What is the Tevo Tarantula Pro
The Tevo Tarantula Pro is a popular 3D printer known for its affordability and ease of use. It’s a great entry-level machine for hobbyists and those new to 3D printing. However, like many budget-friendly printers, the Tevo Tarantula Pro can benefit from upgrades to improve its performance, particularly in terms of noise and precision. One of the most impactful upgrades you can perform is replacing the stock stepper motor drivers with TMC2208 drivers. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding the benefits to the final setup, ensuring you can enjoy a quieter and more efficient 3D printing experience with your Tevo Tarantula Pro. The Tevo Tarantula Pro offers a decent build volume, making it suitable for a variety of print projects, from small figurines to larger functional parts. With the right upgrades, you can significantly enhance its capabilities.
Why Upgrade to TMC2208 Drivers
Upgrading to TMC2208 stepper motor drivers on your Tevo Tarantula Pro is a smart move for several reasons. The stock drivers that come with the printer often produce a noticeable amount of noise, which can be disruptive if your printer is located in a living or working space. TMC2208 drivers are designed to operate much more quietly, utilizing advanced technologies to reduce motor noise. Beyond the noise reduction, TMC2208 drivers offer improved precision and smoother movement. This translates to higher quality prints with fewer visible layer lines and more accurate dimensions. The upgrade also helps reduce the chances of missed steps, improving overall print reliability. In essence, the upgrade improves the quality of your prints.
Benefits of TMC2208 Drivers
The benefits of upgrading to TMC2208 drivers extend beyond just noise reduction. These drivers employ advanced micro-stepping technology, which allows for more precise control over the stepper motors. This leads to smoother movements, which reduces vibrations and ringing in your prints. This is especially important for achieving high-quality surface finishes and detailed features. The TMC2208 drivers also provide improved efficiency. By optimizing the current supplied to the stepper motors, they can reduce heat generation, which contributes to the overall reliability of the printer. This can also result in longer lifespan for the motors and other components. With the installation of TMC2208 drivers, you’re not only enhancing the user experience by reducing noise, but you’re also contributing to the longevity and quality of your 3D prints.
Tools and Materials Needed for TMC2208 Installation
Before you begin the installation, gather the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth and efficient process. You will need a set of TMC2208 stepper motor drivers. Make sure to get the correct version (usually the ones with the pins for easy installation). You’ll also need a small flathead screwdriver for adjusting the potentiometer, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and possibly a heat gun or hair dryer if you have difficulty removing the original drivers. Anti-static wrist strap is also a good idea to protect electronic components from static discharge. It is recommended to have a multimeter to accurately set the Vref, which is essential for optimizing the driver’s performance and preventing motor overheating. Finally, it’s helpful to have a good quality set of hex wrenches for any adjustments needed. Prepare all the tools and materials beforehand makes the upgrade go smoothly.
Preparing Your Tevo Tarantula Pro for Upgrade
Preparation is key to a successful upgrade. First, ensure your Tevo Tarantula Pro is turned off and unplugged from the power source. This is a crucial safety step. Next, remove any filament from the extruder to avoid accidental extrusion during the process. It’s also advisable to remove any parts that might obstruct access to the mainboard. Often, the mainboard is located in a control box or enclosure. If you are unfamiliar with the layout, take some pictures of the wiring before disconnecting anything. This will help you in reassembling the printer. Taking the time to prepare your workspace and the printer itself will prevent complications during the upgrade. Make sure your hands are clean and dry to avoid any accidents and also to keep the electronic parts safe.
Locating the Stepper Motor Drivers
The stepper motor drivers on the Tevo Tarantula Pro are typically located on the mainboard. The mainboard is usually housed within the printer’s control box or enclosure. Once you’ve located the control box, open it to access the mainboard. Identify the stepper motor drivers; they are small, square chips that are usually plugged into sockets on the mainboard. There are usually four or five drivers, one for each axis (X, Y, Z, and E for the extruder). Sometimes, they are marked or labeled on the board itself. Refer to your printer’s manual or online resources if you have trouble finding them. Make sure you have good lighting and a clear view of the board before you proceed. It is very important that you carefully examine the connections of the existing stepper drivers before removing them, so you can install the TMC2208 drivers without problems.
Removing the Old Stepper Drivers
Carefully remove the existing stepper motor drivers from the mainboard. They are typically plugged into sockets. Use a small flathead screwdriver or a specialized driver removal tool to gently pry them out. Be very careful not to bend or damage any of the pins on the drivers or the sockets. Work slowly and methodically. If the drivers are difficult to remove, you can try gently wiggling them back and forth while pulling. Make sure you’re pulling the drivers straight up, not at an angle, to avoid bending the pins. Take your time with this step, as damaging the mainboard or the drivers can be costly. Some people choose to use needle-nose pliers. If you have them, make sure the pliers don’t touch any other components.
