My Sumpod is completely wired as of this afternoon! I took lots of pictures along the way, but I still have to finish the written documentation for all of you. And, there is one more really important test: power it up and see what happens! Actually, I do not want to release a set of wiring instructions unless I know for sure that they are right. Still flying blind (although the RAMPS 1.3 page on reprap.org would be all you need, other than the LCD) I did add a few touches of my own.
For one, I expect to change hot ends so I used a 4 pin locking Molex connector for the thermistor and heater. That way all you have to do is unplug the Bowden tube and disconnect the Molex connector and you could substitute say a dual extruder or some other hot end (like that from makergear.com). Also, I used Teflon insulated wire for the connections to the heater. You can certainly use the excess stepper motor wires, but from past experience I expect the vinyl insulation to get degraded over time. I also decided that the fan would run with the heater, or otherwise you would have to run one additional wire to it (constant power). So, we will see how that works. At least that way the blue fan lights are on when the heater is running.
Another change I made was to use hot melt glue to fix the wires into the channels in the walls. My nylon wire clamps didn’t fit into the slots neatly (the slots were too narrow). Sure, I could have cut out the MDF so that they would fit nicely flush in the slot, but the speed of the glue approach was nice. So, I just used my miniature craft gun to get into those tight spaces.
So when will the wiring instructions be done and ready for you to download? I will try to get those out over the weekend, so long as the “blue smoke genie” doesn’t get summoned from the Sumpod! Thanks for your patience! – Eric
Awesome. I finished the wiring on mine late last night, and I had the same thought with the fan and heater wired together. Unfortunately it didn’t work. I ended up running two more wires for the fan. Now that I think about it, I could have just run one since the 12V to the heater is always on, just the ground is switched. Anyway, I’m sure your wiring is neater than mine and better laid out. Looking forward to the writeup.
Michael: thanks so much! I had second thoughts too given how the heater would be powered, so I’m already running the extra wire up, with a fix for the 4 (now 6!) pin Molex connector. I worked out a lot of the details, but really need to sit down with the RAMPS schematic one more time to confirm everything. BTW are you using Richard’s firmware release or something else? I have his already compiled and ready to load into the Arduino Mega when it is time. – Eric
I’m using Richard’s firmware. It works great so far. I’m able to control the motors and hotend via RepSnapper. I’m having problems with the hotend so I haven’t tried a print yet. I’m anxiously waiting for your experiences.
Michael: OK, I am too! BTW what sort of problems with the hot end are you having?
This is interesting as you both have different versions of the Hotend nozzle.
There should be no change except one is easier to build/make.