reasons

The exact reasons when such a reset is happening is not known. Empirical troubleshooting has proven the following items to be a significant contributor or even the root cause:

  • Failing or defect wiring / connectors anywhere in the printer.
  • Failing or defect additional hardware like probes, sensors etc.
  • Additional hardware connected to the same bus (either UART or SPI) as the TMC drivers, e.g. displays.
  • Effects caused by EMI / ESD.
  • Faulty stepper driver.
  • Faulty stepper motors.

Potential solutions

  • Inspect wiring and connectors carefully
  • Swap stepper motors and stepper drivers to see if the fault moves with them. Change only one item at a time.
  • Possibly replace the stepper drivers. If feasible, try using a different bus technology, e.g. UART instead of SPI.
  • Simplify the system by disconnecting non-essential components such as probes, LEDs, displays, sensors, etc.
  • Separate power lines from data lines as much as possible.
  • Improve the grounding of the entire printer to the protective earth (PE), e.g. ground the frame, stepper motor housing, heated bed, etc. If in doubt, seek professional help, as improper grounding can be a safety hazard. Always obey local regulations.
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