6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
Hello all.
We are happy to announce our latest firmware update for our Original Prusa XL, you will find below all the features along with Phase Stepping.
Summary
- Phase Stepping
- Phase Stepping Calibration
- RGB Side Strip Dimming
- Known Issues
This is a public release of the 6.0.0-alpha firmware for the Original Prusa XL. This is an alpha release intended for experienced users. The features in this firmware are still under development and may not perform as expected. Should you encounter any bugs or issues with the printer’s performance, please report them via GitHub or in our forums.
Phase Stepping
Overview
In the early stages of development, we selected the Trinamic 2130 drivers to have the options to further improve the stepping of motors in the XL. As a result of this development, we see improvements in print quality and a reduction in printer noise. Due to the natural variance in stepper motor manufacturing, each motor responds uniquely to driver signals, causing visible fine artifacts (VFAs) and noise. Phase Stepping customizes the drive signal for each motor, addressing these discrepancies by reducing VFAs and audible noise, thereby enhancing the printing experience.
Our developers are currently working on a stealth mode, which reduces printer noise. You may be familiar with our stealth mode implementation on our MK3 printers.
Phase Stepping Calibration
How it works
The printer will move the print head (in the case of the Multi-Tool it will select the first print head) to the middle of the bed and start to move the tool diagonally for the X and Y axes at different speeds - while collecting data from the accelerometer located on the Dwarf. The goal is to measure the characteristics of the motors and store these settings
How to Perform the Calibration
After updating the Firmware navigate to Menu - Control - Calibrations & Tests - Phase Stepping Calibration. The calibration shouldn't run on multiple printers side by side simultaneously. The neighboring printer performing similar motions may affect the measurement.
Phase Stepping and crash detection
Currently, if Phase Stepping is enabled, crash detection is disabled. This is due to technical reasons. Developers are investigating whether these two features can work together.
RGB Side Strip Dimming
Starting this release you can enable or disable dimming for the LED side strip.
Go to Menu - Settings - User Interface - RGB Side Strip Dimming
Known Issues
if you run the X-axis test independently from the menu and have phase stepping enabled, the motor might make a whirring sound and the axis test often fails. The overall self-test works after the printer is flashed.
Download link;
https://github.com/prusa3d/Prusa-Firmware-Buddy/releases/tag/v6.0.0-alpha
How to flash the firmware;
help.prusa3d.com/article/flashing-firmware-mk4_453086
Please report any bug here:
github.com/prusa3d/Prusa-Firmware/issues
Shane (AKA FromPrusa)
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
very much appreciated.
I can not see the images and the link for bug reports points to the MK3 firmware.
Thank you.
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
Unable to see the pictures too.
Prusa i3 MK3S Prusa XL 5 heads Dagoma Disco Ultimate bicolor Creality Ender 3
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
Unable to see the pictures too.
Please click on the Github link. This post is a copy from the Github page.
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
Now I just hope that 6.0.0 for the MK4 will support an accelerometer as well. That would be really, really great.
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
This is amazing. No more loud resonance vibrations. I just installed this alpha firmware. This update leads to way less vibrations, but i have to say, fast movements cause a high frequency noise now. Anyway, all in all it prints way smoother, Thank you for this update!
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
I had very good luck with the alpha release.
Observations:
- Previously any angular or circular nextruder movement generated substantial resonance, it is now slightly above audible level (falls in the middle of speech db)
- Prior audio measurements (6' away) were 55db to 65db (even higher before I installed EnXLosure, anti-vibration feet and sound deadening pads)
- With new firmware, actual printing db (when filament is laid down) is appx 41db
- When the nextruder performs a non-print repositioning, the db briefly jumps to 49db
- When the nextruder docks/undocks and moves to print/calibration position the volume level is unchanged compared to pre-alpha firmware
- There is a slight difference, when laying filament, with minor X resonance between inside perimeter, outside perimeter and support material (snug) when the long edge of a model is parallel to the front of the printer bed. Support material printing is the quietest.
