Since completing my K8200, I have been slowly refining/upgrading parts to improve print quality/detail. I have so far carried out the ‘z’ axis upgrade detailed here,
I have a E3D V6 hotend on order as well as the parts required to convert the current extruder to 1.75mm.
I have two questions.
Is it worthwhile upgrading the stepper drivers from the standard A4988 drivers to the DVR8825 drivers? The only real difference I can see is it would offer double the maximum micro steps (from 16 to 32). I have heard this results in smoother movement of the stepper motors and less noise/vibration during operation. Is this indeed the case?
Is it worthwhile upgrading to the direct drive style extruder (K8203 style) over the geared version? What advantages does this offer? I will need to dismantle the extruder to install the E3D V6 hotend, so it would make sense to do both at the same time.
Hello,
1 - yes it’s very less nosy and coupled with this kind of mod antivibration it’s much more better http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:645800
2 - I’m using this mod http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:819504 for 1.75 with an E3D V6 and it’s a very good solution. The K8203 is an expensive update from my point of view. You can print a complete extruder with this link http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:203292. I did it then I have the 3mm for remaining filament stock and 1.75mm extruder.
Thanks for the links and feedback. I like the idea of printing a new extruder with that mod. I would like to keep my current 3mm extruder intact and swap them back and forth as needed.
I agree that the K8203 is a little expensive (though excellent for those that don’t want to do a custom extruder/hotend setup).
I am more than happy with my Velleman K8200. In its standard form it has some limitations and minor faults, but it is infinity mod able, and the community is generous and helpful.
The stock driver boards don’t implement microstepping properly, one of the steps has too high a current. That’s why they’re quite loud. You can modify the drivers to improve the stepping, but it’s a little tricky.
I know enough French to get the gist of what they are talking about. There is a link to a good thread in English further down in the French thread for those who are struggling with reading French.
When I have more time I will read both threads in detail. It seems there may be more to getting the best out of these new DVR8825 drivers than just some minor firmware hacks.
