Limiting the enclosure heating to the time of printing
Hi all,
I'm oparating the MK4 printer in a self-built enclosure and I have inserted a heating module. But there is no sense to heat the enclosure after the print is ready or aborted.
Is there any offical interface (e.g. at the xLCD module) via which I can get the information that the print process is still running?
Many thanks in advance for useful ideas!
RE: Limiting the enclosure heating to the time of printing
You could get a energy monitoring smart plug and set a routine based on power consumption. The power usage will drop to idle levels when the print is complete.
RE: Limiting the enclosure heating to the time of printing
MK4 has PrusaLink in the firmware so you could check the printer status over the web. It also integrates with HomeAsaistant or Node-Red, and thus you could automate it furhrer.
See my GitHub and printables.com for some 3d stuff that you may like.
RE: Limiting the enclosure heating to the time of printing
To manage the heating of your MK4 printer's enclosure during printing, it's essential to know when a print is actively in progress. While there isn't a direct interface on the xLCD module to indicate the print status, you can utilize the following methods:
Monitor the Printer's Activity:
Screen Display: When a print is ongoing, the printer's screen displays the progress, including estimated time remaining and current layer.
G-code Commands: If you're controlling the printer via software like OctoPrint, you can send specific G-code commands to query the printer's status.
Integrate a Temperature Monitoring System:
Enclosure Temperature Sensor: Install a temperature sensor inside the enclosure that interfaces with your printer's firmware or connected software. This setup allows you to monitor the enclosure's temperature and make real-time adjustments to the heating system.
Develop a Custom Solution:
GPIO Pins and Scripting: Utilize the General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins on the printer's mainboard to create a custom script that detects when a print starts or ends. This script can control the heating module accordingly.
Community Projects: Some users have developed automated heating systems for the MK4 enclosure. For instance, a project on Printables offers an automated heating system that adjusts the enclosure's temperature based on print status.
Safety Considerations: Be cautious when modifying the printer's electronics or firmware. Ensure that any changes do not interfere with the printer's safety mechanisms or void warranties. It's advisable to consult with the 3D printing community or professionals before implementing significant modifications.
By implementing these methods, you can synchronize the enclosure heating with the printing process, ensuring optimal print quality and energy efficiency.