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Topic: best firmware, software, and mods for stock SD2 in 2016?

I'm running a stock original SD2 and Repetier Host v0.85b on an old Windows XP netbook, with the firmware and settings shown below.

It's time to do a few upgrades, but there are so many of them here that the forum looks like alphabet soup to me!  I need someone  to point me to worthwhile upgrades that will make my printing better and smoother.

My current mods are as follows:
XY-axis replacement with linear bearings
belt-replacement with 80lbs dacron fishing line
extruder replacement with mk4
glass bed 3mm (over aluminium)
improved spool mount
bed levelling knobs
cardboard panels on magnets as enclosure
nichrome "crap-wrap" extruder replaced with aluminium block and heating resistor

19:00:47.404 : Marlin 1.0.0
19:00:47.404 : echo: Last Updated: 2012-08-14 | Author: Lawsy
19:00:47.404 : echo: Free Memory: 1493  PlannerBufferBytes: 1232
19:00:47.404 : echo:Stored settings retreived:
19:00:47.404 : echo:Steps per unit:
19:00:47.404 : echo:  M92 X88.00 Y88.00 Z2268.00 E105.00
19:00:47.404 : echo:Maximum feedrates (mm/s):
19:00:47.404 : echo:  M203 X500.00 Y500.00 Z5.00 E45.00
19:00:47.404 : echo:Maximum Acceleration (mm/s2):
19:00:47.404 : echo:  M201 X9000 Y9000 Z100 E10000
19:00:47.404 : echo:Acceleration: S=acceleration, T=retract acceleration
19:00:47.404 : echo:  M204 S3000.00 T3000.00
19:00:47.404 : echo:Advanced variables: S=Min feedrate (mm/s), T=Min travel feedrate (mm/s), B=minimum segment time (ms), X=maximum xY jerk (mm/s),  Z=maximum Z jerk (mm/s)
19:00:47.498 : echo:  M205 S0.00 T0.00 B20000 X20.00 Z0.40 E5.00
19:00:47.498 : echo:Home offset (mm):
19:00:47.498 : echo:  M206 X0.00 Y0.00 Z0.00
19:00:47.498 : echo:PID settings:
19:00:47.498 : echo:   M301 P22.20 I1.08 D114.00

What's next?  I'm thinking of:
updating repetier (to what?)
updating firmware (to what? what difference will it make for my no-accessory SD2 and where are the up-to-date instructions?)
add a fan  (which instructions?  I tried to add a fan way back, and failed.)
retune my PIDs (I think I can figure this one out)
fixing the z-wobble (which fix should I use?  I am planning on 3mm rod with flex coupling and slop-nut.  should be good to go on this)
tensioning my dacron lines (I had trouble with this when I installed them. are there new gadgets to aid in tensioning them)


I'm not interested in changing the board, or adding an lcd or adding an SD card reader.  I just want super nice smooth prints.

What else?

SD2 Sanguinololu 1.3a atmega1284p, wood platform, lawsy's carriages, braided fishing line, pallet wood overhead spool mount, carboard/magnet enclosure, glass bed, E3D v6, bed levelling knobs, extended z-stop, 25A DC-DC SSR for bed heater, everything fixed to the SD2 frame, marlin firmware with some adjustments and extra failsafes enabled.  I'll never give up on you, little printer that could(n't)!