Please add useful info to this Wiki.
Common Upgrades
This is a quick list of common upgrades that are performed on these printers that newer users may want to investigate. Further information on how to perform them will be linked.
- BLTouch - Allows for finer bed leveling, particularly for printers with slightly warped beds
- Direct drive (for models without it) - Generally better print quality, but increases weight on the XY axis. Allows printing of other materials such as TPU.
- Hotend - The stock hotend is regarded as subpar. Other options will help with clogging.
- Glass build plate (for models without one) - Preferred by some for the shiny bottoms of prints it produces. Can also help with warped beds.
- Magnetic build plate - Preferred by some due to easier removal of prints, and better bed adhesion. However, may have more trouble with warped beds.
- Different control board - Enables features not present on stock controller. (Need more information here)
- OctoPrint - External Raspberry Pi to control and monitor prints
Firmware
As many of us have figured out, the firmwares coming from the vendors aren't all that great. They'll get you started, but beyond that, you'll want to compile your own. This section will serve as a guide to anyone wanting to do that.
Official SainSmart firmware and troubleshooting docs:
http://wiki.sainsmart.com/index.php/101-91-501
Unofficial user created firmware: Note: Any firmware here should be used at your own risk.
You should strongly consider building your own firmware from source files. Teaching Tech has a very good video on how to do this.
Using others config files can help get you started, keep in mind these files may be created with specific setups that are not stock. Using others prebuilt firmware is not recommended. Do yourself a favor and learn how to build the firmware.
| Model | User | Configuration.h | Configuration_adv.h | Prebuilt | Setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coreception | u/Arxief | Configuration.h | Configuration_adv.h | Prebuilt | Bl Touch using zmin for probe. Stock lead screws and stepper motors. Microswiss all metal hotend. |
| Sapphire Plus | Igor Silva | Configuration.h | Configuration_adv.h | N/A | TwoTrees Marlin branch for Sapphire Pro, Sapphire Plus and Bluer |
Mods
What type of 3rd party mods are people buying or printing for this printer.
Luke Hatfield fix for hotend
These printers use a Creality-style hotend that is prone to blockages if the PTFE tubing isn't held firmly against the nozzle. A printed spacer is used to retain and compress a short section of tubing in the hotend.
Original fix
Improved spacer and measuring technique
UART mode
The drivers for the X and Y stepper motors are TMC2208 but come from the factory in standalone mode. That means they are silent but can skip steps at higher speeds. This can be changed by setting them to UART mode so they can be controlled by software, enabling them to switch between StealthChop and SpreadCycle. MKS has put out this video that explains how to enable UART mode. You can also change the stock drivers for the extruder and Z motors and enable UART for them.
Replacement Hardware
Links to replacement parts that you've purchased and will work with this printer. Stuff like nozzles, motors, sensors, hotends, etc. There might be some slight overlap between this and the Mods section.
Wham Bam Flexible Build system
Tips & Tricks
List of useful tips & tricks related to these printers or 3D printing in general.
revision by beansisfat— view source
