So it’s got to that point of my build, I need to start choosing what electronics I will be using. Any suggestions? I was thinking of going down the RAMPS route, though are there any other options, currently making a prusa i3. This will be my first self build 3D printer, and I’m planning on using what I learn with this one to build either a delta or a ultimaker type printer next.
If you are going to build a delta after this one, it would be a good choice to look at 32 bit boards.
Saves you the trouble learning new skills all over again.
Fair enough, had noticed the rearm board on here recently. Might have a look into that, or the duet.
There are other options, like a smoothieboard.
A list: http://reprap.org/wiki/List_of_electronics
Smoothieboard is so much easier to work with. Loading changes to firmware is as easy as changing the text document and hitting save. @raykholo has made an excellent remix board that provides easier mounting and possible replacement of drivers. Until smoothieboard v2 comes out I think the remix is the best option.
Ramps isn’t worth it in my opinion. It’s fine if you have a ton of Mega 2560 around but if you are dedicating the board to a printer go smoothieware route (or at least 32 bit). I vouch for @raykholo boards but if you want to use Marlin firmware Duet Wifi is nice too.
A cheap RAMPS board should be fine for a simple Cartesian printer. You can also find cheap smoothie board clones if you are interested in 32-bit processing.
Though I am rather found of the Duet boards for delta printers if you want to standardize your board choices among your current and future printers. Plus, the web interface on the Duet board simplifies controlling the board without the need of Octoprint or similar software.
@Griffin_Paquette Duet Wifi runs RepRapFirmware, not Marlin. RRF is awesome, it’s text-based config like Smoothie. Great web interface, stepper drivers, etc.
To be honest I think I may go with Ramps, as I have a mega at home, also I’m wanting to make an inexpensive printer for my first printer as it will eventually be lent out to people, I think I’ll go with a smoothie board or duet for my next machine which will most likely be a core xy machine.
I have some printrboards, I would part with each for $50. They are rev D.
@Alex_Hayden thakyou for the offer, may take you up on it, though I’m based in the UK so postage may be an issue.
USPS flat rate box ships to uk for $33.95 that is the cheapest I found shipping.
@Alex_Hayden I will have to see what my budget is after the bills come out on payday, though I am interested in this option. I’ll let you know near the end of january.
Aren’t Printrboards 8-bit? You might check local pricing on the Duet 0.8.5 board. I thought Escher3D was based in the UK, assuming it is just a few bucks more after shipping.
@John-Paul_Hopman cheers mate I’ll have a look also been reading up on the smoothie board, are they worth the price tag? @Thomas_Sanladerer have them a positive review.
I have been happy with my Duet 0.8.5 board and the web interface removes the need for octoprint or a dedicated computer to control the printer. Personally, not sure about the extra cost of the Duet WiFi, but it does have better drivers and a few more features. There is also talk of a Duet Ethernet being released soon, but I am not sure of its price point.
Smoothie boards are also supposed to be very good, but I don’t think they have web interfaces. I would consider one for a laser cutter upgrade if I ever bought a k40 though.
I have also heard good things about Printrboards and would jump at one for $50 if I was in your position. But at $80-85 with shipping, plus any import taxes the UK might slap on, plus being 8-bit, I would definitely look into a UK based 32-bit option.