Uses a raspberry Pi Pico connected to the printer via I2C to provide automatic active temperature control and full control of other enclosure functions via gcode (M260). Also gives full control via an OLed screen UI.
- Automatic active temperature control
- Direct communication with the printer (via I2C)
- Smooth PWM lighting control
- Power loss recovery (will save setting changes and state on power loss)
- UI via OLed
- Print name display while printing
- Fan kickstarting
- PWM fan speed control
- Printer-controllable max fan speed
- Motorized fan flap control
- Print done notification (light turns on)
- Use of the standby capabilities on ATX PSUs to save power
- Uses both cores in the pico for smoother real-time operation
- Highly customizable
- Light turns on when the door opens (if setting enabled)
- Control via:
- UI - full control (except for print name), plus settings
- M260 gcode commands (printer) - full control
- USB connected computer - partial control (all but print name)
- Two quick-acess buttons - changing light state and setting mode to cooldown only
- Safety features:
- Fans and heaters turn off when door open
- Sensor connection status is regularly checked
- Sensor data is checked for plausibility (is it way to low, etc.)
- Temperature exceeding set thresholds will cause shutdown (see below)
- Will enter a safe "error" state if anything is wrong (invalid printer command, sensor disconnected, temp exceeds set bounds, etc.)
- Turns off heaters
- Turns off fans
- Turns off lights
- Turns off the power supply
- Stops communication with printer
- Sends data about the error via USB every 30 seconds, indefinitely
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If you don't need to change anything in the code (if your hardware is the same as mine):
- Double check your wiring
- Couldn't hurt, for what mine looks like see the wiring diagram below
- Your switches can be either
NOorNC, the code will detect this
- Ensure that whenever you upload a new version, the door is open (no switches are pressed)
- Plug the Raspberry Pi Pico into your computer while holding down the BOOTSEL button, copy the latest .uf2 file to the pico
- Enjoy!
- Double check your wiring
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If you want to customize things in the code:
- I recommend Using Arduino IDE, as that is what I used and I know it works
- Install this board in Arduino IDE
- The link has good instructions, just scroll down a bit
- Install all dependencies (see documentation)
- Download the files in "src/Printer_enclosure_firmware" and open them in Arduino IDE
- Change any values as needed, depending on your setup
- Double check your wiring (couldn't hurt, for what mine looks like see the wiring diagram below)
- Upload the code to your Pico (see above)
- Enjoy!
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For wiring diagram, BOM, etc., see the documentation
This design is compatible with any printer that supports M260 gcode commands and has an I2C bus that you can connect to.
The only printers that I am certain will work with this are the Original Prusa MK4-series printers (I made this for my MK4), as their Xbuddy board has an I2C connector that is unused. (a female 4-pin Molex Click-Mate if you want to buy a cable to fit)
Known compatible printers:
- Prusa MK4(s)
- Prusa MK3.9(s)
- Prusa MK3.5(s)
However, many other printers might have I2C connectors, so it's worth checking yours. If you find other printers that are compatible, please let me know!
A raspberry Pi might also work (they have I2C) if you are using one for Octoprint or Klipper already, with a bit of modification.
If you want to contribute in any way, feel free to do so!
Whether it's reporting bugs or writing code, your contributions will be helpful.
- Thermal runaway protection
- protect heaters from thermal runaway
- Audible notification for print done
- Play a small chime or sound when the print is set to done
- Support for basic control through printer GPIO pins (for printers without I2C)
- Have a small number of pins be able to, say, set the temperature to one of two states
- Cut out any unneeded functionality (like setting the lights, fine temperature control, etc.)
- Anything else you can think of!
- If you can, implement it!
- If you can't, raise an issue requesting the feature
Thank you for any and all contributions!
OK, I saved the story for the end 😉.
I couldn't find code for a smart printer enclosure that had all the features I wanted. Mainly, I wanted something that was automatic; I didn't want to have to set fans, heaters, etc. every single print*. So, I spent a lot of time making this. I believe it is the most fully featured codebase for a 3d printer enclosure you could find, mainly because I couldn't find a more fully featured one.