Using my 3d printers control box

Mostly Printed CNC - MPCNC Advice
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I have the tevo tornado, basically a CR10 clone, and it prints freaking amazing. Just finished some parts at 0.08mm layer height and it looks flawless, however, my question, can i use the tevos control box that has the psu, the mainboard, and cables as the control unit for the MPCNC? im really trying to save money since i have to pay for my engineering school this semester haha, again…

my tevo control box uses modular cables, so i would just do the same for the MPcnc, that way its just the box im moving, and not all the cables

good idea?? is there a better way??

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Short answer is yes, you can do this. But you’ll have to change the firmware each time, and if you have non TMC drivers you’ll have to change the Vref each time too. Better option is just find a used 3d printer for cheap and pull the controller, drivers and power supply.

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ok, so if i find a second tevo control box for cheap, i can replace the firmware, and use tmc drivers for it?

thanks

Or is it going to be easier to just buy all new stuff anyway?

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You only need the TMC drivers if you want the firmware change to alter the Vref as well. Otherwise just get drv8825s which are cheaper.

But yeah, buying new stuff is probably better. I started my MPCNC with parts from an old 3d printer and ended up replacing most of it.

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ok, cool. ill just buy a new card, and get the same one my tevo uses then, but with the drv8825 drivers.

I can 3d print a control box or something.

I received the dewalt 660 for christmas. Thanks to my sister and her husband haha

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What kind of controller is it in the tevo?

I would find it hard to believe you could find a used printer for cheaper than a mew controller. A mini rambo is a good choice. It is more reliable than a ramps, but a ramps will work. As long as you don’t fry it, it is the cheapest option.

Also, FWIW, the tmc drivers aren’t the only boards with firmware controlled current. They are also a pain to use in a ramps stack. The rambo and mini rambo use a4988 drivers and the current is set by digipots.

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mks gen l board. its nice. i like it. my printer prints very well with it:) My board uses the a4988 drivers.