xBuddy board other uses?
In looking at components the xBuddy board is used in both the XL and MK4 (plus MK3.5-3.9 upgrades). Due to this, can the MK3.5 upgrade components be used on a different printer? The MK3.5 includes the xBuddy board and color LCD (along with the other added Prusa features). As background I have a 3s+ and recently bought the MK4 and have been extremely impressed with the MK4. I wasn’t planning on upgrading my 3s+, but am now seriously thinking to go to 3.5, given the added features and also the simplicity of having the same interfaces between both Prusa printers.
I also have a Frankenstein of a printer that originated as an Ender 5plus, but after it died in the first two weeks of usage, I have essentially replaced most major components on it; Voron hot end assembly, linier rails, and th3d mainboard/LCD/ABL. The build volume is large, and it runs like a champ, but I really like the interface of my MK4. So after looking into the upgrade possibility of the 3s+ I had the crazy idea of using the 3.5 kit xBuddy board and LCD to upgrade my Frankenstein printer instead (or upgrade both for consistency, so all 3 are the same interface). Is this even possible? I would assume it would be, as my Frankenstein printer has a similar build volume to the XL with the bed lowering from the top. Mine isn’t coreXY though, but I have also been thinking about doing more upgrades and converting it to one.
Anyhow, I wanted to know if this would even be possible to use Prusa xBuddy board in another similar sized printer. I know Prusa wants to keep to its own line of printers, but have they considered selling some of the parts (like the 3.5 upgrade parts) to use on non-Prusa printers (like what I’m proposing)? I would appreciate thoughts from the community or Prusa on this. Thanks!
RE: xBuddy board other uses?
Theoretically, yes, you could reutilise the board on another printer, but TH3D is a fantastically good board in its own right, and not a long way behind the Buddy board. You'd be on your own in terms of firmware. Can't see Prusa offering much more than best effort if you went to use the board on a different printer and not sure what status open source firmwares are with regard to this board.