SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
Although I did have a lot of requests for this, it wasn't until I came up with a way to have one motor, battery, switch, and gear for all three filaments, on the side of the XL, in a way that will fit on the side, that I decided to start working on it. I also wanted to use as many of the same parts from the Bowden Speed Loader as possible. Unfortunately, there are still many new parts to get.
The design goals for this project changed over time, but my main priority was to avoid having to change the OEM hardware in any significant way. This also included being able to install and remove it without dismantling, even unplugging, the filament sensors. Since it was to be battery powered, the battery needed to be easy to change in situ. It also had to be securely mounted to the frame of the XL. I was able to keep the GA12-N20 gearmotor, but also designed a version for a motor with a bit more speed and torque.
To use, simply insert the filament through the filament sensor and ensure that it goes into the gears of the SideKick. Press the paddle that aligns with the filament you just loaded. There is no need to fold the other paddles back, but if you prefer to do so, they will fold all the way back and out of the way. As long as you don't apply pressure to the other paddles, all will be well.
https://www.printables.com/model/1576747-sidekick-the-prusa-xl-filament-loader
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
Not gonna lie... The SideKick with external power is way better than batteries. 😉 I had an old tablet PSU that was no longer useful (tablet died) that had about 11V output and a few amps to play with, so I cut off the connector and soldered up some wire and 9v clips to connect it up to my two SideKicks. Just like my test with a bench PSU a while ago, it cooks and barely slows down. Sure, the 9V did the job, and is easy, but if you can dig up an old psu of some kind, or are bold enough to connect it to the XL PSU, then I can't argue against it, so long as you know what you're doing. Even after testing the polarity of everything, I still ended up having the SideKicks run in reverse. That's what I get for soldering and shrink wrapping before actually testing. LOL
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
Excellent news! Blurolls has made a complete hardware kit for the SideKick! I'll post a link on the Printables page as well as in the OP, but if sourcing the hardware was slowing you down, you can't use that excuse anymore! 🙂
https://www.blurolls3d.com/products/sidekick-prusa-xl-filament-loader-designed-by-mrflippant
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
Another SideKick remix, this one with an even beefier motor for the direct drive version. Check out the demonstration video, too!
https://www.printables.com/model/1645171
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
I have just ordered 2 of the the sidekick kits from Blurolls. I noticed afterwards that they have 12v motors. It would be easier to use a rack-mount 24V Meanwell psu, that I already have....
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
I have just ordered 2 of the the sidekick kits from Blurolls. I noticed afterwards that they have 12v motors. It would be easier to use a rack-mount 24V Meanwell psu, that I already have....
24v motors are not terribly common. Ideally, you should use a step down converter from the 24v to the 12v. The Option 2 on Blurolls has such a converter.
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
🙂 I have 4 geared 24v motors that I bought on Ali, when I started building a similar device to yours, but mine was still in the prototype phase. Rather than modifying mine, I thought it would be easier to build yours. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009160858211.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.3cf31802GyNWNI
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
🙂 I have 4 geared 24v motors that I bought on Ali, when I started building a similar device to yours, but mine was still in the prototype phase. Rather than modifying mine, I thought it would be easier to build yours. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009160858211.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.3cf31802GyNWNI
That link stops at 12v, but maybe you got something else. Is it an N20 or N30? Either way, the important thing is less the motor voltage than the RPM at whatever voltage it's rated for. Those little gearmotors are ok, but quickly lose torque at higher RPM. I tried a 12v 1krpm, but it was only fast for a few inches and couldn't finish loading unless the filament was perfectly straight. 500rpm @12v works much better. If yours is 1000rpm @24v, then that's the same as 500@12v, and might work ok, though 24v might reduce the lifetime of the motor.
The one for the direct drive SideKick, as sold on Blurolls, is WAY better than the little one you pictured above. Those are OK for the Bowden Speed Loader, and will work in the Compact Drive SideKick, but again, it needs to have the right gear reduction so that it doesn't lose torque before loading is complete. I ho0nestly don't recommend them, and only included that option for people that had most of the parts already. You could remix the design and use the N20 gearmotor as a direct drive, eliminating the need for the two gears required in the compact drive version. That additional 2:1 reduction might be needed if your gearmotor is high rpm, though. If you still have the package or can access the original order, I'm curious to know what the rpm is for whatever voltage it says.
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
I had to turn some bushings to make the extruder gears that I had fit these motors.
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
That gear isn't really used in the SideKick. If it is, you'll need a different spur gear in the compact drive design.
Good for the Bowden Speed Loader, though.
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
It was an N30 motor. Maybe I was mistaken and it was 12V?
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
I think, it's going to be best to wait for the Blurolls kit of parts, and then deal with the voltage. I can make a voltage divider for my 24v supply.
RE: SideKick, the Prusa XL Filament Loader (from the Bowden Speed Loader guy!)
I think, it's going to be best to wait for the Blurolls kit of parts, and then deal with the voltage. I can make a voltage divider for my 24v supply.
Sounds like a good idea.