The Tevo Tarantula is a popular 3D printer known for its affordability and ease of use. However, like any machine, it can be improved. One of the most impactful areas for enhancement is the control board. This central component manages all printer functions, and upgrading it can significantly boost performance. This guide explores seven top upgrades for your Tevo Tarantula control board, helping you achieve better prints, increased reliability, and a more enjoyable 3D printing experience. These upgrades will make your printing faster and more reliable.
Why Upgrade Your Tevo Tarantula Control Board
The control board is the brain of your 3D printer. It orchestrates the movements of the print head, the heating of the bed and nozzle, and the extrusion of filament. An upgraded control board can bring substantial improvements to your printing experience, making it smoother, more efficient, and more reliable. The original control board is often a basic model, and it can be a bottleneck for performance. By upgrading it, you can unlock the full potential of your Tevo Tarantula and achieve professional-quality prints. Upgrading the control board can also extend the lifespan of your 3D printer.
Benefits of Upgrading
Upgrading your Tevo Tarantula control board offers several advantages that enhance both the quality of your prints and the overall user experience. These benefits make it a worthwhile investment for any 3D printing enthusiast. These benefits will bring you satisfaction when operating your printer.
Improved Print Quality
One of the most noticeable improvements is in print quality. Upgraded control boards often feature more advanced processing power and better motor control. This leads to smoother movements, reduced vibration, and more precise filament extrusion. The result is prints with finer details, fewer layer lines, and overall improved aesthetics. Enhanced print quality is achieved by upgrading the control board.
Enhanced Reliability
Reliability is another key benefit. Many upgraded control boards use higher-quality components that are less prone to failure. Additionally, features like thermal runaway protection, which automatically shuts down the printer if the temperature sensors malfunction, can prevent serious damage. These enhancements ensure that your printer operates consistently and safely. This reduces the downtime for your printing jobs.
Faster Printing Speeds
A more powerful control board can process instructions more quickly, allowing for faster printing speeds without sacrificing quality. This means you can complete your projects in less time. This is possible because the new control board will be able to handle more instructions than the original one. Faster printing speed also helps improve overall productivity.
Top 7 Upgrades for Your Tevo Tarantula Control Board
Now, let’s delve into the specific upgrades that can transform your Tevo Tarantula. Each of these upgrades offers a unique set of benefits and can significantly improve your 3D printing experience.
1 Upgraded Firmware
Updating the firmware on your control board is one of the easiest and most impactful upgrades. Firmware is the software that runs on the control board, and it directly impacts the printer’s performance. Newer firmware versions often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and support for new features. Regularly updating the firmware can solve problems and enhance your printer’s capabilities. This will also help you make sure you are using the latest features.
Benefits of Latest Firmware
The latest firmware versions often include improvements to print quality, speed, and reliability. They might also incorporate new features such as advanced bed leveling or improved thermal protection. Check for updates frequently, as new releases can significantly improve your printer’s performance. Upgrading the firmware can also enhance the printer’s stability.
2 New Stepper Drivers
Stepper drivers control the motors that move the print head and the bed. Upgrading to better stepper drivers can lead to quieter operation and more precise movements. This translates to smoother prints with fewer artifacts. Modern stepper drivers often feature micro-stepping, which divides each full step of the motor into smaller increments. This results in finer control and improved print quality. This is an upgrade that can bring great improvements to your printing.
Types of Stepper Drivers
Popular choices include TMC2208 and TMC2209 drivers, known for their quiet operation and smooth motion. These drivers are easy to install and can significantly reduce the noise produced by your 3D printer. There are also other options with similar benefits, so do your research to determine the best fit for your printer and budget. These upgrades will help you improve your printing’s quality.
3 Enhanced Cooling System
A reliable cooling system is crucial for preventing overheating of the control board and ensuring consistent performance. Upgrading the cooling system can involve adding a fan or improving the existing one. This will help keep the electronics cool, especially during long prints. Good cooling ensures that your printer operates reliably and avoids potential issues related to heat. This improvement will help to keep the printer running longer.
Why Cooling is Important
Overheating can cause the control board to malfunction or even fail. Proper cooling extends the lifespan of your components and ensures consistent performance. Make sure your fan is clean and functioning correctly, and consider adding additional cooling if you frequently print at high temperatures. It also improves the quality of your print.
4 Upgraded Power Supply
A stable and reliable power supply is essential for the consistent operation of your 3D printer. Upgrading to a higher-quality power supply can provide cleaner power, reducing the risk of electrical issues. This will ensure that all the printer’s components receive the necessary power without fluctuations. A good power supply is a foundation for reliable printing. This component will help to ensure that your printer is running properly.
Choosing the Right Power Supply
When choosing a new power supply, make sure it provides enough power for all your printer’s components, including the heated bed and any added accessories. Consider a power supply with a bit of extra capacity to accommodate future upgrades. Proper power supply helps improve the quality of the print.
5 Improved Display Screen
Upgrading the display screen can enhance the user experience. A larger screen with better resolution can make it easier to monitor and control your printer. Some display options include touchscreens, which provide a more intuitive interface. The display screen is the main user interface, so a good one is important. It also improves the overall user experience.
Display Screen Options
Consider options like the RepRapDiscount Full Graphic Smart Controller or the more advanced touchscreen displays. These displays provide detailed information about the printing process and allow for easy control of printer settings. Improved display brings more satisfaction to the user.
6 Bed Leveling Sensor
Bed leveling is crucial for achieving successful prints. A bed leveling sensor automatically measures the distance between the nozzle and the bed, compensating for any imperfections. This ensures that the first layer adheres properly. This significantly reduces the risk of print failures. Bed leveling sensor brings many conveniences to your printing process.
Types of Bed Leveling Sensors
Popular options include inductive, capacitive, and BLTouch sensors. These sensors use different technologies to measure the bed distance. Choose the sensor that best fits your needs and budget. This upgrade is a must-have for your 3D printer.
7 OctoPrint Integration
OctoPrint is a web interface that allows you to control your 3D printer remotely. Integrating OctoPrint with your control board opens up many possibilities. You can monitor prints, upload files, and control the printer from anywhere with an internet connection. This adds a new dimension of convenience and control to your 3D printing workflow. This upgrade can bring you many benefits.
OctoPrint Advantages
OctoPrint lets you monitor prints, start and stop print jobs, and manage your print files from your computer or mobile device. It also provides tools like time-lapse photography and the ability to control your printer’s settings remotely. This is a valuable addition to any 3D printer setup.
These upgrades offer a range of benefits, from improving print quality and reliability to adding new features and enhancing the user experience. By implementing these upgrades, you can transform your Tevo Tarantula into a more capable and enjoyable 3D printer. Consider these enhancements to your 3D printing journey to make it more exciting.
Conclusion
Upgrading the control board of your Tevo Tarantula is an investment that pays off in improved performance, reliability, and overall user satisfaction. From firmware updates to new stepper drivers and bed leveling sensors, each upgrade brings its own set of advantages. By taking the time to implement these enhancements, you can unlock the full potential of your 3D printer and enjoy a more rewarding 3D printing experience. These improvements are an essential part of 3D printing.