Installing the TMC2208 Drivers
Installing the TMC2208 drivers is the next step. Carefully align the new TMC2208 drivers with the sockets on the mainboard. Pay close attention to the orientation. The TMC2208 drivers usually have a small notch or marking that should align with a corresponding marking on the socket. Insert the TMC2208 drivers into the sockets, ensuring that all the pins are properly aligned. Apply gentle but firm pressure to push the drivers all the way into the sockets. Double-check that all the pins are properly seated. If a pin is bent or not properly inserted, it can damage the driver or the mainboard. If you are unsure, remove the driver and try again. Once all drivers are in place, make sure they are secured. Also, before powering on the printer, always inspect all the connections and ensure that everything is properly connected.
Configuring the TMC2208 Drivers
After installing the TMC2208 drivers, you will likely need to configure them. The most important part of the configuration is adjusting the Vref, which determines the current supplied to the stepper motors. Incorrect Vref settings can lead to motor overheating or underperformance. To set Vref, you will need a multimeter. Power on the printer and measure the voltage on the small potentiometer located on each TMC2208 driver. The exact voltage you need to set varies depending on your specific setup and the stepper motors used, but a common starting point is between 0.8V and 1.2V. Use a small flathead screwdriver to carefully adjust the potentiometer, making small adjustments and checking the voltage with the multimeter. It’s advisable to consult the TMC2208 datasheet or online guides for recommended Vref settings for your specific motors.
Adjusting the Potentiometers
Adjusting the potentiometers is critical to achieving optimal performance from your TMC2208 drivers. The potentiometer on each driver controls the current that is supplied to the stepper motor. Over-current can lead to motor overheating, while under-current can cause missed steps and poor print quality. After you install the drivers, and before you start printing, you need to calibrate the drivers and adjust the potentiometers. Start by consulting resources to determine the appropriate Vref value for your stepper motors. Use your multimeter to measure the voltage across the potentiometer. Gently adjust the potentiometer with a small screwdriver, making tiny adjustments. Check the Vref setting after each adjustment until you reach the desired value. Repeat this process for each TMC2208 driver on your printer. After calibration, it is recommended to test the motors and check for motor heat.
Firmware Configuration for TMC2208
Some TMC2208 drivers have the option to operate in either UART or standalone mode. Depending on the chosen mode, you may need to make some changes to your 3D printer’s firmware. In UART mode, you can control various aspects of the driver through the firmware, such as current limiting, micro-stepping, and stealth chop mode, which significantly improves the printer’s sound profile. To configure the firmware, you will need to connect your printer to a computer and use a firmware editing tool like VS Code with the PlatformIO extension or Arduino IDE. You will need to enable the TMC2208 settings in your firmware configuration file. This often involves uncommenting specific lines of code or adjusting some values related to the driver settings. If you are unfamiliar with firmware, it’s a good idea to consult online guides or tutorials specific to your printer model. Save the firmware and flash it to your 3D printer’s mainboard.
Testing and Troubleshooting
After the TMC2208 drivers have been installed and configured, it is time to test your printer. Start by performing a home operation to ensure that all axes are moving correctly. If the motors are moving erratically or not at all, double-check the wiring and the driver installation. Also, check the Vref settings. Next, try printing a simple test object to assess the print quality. Pay attention to the smoothness of the movement, the accuracy of the dimensions, and the overall noise level. If you experience any issues, such as layer shifting or under-extrusion, it may be necessary to recheck your settings. If you are still having trouble, consult online forums or resources specific to the Tevo Tarantula Pro and TMC2208 drivers. Remember, testing and troubleshooting is an essential part of any upgrade, and it can often help you identify and fix problems. Take notes of any issues and track down the solution.
Addressing Common Issues
During and after the TMC2208 installation, you may encounter some common issues. One frequent problem is motor overheating. This is often caused by setting the Vref too high. If your motors are getting too hot, immediately turn off the printer and reduce the Vref setting. Another issue is layer shifting, which can occur if the motor current is too low or if the belts are not tensioned properly. If the prints are shifted, first ensure that your belts are tight and then consider slightly increasing the Vref. If you still experience problems, check your firmware. Noise is also an issue that users face and that is why they install these drivers. You might not be able to reduce it completely, but you should notice a significant difference. Also, sometimes, the printer does not start after installation; make sure all the wires are connected properly.
Enjoy a Quieter and More Efficient 3D Printer
Once you’ve completed the installation and configuration of your TMC2208 drivers, you can enjoy a significantly quieter and more efficient 3D printer. The reduction in noise alone is a major improvement, making your 3D printing experience much more pleasant. In addition to the quieter operation, you should see improvements in print quality due to the smoother movements of the stepper motors. The increased precision provided by the TMC2208 drivers will result in more accurate and detailed prints. With the upgrade complete, you can now create more elaborate prints. The upgrade not only enhances your printing experience but also extends the lifespan of your printer. By reducing the wear and tear on your stepper motors, TMC2208 drivers contribute to the overall longevity and reliability of your Tevo Tarantula Pro. Congratulations on completing this upgrade, and happy printing!