Control Boards

For Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) / Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers, we utilize the Duet3D control board. Communication with this board is established via HTTP protocol.

Specifically, we use the Duet3D Main Board 6HC connected to a Slice Mosquito Prime hotend and Bondtech LGC PRO extruder.

Setup Process for a New System (Mirroring Existing Board)

  1. Before Starting the Duet3D board, ensure the micro SD card is completely inserted to operate the board in standalone mode.

  2. Follow Steps 1-4 on Getting Connected to your Duet, but do not modify the firmware.

  3. Follow Step 5 for a Ethernet Duet to set a fixed address. Choose an address that is not being used already.

Note

The Bob Duet board is 192.160.0.67 and the Alice Duet board is 192.168.0.68

  1. Connect the Duet to the Network Switch and type the IP you just set into the web browser to open the Duet Web Console.

    • You may need to manually set Netmask and ip address under network settings

  2. Create the Board Configuration

    • Open Duet Web Console for another connected Duet and download all files listed under the system tab

    • Download All Files Listed Under the System Tab

    • Edit config.g

      • Change the Line M552 S1 PX.X.X.X To include the IP address you selected.

      • Change the name of the board in the M550 P"Duet Name to something descriptive.

      • If there are any components that will not be used on the new Duet (BLTouch or extra motors), the related lines can be commented out

    • Upload All files including the updated configuration to the new Duet

    • Select the option to “Restart Mainboard” and ensure the configuration runs properly

  3. Download the correct Firmware from the RepRapFirmware Releases. Currently we use Release 3.5.0 Release Candidate 3. You need Duet3Firmware_MB6HC.bin

  4. In the Duet Web Console, select the system tab and upload the Firmware file you just saved. Select to Install the new Firmware.

  5. Follow the Wiring Guide to connect the extruder and hotend to the board

    • Once the power supply is connected, the USB-C cable can be removed

    • All wires will require crimping using the included connectors

      • High Current Connectors (Heating Elements and Extruders) will require larger crimps and connectors

      • Low Current Connectors (Fans and Thermistors) will require small crimps and connectors

      • The connector for the motor side of the extruder connection is the only one not included

    • The following sections are needed

Setup Process for a Fresh System

  1. Before Starting the Duet3D board, ensure the micro SD card is completely inserted to operate the board in standalone mode.

  2. Follow Steps 1-4 on Getting Connected to your Duet, but do not modify the firmware.

  3. Follow Step 5 for a Ethernet Duet to set a fixed address. Choose an address that is not being used already.

Note

The Bob Duet board is 192.160.0.67 and the Alice Duet board is 192.168.0.68

  1. Connect the Duet to the Network Switch and type the IP you just set into the web browser to open the Duet Web Console.

    • You may need to manually set Netmask and ip address under network settings

  2. Create the Duet Configuration Here

    • Software Settings will be needed to configure the Stepper Motor for the Extruder and the Thermistors. This can likely be found in quick start guides for the equiptment, such as this. This process will also likely involve looking up an RT for the specific thermistors, such as this one.

  3. Download the Config Bundle with the Firmware Files and Web Interface

  4. Upload All the Files to the Board and Select to Install the New Firmware

  5. Follow the Wiring Guide to connect the extruder and hotend to the board

    • Once the power supply is connected, the USB-C cable can be removed

    • All wires will require crimping using the included connectors

      • High Current Connectors (Heating Elements and Extruders) will require larger crimps and connectors

      • Low Current Connectors (Fans and Thermistors) will require small crimps and connectors

      • The connector for the motor side of the extruder connection is the only one not included

    • The following sections are needed