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Topic: Which controller for homebrew printer?

I am considering a project... I want to build my own 3d printer. Basically a copy of SD3 with upgraded mechanical items (better bearings, dual shafts for Y axis, better belts, much larger print area (16x16x16, better bed heater, DUAL Extruders). Intention is to be able to print support material in PVA or PLA and main structure in ABS.

The question is: which controller to use? I'd like to keep using open source firmware, i have no problems tinkering with it in C code or similar ( i have written C and assembly code before), but i'd want to start with a pretty complete code base. On my SD3 i am running marlin with hysteresis fix.

I will not be running card readers or displays, I will run raspberryPI with Repetier server on it. Prefer a controller that can handle 5 stepper motors (2 for 2 extruders plus the 3 directionals). I haven't yet decided on stepper motors, Which ones do you suggest? would like quality product. Was thinking of 58oz-in steppers, but not sure if board can drive them... So need controller board that can drive 58inoz steppers.

What do you all think? Which controller to get?

Thanks ahead

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Re: Which controller for homebrew printer?

Since nobody has chimed in:

Arduino Mega + RAMPS 1.4 has alot of following, alot of info.

Rumba (which is basically the same as Mega) is preferred PCB wise.

Azteeg is a more polished version, but also more expensive.

Do NOT get a printrboard. If you want dual extruders, you will not be able to do so easily with the printrboard.

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Re: Which controller for homebrew printer?

I would consider smoothieboard, but I don't know much about it. For a big robust [not lowest-cost] printer, it's a nice board.

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Re: Which controller for homebrew printer?

I've heard that RAMPS 1.4 has some issues with power circuitry.
So far only heard good things about Rumba, but heard very little about it overall.
Haven't heard anything about smoothieboard.
Are all these controllers Ardurino based and so they will accept the Lawsy/Marlin firmware?

I figured controller will cost me around $200, but it must haves are support for open source firmware and dual extrudes.
I am thinking of using dual PICO extrudes, they should be good to 300-500C. Currently limited by thermistor  to 300C.

This is all a conceptual design so far.

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Re: Which controller for homebrew printer?

Azteeg X3 is robust

http://www.panucatt.com/Azteeg_X3_repra … ax33dp.htm

Ultimaker S3.

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Re: Which controller for homebrew printer?

RAMBo controller and you can use Viki or a smart controller.

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Re: Which controller for homebrew printer?

Rumba if you never want to drive 3+ extruders. If you intend to do 3+ extruders, then probably the azteeg x-3.

And the 'power issues' plague all boards - the biggest problem is people advise a board is '24v capable' and then go and put 16V fuses or 16V Capacitors on the board - and depending on where you source your board (*cough* Geetech *cough*) it can effect all board types - not just RAMPS.... So if you dont intend to use 24V on the motors or heaters, then there is 'no problem'.. but if you intend to use the higher voltages for all the reasons you would, then make sure that regardless of the board type, all the associated components on the board are actually capable of the higher voltage, not just what the 'description' says about the board...

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Re: Which controller for homebrew printer?

Sorry if I go a bit OT but I find your project very interesting: I've been entertaining the idea for a while as well. Just one question: what will you be using as platform to support the bed?

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Re: Which controller for homebrew printer?

Came here to post a similar question, and found this thread at the top... amazing! smile

My question was: has anyone had any experience with Megatronics?  Seems like a reasonable board (if it does what it claims) esp. for price, but doesn't seem to be popular.  Found nothing here, and a quick search over at the RepRap forums does reveal some complaint posts, but then so does a search for pretty much any controller. smile

For RAMPS, where do you source it from?  Thinking SeedStudio, to be more specific. Any opinions or other suggestions (I'm in the US, btw).

My first choice, btw, would have been the Azteeg X3, but it's been out of stock for weeks (with no estimate for restock date).  As I'm doing a delta-bot, I might have gone with the Azteeg X5 which has more CPU power (nice for delta?) *but* it seems that smoothieware does not (yet?) support auto-leveling (and manual calibration is a PITA for deltas, I gather).  So I'll go with Marlin on the software front.

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Re: Which controller for homebrew printer?

FWIW, according to Panucatt, version 2 of the X3 should be out in ~10 days, give or take. So it may be the X3 after all...

11 (edited by pcm81 2014-04-12 18:26:18)

Re: Which controller for homebrew printer?

Project update:
I have built a 2ftx2ftx2ft frame and installed Y-axis 12mm guide rods. I have debated about Z axis drive for a while and settled on using 4 leadscrews (ball screws are too rich for my blood at $100/screw). I will mount 4 stepper motors at the top pf the frame, directly driving the 4 lead screws. I will have to add stepper motor amplifiers, since no board will drive 4 steppers from 1 driver. The 4 lead screws will drive 3/4 inch wood plate up and down; i will have aluminum plate attached with bolts/springs to the wooden stage and have mirror above aluminum bed. Aluminum bed will be heated.

I am looking for suggestions on how to secure the lead screws to the bottom of the frame. I am looking for something like a ball head that can accept "304014-2 1/2-10 x 24 inch (2 foot) 1 start Acme threaded rod". This mount will be at the bottom of the 4 lead screws, so it will be bearing all the weight. I will mount the stepper motors on the top pf the screw to reduce weight on motor shafts.

Thanks

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Re: Which controller for homebrew printer?

Just made this same decision for a delta printer I'm slowly designing/building.

I ended up going with a Rumba.

Given that I'm a big fan of RAMPs, rumba simplifies the design into one board, lets me replace the steppers for DVR8825s and plug in a Smart LCD controller.

13 (edited by IronMan 2014-07-31 17:08:39)

Re: Which controller for homebrew printer?

Regarding RAMPS 1.4; if one is flashing a new board, do we still prefer using Arduino v0.22?

Edit:  Meant Arduino v23!

SD2 - Stock - Enclosure - Heated Bed - Glass Plate - Auto Fire Extinguisher
Ord Bot Hadron - RAMPS 1.4 - Bulldog XL - E3D v6 - 10" x 10" PCB Heated Build w/SSR - Glass Plate
Thanks for All of Your Help!