Noob, Help with issues Ender 3 V2 PLEASE!!!

Ender Series Creality Ender-3 V2
1

Hello everyone,

So this is my first 3D printer and I’m fighting with it a bit and don’t know why. I’m hoping someone on here can help answer my questions.

Backstory,

Picked up and Ender 3 v2 from a co worker for $50. it included Cr touch, and a sprite only extruder (not the pro). As well as a box of parts for it.

Welp after trying it out, the upgrade bug got me and I started upgrading things, I hit a bit of a wall when trying to install my Sonic Pad.

Question #1 Sonic Pad refuses to connect Via USB port??? Picked up a refurbished one on Ebay for $60. I’ve tested multiple cables, I’ve gone back to Marlin, tried my PC, and even got a 2nd Sonic Pad locally used but I seen it connected to an ender 3 Pro via usb. Nothing on mine. I’m using the cables provided in the kit for the sonic pads, as well as several old phone USB’s I had. I can only connect via the Serial connector. Also I’m for sure trying the USB firmware, and it just won’t go. I flash to Marlin, then Flash in the serial firmware and BAM I’m good.

NOW this led me to believe the USB port may be bad on the printer, so I looked in the parts bin and low and behold a brand new unopened 4.2.7 Board. (mine had 4.2.2) Tried the above steps again and still no joy. I’m guessing I have to be doing something wrong? I don’t mind the serial connection but I would assume its a slower speed than the USB?

Before you tell me to just get a Rpi, I do have one also and again the USB won’t work with it at all. And to be honest I kind of like the simplicity of the Sonic Pad. And for $60 its cheaper than doing a pi with touch screen, etc.

Question #2 Multiple places online talk about pre made Cura Configs for printer with the sonic pad. I’ve been unable to find any. Wasn’t sure if anyone knew where to find it?

Question #3 Kinda going of question #2 I’ve done a lot of upgrades to the printer, and I’d like to push it as fast as I can, but I have no idea where to even start. All this talk about Gcodes and print configs, just goes 10 feet over my head. I have ADHD and trying to watch videos online to learn just isn’t sticking. I was hoping someone has a silmilar set up to me so they can at least give me a starting point on what setting to use.

Mod List.
X,Y,Z rails.
Dual Z
4.2.7 Motherboard
Sprite extruder
Bambu clone hot end (Amazon Rapido one)
dual 5015 cooling fans
Frame brace
dual 120mm fan under (PSU and Mother board). Its what I had sitting around
Silicone bed springs
Cr touch
Cooling fans on all the stepper motors
Squish ball feet
Sonic Pad/Klipper
I also ordered the CHT nozzle but apparently I got the wrong one, and I can’t seem to find the correct one online.
New belts, and bearings on the Tensioners

If anyone is willing to help me with setting up my configs, or sharing Configs I would appreciate it.

Question #4 Currently Installing the hot end upgrade, going off the above, do I need to make any changes?

2

I started out with the v2 neo and its a pretty steep learning curve to say the least. My advice for what its worth is to not worry about modifying too much but just learn to use it and then if you enjoy the hobby think about updating to a newer machine. The later models are far superior.

With regard to the usb connection for the Sonic Pad it is my understanding the serial connection is the more reliable.

I now have an Ender 3 V3 and a Creality Hi combo. The V3 has been a dream machine for me… very reliable, fast and excellent quality. The Hi not so good but getting better as they continue to refine the firmware.

I have had many hours of enjoyment from 3D printing and design but there were times with the V2 neo when I was ready to bin it. I ended up giving it away.

Good luck with your journey

3

I also have a new A1 mini I enjoy using. The point of the v2 was I like to tinker/ modify things. So In The case of the v2 it’s about playing with it and seeing what I can do to it. I’m working on designing my own AMS for it, and just finished my own body kit for it. It’s more of a what else can I do.

As for the USB sonic pad connection. The issue is it’s not just the Sonic Pad. Nothing I plug I to the USB is even seen across 2 different motherboards which makes no sense to me.

4

Understood :wink: