BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V2.0 Control Board 32Bit with TMC2209 UART Driver New Upgrade 3D Printer Parts Motherboard for Ender 3 V2, Ender3 Pro, Ender-3 Series 3D Printer

This mainboard was by far the best upgrade to my Ender 3 Pro (MicroSwiss all-metal hotend is a close second). The TMC 2209 drivers make the steppers so quiet that I sometimes forget it is actually doing something (although there is the fan noise). The added space on the EEPROM was perfect for fitting all the features I wanted into my Marlin build (Linear Advance, Auto-Bed leveling, and Junction Deviation in particular). Not entirely sure why BIGTREETECH only lists 256KB...it is actually 512KB which allows me to compile 'bloaty' stuff (PIDBEDTEMP, M503, boot images, extra menu items for LCD, etc.) into the firmware and not have to worry about saving every last little byte.Installation wasn't difficult, but it was frustrating as Creality hot-glued everything to their stock board. Took a long time to get that stuff off without damaging anything. Came pre-loaded with a recent version of Marlin and was easy to flash to a custom build by simply dropping a 'firmeware.bin' file onto SD card and turning the printer on. A nice feature is that after it updates the firmware, it renames the file to 'firmware.cur' so it does not try to reflash every time you turn the printer on (the bootloader I flashed to my stock board didn't do this).BLTouch & Auto-Bed LevelingI did have some trouble configuring the firmware for ABL using the BLTouch at first. Most guides out there assume you are plugging into the Z-Stop on the board, but this board has the 5-pin header for BLTouch (which was convenient to build a 5-pin DuPont connector right to the board instead of separate 3-pin and 2-pin connectors). In your configuration.h, make sure that #define Z_MIN_PROBE_USES_Z_MIN_ENDSTOP_PIN is commented out and that you are using #define USE_PROBE_FOR_Z_HOMING. One other thing I had to change was #define Z_MIN_PROBE_PIN PC14. PC14 is the Z-endstop pin from the 5-pin header. The pin set to this by default will not work. In configuration_adv.h, PROBE_OFFSET_WIZARD is a really handy menu option to help set the z-probe offset value. There are other minor things you have to change to get ABL to work, but all the guides out there cover that in great detail.The Instruction Manual does include a link to pre-compiled Marlin binaries for this board. I believe from that page the 'firmware-bltouch.bin' would have worked for me using the 5-pin Z-Probe header, however the webpage is unclear and I wanted more control over what features were in my firmware. Would be nice if they supplied the configuration.h and configuration_adv.h files for these builds so that users know what's in them.Extra StuffI bought the kit with the Mainboard, BLTouch and no touchscreen display.Be aware that the wires for the BLTouch probe are nowhere near long enough to reach your mainboard. You WILL have to do custom wiring or need to buy a BLTouch extension cable (1-meter should be long enough).This kit does NOT come with a bracket for the BLTouch either. I printed one out from Thingiverse and it works great, but if you prefer a metal bracket, you'll have to buy it separate from this.The kit does have appropriate screws/washers/springs to install the BLTouch.It is pretty clear in the description and pictures that it would not come with the bracket or long-enough cabling, however some folks might not notice or realize they need these things and be very disappointed.Overall a great board and an awesome upgrade that would really only be better if the documentation was more specific instead of a few pictures and incoherent sentences. In particular, configuring Marlin for BLTouch using this board's 5-pin header (notably the PC14 pin). Oddly, the BIGTREETECH configuration files specifically for this board on GitHub for Marlin do NOT have the pin defined as PC14. Despite a few challenges, this is still 5-stars all around because this upgrade is not designed for people who like for things to 'just work' or simple plug n' play. Go buy a more expensive printer if that is what you want.

The BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 control board has completely transformed my Ender 3 Printer, earning a well-deserved 5-star rating. This upgrade has made my 3D printer nearly silent, vastly improving the printing experience.Installation was a breeze, which is a huge plus for someone who appreciates straightforward upgrades. The board fit perfectly, and the instructions provided were clear and easy to follow. I was up and running in no time, and the difference in noise level was immediately noticeable.The use of STMicroelectronics' latest G0 series main control chip ensures efficient and powerful performance. This, combined with the TMC2209 UART stepper driver, contributes significantly to the reduction of noise, making long print jobs far less intrusive than before.The addition of three CNC fans for increased heat dissipation is a thoughtful feature. It keeps the printer temperature down during long operations, ensuring consistent performance and longevity of the board. The redesigned drive heat sink further enhances this by improving heat dissipation capacity, which is crucial for maintaining optimal performance.The upgrade from Mini USB to Micro USB B for the PC communication interface is a welcome change. It's more adaptable and fits better with the cables I already have, making it easier to connect the printer to my computer.The option to supply power directly to peripherals via the SPI output port is another highlight. It offers flexibility in powering external SPI sensors, providing both +3.3V and +5V options. This feature simplifies the setup for additional components, making this board not just a silent upgrade but also a versatile one.In conclusion, the BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 is a fantastic upgrade for the Ender 3 series printers. It not only significantly reduces noise but also improves performance and usability. The easy installation process and the thoughtful design improvements make this control board a must-have for any Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro, or Ender-3 V2 owner looking to enhance their 3D printing experience.