<p>This definitely sounds like a problem with your wiring if you have a genuine Anet A6, the genuine A6 comes with a 12864 full graphic display. For sure, you are missing 1 flat ribbon cable (see below). Maybe this is causing the LCD not to light up and the SD card not functioning. As the "fan 2" is working, the board is powered by the power supply (this fan is using the constant power feed of the supply of the board). What you are actually describing as a boot sequence is the actual boot sequence of a printer. Once you power the printer, the fan that is cooling the cold end of the extruder should start spinning and keep spinning while the part cooling fan usually spins up but then powers down to standstill. While this is happening, the LCD should come alive and show the boot screen and finally the printer menu. If your screen is not showing any light, this <strong>implies that your screen is</strong> either <strong>broken</strong>, <strong>not powered</strong> or <strong>wrongly connected</strong>.</p>

<p>You could connect the printer over USB and control the printer from an external program, e.g. Pronterface, OctoPrint, Repetier-host, etc. and see if the printer works (then you know that the display is broken).</p>

<p>From a search on AliExpress I <a href="http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2017-Upgrade-Anet-A6-Auto-Leveling-A6-L-Impressora-3D-Printer-DIY-Kit-Reprap-i3-Imprimante/32671013494.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.8.49f160994iHWj7&amp;ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_1_5729911_10065_10068_319_317_10696_10084_453_454_10083_10618_10307_10821_10301_537_536_5730811_10059_10884_10887_100031_321_322_10103,searchweb201603_51,ppcSwitch_0&amp;algo_expid=f57f9eef-8ebd-4819-81a6-9f38366511b1-1&amp;algo_pvid=f57f9eef-8ebd-4819-81a6-9f38366511b1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">found</a> that there are auto leveling printers sold with the Anet A6 branding that differ from the standard Anet A6 as written in Chinglish:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Different Auto leveling A6 and Normal A6:</p>
  
  <p>1.The auto-leveling version uses a proximity sensor to detect the aluminum print bed where the normal version of the printer uses a
  micro-switch to detect the end of travel for the Z-Axis movement
  (vertical limits).</p>
  
  <p>2.<strong>Auto leveling A6-L work with LCD2004 screen</strong>, A6 work with LCD12864 screen</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The second remark from the quote above suggests that there is a 2004 LCD version that is only used by the Anet A6-L version (probably because they need a free pin for the auto leveling sensor). Such a display only has a single connection socket and needs to be connected to a single socket on the Anet printer board (named "LCD", not "J3")</p>

<p>Note that <strong>automatic bed levelling is not magic</strong>, and a little <strong>more complicated</strong> to start with, if you order a printer without an auto bed levelling sensor, you will be able to update to one later. E.g. from <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2091529" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here</a>:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>It uses the "LED pin" which is an unused pin on the A8 (using the
  stock 5 button 2004 LCD). That is the third wire counted from below
  (where the red marker is on the cable). I simply spliced the cable and
  cut that wire. This will be the servo signal (yellow).</p>
</blockquote>

<hr>

<h3>If you have an Anet A6 adapted for auto levelling with a 2004 display</h3>

<p>When the LCD does not light up, this could be caused by incorrect placement of the flat cable, be sure to use the correct socket on the printer board and take care of the orientation. Once you have checked this, and it does not work and you are in the possession of a multimeter, you could measure the voltage over the "VSS" and the "VDD" pin; also look into the voltage over the "VSS" and the "VE" (see pin layout below).
If there is power, but no light, the LCD is probably defective. You could try to hook up a computer to the board using a USB cable and use a program like Pronterface to interface with the printer to see if it works at all, the display is not required for printing (e.i. if you can access the printer over USB).</p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/5IvGI.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/5IvGI.jpg" alt="Typical 2004 LCD pin layout"></a></p>

<hr>

<h3>If you have a genuine Anet A6</h3>

<p>It is advised to <strong><em>install an extra flat ribbon cable</em></strong> and <strong><em>check all the wires</em></strong>, please do check for correct polarity and correct installment.</p>

<p>Please do note the the installation of the Anet A6 LCD display (see <a href="https://youtu.be/6aPja8Ux2rY?t=702" rel="nofollow noreferrer">this movie</a> and the screenshot from this video below) requires 2 flat ribbon cables to function properly. </p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/7RwQLm.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/7RwQLm.jpg" alt="LCD screen installation Anet A6"></a></p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/FdSv3.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/FdSv3.png" alt="2 ribbon cables inserted in printer board"></a></p>

