I’m looking at options for a 32 bit controller to run my machine. The machine is fairly large Ultimaker/Herculien style and utilizes an e3D Kraken with Volcano nozzles (I currently have a simultaneous need for at least 3 of the nozzles). I am currently using the Azteeg X3 Pro.
My main requirements are:
-Support 7 motors
-Preferably Pololu style drivers but if not, then I need a way to integrate at least DRV8825s or equivalent. Eventually I want to get it working with some Gecko drivers (some bizarre issues to resolve there first) though as Nema 17s and DRV8825s are just barely working now.
-Support for 4 hot ends plus a heated bed. Right now my bed is heated using 120V with an SSR so I’m not too worried about how much power the board can handle itself.
-Would really like if the firmware has a means of compensating for extruder hysteresis. My bowden tubes are very long (1.2m), though they could be shortened to 0.7m if I reconfigured the machine. I have been using the bugfix branch of Marlin which recently had a new advance algorithm implemented. While it’s not perfect yet, I have noticed a big improvement at corners and when the infill changes direction.
I’ve been considering a Duet, Smoothie, or the Panucatt X5 Mini. Can someone who is more familiar with any of these boards or other similar ones make a suggestion for me? Thanks!
@raykholo Interesting board. Do you know if Smoothie has “JKN” or “Advance” extruder hysteresis compensation? I haven’t been able to find anything indicating this. I’ve had limited luck finding any 32 bit firmwares that do.
Duet 0.8.5 supports >7 steppers and extruder advance today (with Due4x), Duet Wifi will soon once they get the new expansion board designed. The expansion header pinout changed so they need a new Due4x version. But the Duet Wifi is still beta testers and pre-order only. (It’s awesome, FYI.)
The TMC2660 on the Duet Wifi is the highest true usable current capacity driver I’ve seen in a 3D printer controller using onboard drivers or Pololu sockets. David Crocker is dialing up the permitted output current over time based on board temp measurements and implementing heat-reduction features like standstill current reduction. 2.8A peak current isn’t even pushing the driver all that hard. It’s also very quiet. You won’t get any higher-performing drivers without going to a Gecko or Leadshine type unit.
Slicer-based advance algorithms don’t work worth a crap because the slicer doesn’t know what the firmware acceleration is doing. Extruder advance needs to be done in firmware. I haven’t looked at it recently, but Marlin’s advance algorithm that I’m familiar with also didn’t work worth a crap.
Last I heard, Smoothie will only be able to do extruder advance once the big motion control code refactor is done, but it’s been a while since I looked at that too. Somebody else here will probably know better.
After checking the latest Marlin advance implementation, it looks like they finally got a working advance algorithm put together a month or two ago, but the way they implemented it causes a big processor performance hit on 8bit controllers.
@Ryan_Carlyle Thanks for all the info. I have been using the recent Marlin advance. Even in its current form it made a noticeable difference. Unfortunately it currently ignores the maximum extruder speeds and results in missed steps fairly often when it is adjusting the pressure so success is somewhat limited.
I preordered a Duet Wifi yesterday. Really looking forward to getting it as I’m seeing the limitations of 8 bit controllers affect my machine!
@Jeff_DeMaagd Not really good, but getting better every day. Most of my issues are the result of using really long bowden tubes so I’m working through those as much as I can but also considering reconfiguring the maching to shorten them.
If you have a mic 6 build plate or something similarly flat it is quite easy to get the Kraken nozzles adjusted to the proper heights with a feeler gauge.
@Tim_Elmore I preordered on the Duet site yesterday with fulfillment by Filastruder. Do I need to fill out an order with the preorder in it on Filastruder to make it easier for you to get the board to me?
@Ben_Malcheski OK, sounds good. I’ve seen people say they want to do 2 or 3+ nozzles and sometimes it’s not clear that they have single nozzle down. I usually suggested to people that they master single before trying to step up because dual can be very frustrating to dial in.
Anything to limit pain points is good, shortening the bowden will help a lot.
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