- Initial observations shows slightly better quality for tall vertical surfaces
- I re-ran the calibration step and the reported improvement percentages were virtually identical compared to the first run
I'm extremely happy with the new firmware, and so are other folks that have had to endure the ringing, screeching and grinding! I'm using Prusa Slicer with input shaping and .32 speed. Thanks Prusa!!
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
After install somehow lost all my tool head offsets. Went to do the calibration and after detecting the pin the first time, the head moved away, moved toward the pin and stopped. Got the red screen of death stating that the tool head could not reach the pin. Had to do a hard reset, reflash 5.2 and do a complete recalibration from scratch.
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
The MK4 does not have an accelerometer afaik
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
Well unfortunately for me the first thing it did was crash my 3rd tool head into the dock after probing the bed..... Going back for now.
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
There was a noticable difference in sound, even when probing the bed
Is yours a 5 tool head?
I had very good luck with the alpha release.
Observations:
- Previously any angular or circular nextruder movement generated substantial resonance, it is now slightly above audible level (falls in the middle of speech db)
- Prior audio measurements (6' away) were 55db to 65db (even higher before I installed EnXLosure, anti-vibration feet and sound deadening pads)
- With new firmware, actual printing db (when filament is laid down) is appx 41db
- When the nextruder performs a non-print repositioning, the db briefly jumps to 49db
- When the nextruder docks/undocks and moves to print/calibration position the volume level is unchanged compared to pre-alpha firmware
- There is a slight difference, when laying filament, with minor X resonance between inside perimeter, outside perimeter and support material (snug) when the long edge of a model is parallel to the front of the printer bed. Support material printing is the quietest.
- Initial observations shows slightly better quality for tall vertical surfaces
- I re-ran the calibration step and the reported improvement percentages were virtually identical compared to the first run
I'm extremely happy with the new firmware, and so are other folks that have had to endure the ringing, screeching and grinding! I'm using Prusa Slicer with input shaping and .32 speed. Thanks Prusa!!
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
It would be great to have the movements at the low resonance rate during Homing, because this is still very loud.
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
The MK4 does not have an accelerometer afaik
It has a connector for an accelerometer module, but it's not populated by default.
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
I had a proper layer shift during the first test print with the third tool change.
I canceled the print, the software seemed to crash and the printer restarted. Immediately after the loading screen, the message appeared with a red screen and beeping that the tool had crashed. I confirmed this by pressing the button and the printer restarted again.
So far my first experience with the alpha firmware.
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
You can always tell the pioneers by the arrows in their backs.
I had a proper layer shift during the first test print with the third tool change.
I canceled the print, the software seemed to crash and the printer restarted. Immediately after the loading screen, the message appeared with a red screen and beeping that the tool had crashed. I confirmed this by pressing the button and the printer restarted again.So far my first experience with the alpha firmware.
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
I printed a dozen models, using both heads, and have fairly good luck so far. There are some voids with the gold filament, but that's from it not being in the dryer during printing.
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
I note that with this FW you can now also change the input shaper frequency. Just don’t do it while printing!
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
Yeah I noticed this myself. Several hours into a print "hmm what does *this* do? Anything different?" wham error screen
I note that with this FW you can now also change the input shaper frequency. Just don’t do it while printing!
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
Sorry to hear that but if it helps it made me feel better knowing I wasn't alone! 😀
Yeah I noticed this myself. Several hours into a print "hmm what does *this* do? Anything different?" wham error screen
I note that with this FW you can now also change the input shaper frequency. Just don’t do it while printing!
RE: 6.0.0-alpha Firmware for Original Prusa XL
I did a single tool head test print before and after the alpha firmware and there was about a 7 decibel drop in noise level. The quality of the sound is also different with it seeming to be lower pitched and not quite as whiny and high-pitched as it was prior to the update.
I'll be trying some multi-toolhead prints next, but so far the reduction in noise is very impressive. I just wish it would slow down during the homing procedure.
Brand new to 3D printing and my 5-tool XL is my first 3D Printer! I have done massive amounts of research though, so I'm not starting completely from square one....