<hr>

<p><sub>
<em>Sidemark on fan ducts:<br>
Both the stock and most ring type ducts are not aerodynamically designed fan ducts. The stock fan converges too much, this narrowing of the duct causes extra pressure build-up which these fans are not able to handle, so they stall, causing a reduced flow output of the fan. The (semi) circular fan ducts usually also have a design problem. The (semi) circular ones all (but one that I have seen) have the same deficiency that the main passage area does not decrease when the duct loses air through a slot/ejector; this means that the velocity in the main ring decreases after each bleed slot! Note that these fans move air and do not build up a high pressure difference that is large enough to overcome the friction of those designs.</em></sub></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-12-01T21:35:28.317Z
Oscar, My screen only came with one flat ribbon cable. It also only has one port for it on the screen, but 2 ports on the motherboard. The image shows a different screen than I have. The screen I have has 5 buttons in a + shape. The one in the image has 2 buttons and a selection disc. My printer is an A6-L printer with auto leveling if that helps.
Tactrophyc
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-12-01T23:12:32.417Z
@JaseKaeberlein Please update your question to include such vital information, even add pictures. It sounds that you have an Anet A6 clone with a 5 button display. To be sure add if you have a 2004 LCD or a full graphical one with the jog dial, I suspect that you have the first.
0scar
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-12-01T23:55:05.333Z
I'll update my answer tomorrow, thanks for the additions! It appears you do not have a genuine Anet A6.
0scar
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-12-02T10:05:16.340Z
odd: on Aliexpress, there is a version as "2017 Anet A6-L" that claims to exist in 2 versions with the LCD 2004 screen as 5-button, the LCD 12864 as button dial. LCD 2004 is the cheaper model.
Trish
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-12-03T02:35:55.267Z
I have done some research, and have confirmed that it is not a genuine A6. The instructions and motherboard say A6, as does the amazon recipt and seller. However, the frame is an A8 frame, as is the screen. I belive we are going to return the printer, and get it from a different seller. Thank you for your help.
Tactrophyc
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-12-01T20:07:15.660Z
2018-12-07T11:56:45.780Z
2018-12-07T11:56:45.780Z
0scar
<p>I bought an Anet A6-L printer <em>(after some research I discovered that this is not a genuine Anet A6)</em> and assembled it. The first time I plugged it in, the fan (fan 2, I believe) is the only thing that turns on. Also, the LCD screen (LCD2004 5 button display) only had 1 cord, and 1 jack for the cord to plug in on the back of the screen, but 2 openings on the motherboard. The fan turns on for around 30 seconds, then turns off. I have the anet A6 printer, with the V1-5 motherboard. I have everything else (fans, motors, hotbed, power) plugged into the right ports. I haven't plugged in the micro SD (TF) card yet, I turned it on to test it. </p>

<p>I am using a modified part that replaces the windpipe/fan duct (white) and redirects the airflow around it and inwards from a ring around the tip, but that is the only modification I have made. I have not messed with the power supply (other than wiring it in). Same with the motherboard. I tested it also without the modification for the fan duct but it still has the same problem.</p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/1TO7y.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/1TO7y.jpg" alt="Screen Top"></a></p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/yFdM1.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/yFdM1.jpg" alt="Screen bottom"></a></p>

<diy-3d-printer><power-supply><anet-a6><fans>
First time assemble of Anet A6 printer. Only fan works
Tactrophyc
# First time assemble of Anet A6 printer. Only fan works

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-12-01)

I bought an Anet A6-L printer *(after some research I discovered that this is not a genuine Anet A6)* and assembled it. The first time I plugged it in, the fan (fan 2, I believe) is the only thing that turns on. Also, the LCD screen (LCD2004 5 button display) only had 1 cord, and 1 jack for the cord to plug in on the back of the screen, but 2 openings on the motherboard. The fan turns on for around 30 seconds, then turns off. I have the anet A6 printer, with the V1-5 motherboard. I have everything else (fans, motors, hotbed, power) plugged into the right ports. I haven't plugged in the micro SD (TF) card yet, I turned it on to test it.

I am using a modified part that replaces the windpipe/fan duct (white) and redirects the airflow around it and inwards from a ring around the tip, but that is the only modification I have made. I have not messed with the power supply (other than wiring it in). Same with the motherboard. I tested it also without the modification for the fan duct but it still has the same problem.

[![Screen Top](https://i.sstatic.net/1TO7y.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/1TO7y.jpg)

[![Screen bottom](https://i.sstatic.net/yFdM1.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/yFdM1.jpg)

**Tags:** diy-3d-printer, power-supply, anet-a6, fans

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2018-12-01. Score: 5

This definitely sounds like a problem with your wiring if you have a genuine Anet A6, the genuine A6 comes with a 12864 full graphic display. For sure, you are missing 1 flat ribbon cable (see below). Maybe this is causing the LCD not to light up and the SD card not functioning. As the "fan 2" is working, the board is powered by the power supply (this fan is using the constant power feed of the supply of the board). What you are actually describing as a boot sequence is the actual boot sequence of a printer. Once you power the printer, the fan that is cooling the cold end of the extruder should start spinning and keep spinning while the part cooling fan usually spins up but then powers down to standstill. While this is happening, the LCD should come alive and show the boot screen and finally the printer menu. If your screen is not showing any light, this **implies that your screen is** either **broken**, **not powered** or **wrongly connected**.

You could connect the printer over USB and control the printer from an external program, e.g. Pronterface, OctoPrint, Repetier-host, etc. and see if the printer works (then you know that the display is broken).

