Taz 5 BTT SKR 3 Refit

While I'm waiting for parts to arrive, I figured I would get Marlin configured and ready. I use Visual Studio Code all the time, so I installed the Platform.IO extension, and downloaded the BigTreeTech version of Marlin from their GIT Repository. bigtreetech/SKR-3 (github.com)

I also went and grabbed the Lulzbot source for Marlin. Lulzbot 5 Marlin This way, as I'm performing the configuration updates for the SKR-3 hardware, I can include the hardware from the Lulzbot 5 that I'm keeping. This included:

• Thermistor configuration
• Default Steps
• Homing Directions
• Build Volume
• Physical drive configurations like jerk, acceleration limits, etc.

If you haven't done a Marlin build it is much easier than it looks. If you are building a run of the mill 3D printer, everything you need is a setting in the Configuration.h or Configuration_adv.h file. The old Marlin 1.0 files from Lulzbot were easy to read and identify hardware specific settings, and the documentation from BigTreeTech was good and directs you to where you can enable features based on the hardware you purchased and your printer design.

If you have an older version of Marlin, and your printer supports an update, then it is worth while to backup your settings and give it a try. There are lots of videos online walking through the process, and if your on modern hardware the manufacturer may have configurations already done for you.

With this done, I guess I just have to wait for the hardware to arrive.

The project starts with the failed print. Came down to find the print a mess, and the printer unable to move the Z axis up. I plugged a spare stepper motor into the Z Axis channel and I could stop the motor with light finger pressure. I help run the local makerspace with several Lulzbot printers and I recognize this as a classic case of the blown Z Axis driver. The Lulzbot uses a RAMBO board with integrated drivers, so there is no easy way to replace the circuit.

I've performed a replacement of this board on the printers at the makerspace, that wouldn't be a challenge. The challenge is that the board is not available from Lulzbot, and the cost from other sources is $175, and I would be on the TCM2130 drivers, good drivers but I didn't want integrated drivers again. Also I wanted a higher voltage & current driver as the Lulzbot print head is a bit of a beast and if I wanted more speed, I would need more raw power.

The RAMBO format is also missing some of the features I want, Filament Sensor, BL Touch support. The board has served me well for 6 years, time to try something new.

I've installed a few BigTreeTech boards in other 3D Printers I've built with friends. I'm familiar with their style of documentation, I've compiled Marlin for the boards. Also, they have a sale right now. So I ordered the bits I need, and I'll get started marking wires and removing the old control board.