Ender 3 control box - Neverender project

thingiverse

This is the core component of this build. The control box features connectors that allow for easy reconfiguration as the printer is upgraded or simply unplugged for convenient transportation. First things first, the base is an original Ender 3 power supply. I've opted to ditch the Melzi board since it stopped functioning anyway; instead, I'll be using a GT2560. I'm unlikely to create versions for other boards due to lost files resulting from a ransomware attack, leaving only these two STLs intact as they were safely stored on my OctoPrint server. I'm utilizing USB cables for stepper motor wiring because they're easy to obtain, shielded, have sufficient wires, and can't be plugged in incorrectly. This also reduces the amount of soldering required. Instructions: 1.Print both parts. ---Main body--- 2.Disassemble the power supply and remove the fan (everything will be cooled by one fan on top). 3.Mount GT2560 and Raspberry Pi (optional). The Raspberry Pi can be powered from GT2560. The 5V pin is marked on the board (next to the CPU). Connect both with an A-B cable. 4.Cut the male end from all extension cords and strip down the rubber around the female part. Leave enough rubber so the cable can fit snugly through a hole but not all of it so it won't wobble inside. Secure them with CA glue. You can solder the other end directly to the board or use connectors (dealer's choice). Same goes for the power connector. 5.Solder wires to all DC099 connectors. 6.Screw them inside (should be enough, but a little bit of CA or hot glue never hurts) and solder/plug them to the boards 7.Solder 92x92x25 fan to FAN 3 header ---Top cover--- 8.(optional) Desolder sd card slot from lcd assembly and solder spring-loaded one instead. It's going to make your life so much easier. 9.Go to https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2813298 and download and print parts: Bottom_Shell.stl, Reset_Knob.stl and Display_Support_Frame.stl. Assemble everything lcd related. 10.Mount the fan and put together the rest. Should be easy enough. Now you're done and ready for the next upgrade. Dual extruder. Stay tuned. Don't forget to show some love to the original makers of models I've used. This is part of a bigger project I call Neverender. My goal is to make Ender 3 as good as possible without throwing it away, buying a Prusa, and calling it a day.