From a search on AliExpress I [found](http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2017-Upgrade-Anet-A6-Auto-Leveling-A6-L-Impressora-3D-Printer-DIY-Kit-Reprap-i3-Imprimante/32671013494.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.8.49f160994iHWj7&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_1_5729911_10065_10068_319_317_10696_10084_453_454_10083_10618_10307_10821_10301_537_536_5730811_10059_10884_10887_100031_321_322_10103,searchweb201603_51,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=f57f9eef-8ebd-4819-81a6-9f38366511b1-1&algo_pvid=f57f9eef-8ebd-4819-81a6-9f38366511b1) that there are auto leveling printers sold with the Anet A6 branding that differ from the standard Anet A6 as written in Chinglish:

> Different Auto leveling A6 and Normal A6:
>
> 1.The auto-leveling version uses a proximity sensor to detect the aluminum print bed where the normal version of the printer uses a
> micro-switch to detect the end of travel for the Z-Axis movement
> (vertical limits).
>
> 2.**Auto leveling A6-L work with LCD2004 screen**, A6 work with LCD12864 screen

The second remark from the quote above suggests that there is a 2004 LCD version that is only used by the Anet A6-L version (probably because they need a free pin for the auto leveling sensor). Such a display only has a single connection socket and needs to be connected to a single socket on the Anet printer board (named "LCD", not "J3")

Note that **automatic bed levelling is not magic**, and a little **more complicated** to start with, if you order a printer without an auto bed levelling sensor, you will be able to update to one later. E.g. from [here](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2091529):

> It uses the "LED pin" which is an unused pin on the A8 (using the
> stock 5 button 2004 LCD). That is the third wire counted from below
> (where the red marker is on the cable). I simply spliced the cable and
> cut that wire. This will be the servo signal (yellow).

---

### If you have an Anet A6 adapted for auto levelling with a 2004 display

When the LCD does not light up, this could be caused by incorrect placement of the flat cable, be sure to use the correct socket on the printer board and take care of the orientation. Once you have checked this, and it does not work and you are in the possession of a multimeter, you could measure the voltage over the "VSS" and the "VDD" pin; also look into the voltage over the "VSS" and the "VE" (see pin layout below).
If there is power, but no light, the LCD is probably defective. You could try to hook up a computer to the board using a USB cable and use a program like Pronterface to interface with the printer to see if it works at all, the display is not required for printing (e.i. if you can access the printer over USB).

[![Typical 2004 LCD pin layout](https://i.sstatic.net/5IvGI.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/5IvGI.jpg)

---

### If you have a genuine Anet A6

It is advised to ***install an extra flat ribbon cable*** and ***check all the wires***, please do check for correct polarity and correct installment.

Please do note the the installation of the Anet A6 LCD display (see [this movie](https://youtu.be/6aPja8Ux2rY?t=702) and the screenshot from this video below) requires 2 flat ribbon cables to function properly.

[![LCD screen installation Anet A6](https://i.sstatic.net/7RwQLm.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/7RwQLm.jpg)

[![2 ribbon cables inserted in printer board](https://i.sstatic.net/FdSv3.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/FdSv3.png)

---

*Sidemark on fan ducts:  
Both the stock and most ring type ducts are not aerodynamically designed fan ducts. The stock fan converges too much, this narrowing of the duct causes extra pressure build-up which these fans are not able to handle, so they stall, causing a reduced flow output of the fan. The (semi) circular fan ducts usually also have a design problem. The (semi) circular ones all (but one that I have seen) have the same deficiency that the main passage area does not decrease when the duct loses air through a slot/ejector; this means that the velocity in the main ring decreases after each bleed slot! Note that these fans move air and do not build up a high pressure difference that is large enough to overcome the friction of those designs.*

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Oscar, My screen only came with one flat ribbon cable. It also only has one port for it on the screen, but 2 ports on the motherboard. The image shows a different screen than I have. The screen I have has 5 buttons in a + shape. The one in the image has 2 buttons and a selection disc. My printer is an A6-L printer with auto leveling if that helps.  
> **username_1**: @JaseKaeberlein Please update your question to include such vital information, even add pictures. It sounds that you have an Anet A6 clone with a 5 button display. To be sure add if you have a 2004 LCD or a full graphical one with the jog dial, I suspect that you have the first.  
> **username_1**: I'll update my answer tomorrow, thanks for the additions! It appears you do not have a genuine Anet A6.  
> **username_2**: odd: on Aliexpress, there is a version as "2017 Anet A6-L" that claims to exist in 2 versions with the LCD 2004 screen as 5-button, the LCD 12864 as button dial. LCD 2004 is the cheaper model.  
> **username_0**: I have done some research, and have confirmed that it is not a genuine A6. The instructions and motherboard say A6, as does the amazon recipt and seller. However, the frame is an A8 frame, as is the screen. I belive we are going to return the printer, and get it from a different seller. Thank you for your help.  

---

