Thanks a lot for this firmware it really helps. No layer shift issues so far, running firmware 6.0.1 on dual head.

Posted by: @same-old-shane

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

You can now print next to your bedroom! The difference is huge, except auto homing. Still very loud! Overall, a great improvement, a great experience!!! 👍

Posted by: @tylorsama

I love the quietness after the 6.0.0 RC3 update.

The only issue I have had is with multi color prints on the 5 Tool.  It pauses much longer time in between tool changes compared to before.  I timed it to 1 minute and 30 seconds from the time it parks one tool until the time it grabs the next tool.

Will this be fixed for the final release?

I've not had this issue.  It might be how you've got the parked temperature set in the slicer. 

Mine is doing changes in a few seconds. 

I'm also loving how quiet it is.  I just ran a 46 hour print and couldn't even hear it at night.

I love the quietness after the 6.0.0 RC3 update.

The only issue I have had is with multi color prints on the 5 Tool.  It pauses much longer time in between tool changes compared to before.  I timed it to 1 minute and 30 seconds from the time it parks one tool until the time it grabs the next tool.

Will this be fixed for the final release?

The one that was released 2 weeks ago?

The only issue I have had is with multi color prints on the 5 Tool.  It pauses much longer time in between tool changes compared to before.  I timed it to 1 minute and 30 seconds from the time it parks one tool until the time it grabs the next tool.

Will this be fixed for the final release?

Posted by: @studer-austria-gmbh

I have RC3 running with no issues so far and I am really happy with the noise reduction. Prusa connect , prusa link, wifi everything works fine and stable. I am really impressed with the continued improvements in the functionality. Touch is also nice add-on. 

Did you recalibrate anything after the update? 

Also after upgrading my USB key was no longer recognized, Windows reported it as corrupt, ended up having to format it.