After adding the MMU2S, can I use the i3MK3/S as if it were alone?
 
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After adding the MMU2S, can I use the i3MK3/S as if it were alone?  

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prusanewuser
(@prusanewuser)
Prominent Member
After adding the MMU2S, can I use the i3MK3/S as if it were alone?

Hi, if I only print one filament, will feeding the filament to the printer via the MMU2S take the same amount of time to complete the print job as if I were only using the i3MK3/S?

After installation of the MMU2S, can I feed the filament to the i3MK3/S directly as if the MMU2S were not there? Not sure if the LCD selection panel of the i3MK3S would allow me to do that.

Posted : 13/12/2020 5:58 pm
jsw
 jsw
(@jsw)
Famed Member
RE: After adding the MMU2S, can I use the i3MK3/S as if it were alone?

Yes, using it in the single mode will take approximately the same time as a stand-alone MK3S.

Many folks disconnect the MMU2S when in single mode.  Pulling out the power and/or data cables will disable the MMU2S and you can simply unscrew the Bowden tube and feed the filament right into the extruder.  Yes, a front-panel 'disable' command would be nice.

I've installed a switch (enclosure is in the prints section) to cut the power to the MMU2S.  The frame of the printer has two unused tapped holes that are just right for this.

(The topic of which and how many connections to switch off is subject to endless-loop debate, same as whether water-based or organic solvents are better for cleaning the build plate, and whether or not the world will end if you don't carefully clean and re-lube the bearings before assembly.)  😉

 

Posted : 13/12/2020 6:55 pm
prusanewuser
(@prusanewuser)
Prominent Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: After adding the MMU2S, can I use the i3MK3/S as if it were alone?

Thanks. That is nice. What is the switch connected to? MMU2S requires a separate power source or it gets power from the printer?

Posted : 13/12/2020 7:09 pm
kpreid
(@kpreid)
Trusted Member
RE: After adding the MMU2S, can I use the i3MK3/S as if it were alone?

will feeding the filament to the printer via the MMU2S take the same amount of time to complete the print job as if I were only using the i3MK3/S?

With the MMU2 hooked up, if you print using gcode sliced using the "MMU2 Single" profile, you'll be given a filament selection menu on the printer when you start printing. The MMU2 startup and filament loading process takes a few seconds, but the actual printing happens in the same amount of time. This is how I normally do my prints.

If you have gcode not set up for the MMU2, this also works but you have to use "Load to nozzle" from the printer menu before starting the print.

If you disconnect or cut power to the MMU2 then the printer works like a non-MMU2 printer, but since the extruder has different fittings and filament sensor, and the MMU2 gets in the way of mounting a spool on top, I find that mode awkward and don't use it.

MMU2S requires a separate power source or it gets power from the printer?

The MMU2S gets power from the printer. It has two cables connecting it to the printer — one goes to the power terminal blocks, and one communicates with the printer board. Disconnecting either one will revert the printer to operating as if it did not have the MMU2 installed.

Posted : 13/12/2020 7:43 pm
jsw
 jsw
(@jsw)
Famed Member
RE: After adding the MMU2S, can I use the i3MK3/S as if it were alone?
Posted by: @prusanewuser

Thanks. That is nice. What is the switch connected to? MMU2S requires a separate power source or it gets power from the printer?

It's a DPST switch and breaks both the positive and negative power lines.  There are two of each (red and black) but they are paralleled at the power supply, so I used one pole to break positive and the other to break negative.

Experimentation showed that breaking positive only would not work as expected, and breaking both is just like pulling the power plug out of the MMU, which I was doing before I installed the switch.

Posted : 13/12/2020 8:29 pm
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