Sunlu S8 - Upgrading to become a King

[@KiNG3DPrinting]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to make this! I watched the whole thing thru just to see if you messed anything up but it looks very correct aside from some minor things. The only notes I have after watching is: 1: While the hotend is loose from the carriage and all of the fans are removed from the shroud, it's the best time to relocate the stock harness in preparation for the BLOK wire mount. You have to cut the zip tie and move the wires from behind the z-rod 2: The BMG should have a bottom fitting also in the box, it helps hold more of the PTFE tube for less flex 3: The LED mount is backward, I'll edit the part to make this more intuitive, but you should see an improvement in LED aim 4: Don't add washers behind the shroud as it changes the offset for the ABL, only on the screws themselves. You can, but you'd want to add that .5mm to the offset at minimum!

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Thank you very much for the feedback, I'll correct these things when I do the upgrades as individual videos so people don't have to watch a 30 minute video for only one thing they may be interested in. I was wondering about moving the wires out from behind the Z rod... Currently I just have them behind it, but could see it eventually rubbing and being an issue. I was wondering what that extra piece was for... I just thought it was in case the top one broke. Whoops. I'll have to add it in when I disassemble later. Whoops, I'll have to flip it around. Ah, so washer on the inside of the shroud then?

[@rdcanan]

Mike, thanks for looking this over! Now we need an instructional video on the front cover--and is there a better screen you can upgrade to? I hope to be doing all of this to mine soon!

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@rdcanan I'll actually be printing the front cover and doing a video on that once I order some more filament. =)

[@KiNG3DPrinting]

@@JoeMartinMVC Haha, yea same I'll have a video series out as well but it's always great to have a second perspective of the process for newbies. People tend to explain things differently so you get more pieces of the puzzle with more collected info It's mainly to keep the wires away from the bed while printing It shouldn't affect much having that lower coupler missing, but if you notice your PTFE bending, that'll be the fix for it! And yes, washers only on the screw side

[@KiNG3DPrinting]

@@rdcanan If Joe beats me to it I wouldn't be surprised. I'll just have to make a whole new one to invalidate his video! haha

[@genearnold9726]

I have the original Sunlu S8 board .Are you using the board for the S8 pro? Will this work with the original board? I also have a Micro Swiss direct drive extruder? I am using the stock fan system from a Creality Ender 3. It mounts on the Micro Swiss. I am concerned about the firmware. The extruder moves i the wrong direction, when I try to load filament. I guess that can be changed in the firmware. I appreciate your help.

[@davepriddy9263]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing this.

[@jonstansell7218]

Hello I purchased the same parts you have here and I printed everything but I cannot get the printer to connect to my laptop for some reason. Can you please help me figure this out?

[@Respectmfs]

Hi, thanks for the nice video, but unfortunately after i level the bed and start the print it starts lagging really bad and the printer controls as well and if i don't level it prints super high from the bed :( Any idea what might be the reason?

[@ajc260]

Ok so i still cant get the parts cooler fan to come on and now it wont even start printing when the head and table are to temperatureld i reinstall the firmare?

[@red_star_rc2579]

Is there error in the firmware? When I run "Bed Leveling" probe going to first point and touch the bed. Then it go to second point stays there won't even try to touch the bed and Menu goes to main screen. When I send G29 command from PC printer does first toush, goes to the second one, stays there for a moment and throw M112 error.

[@3DJapan]

Cheap extruder sounds familiar. Mine on the Ender 3 v2 broke within a few months. It was cheap and easy enough to replace with a metal one though.

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Yep, it’s the same one that’s on the E3v2. Instead of going with metal I figured I’d just do the big upgrade for extenders and go with the BMG clone. It works beautifully.

[@chazzwyrabkiewicz8941]

No issues with the new extruder motor? I have tried Sunlu, Creality and a pankcake motor with a titan extruder.... Changed the wiring around multiple times for every kind of motor and still get no commands to my extruder.....

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Can't say I've had any issues with the extruder. However the wiring extension that I bought is pinned for the new extruder. I helped someone repin one of the wires for a stock extruder. Does the motor not move at all, or does it wiggle a bit?

[@chazzwyrabkiewicz8941]

@@JoeMartinMVC I have tried changing the pins around. Either get wiggles or nothing. Tried stock motor, new pancake and a creality and all same results with all different pin outs. If i run it off the x motor port on the board ill get some directional movement but it doesnt like it... sounds like its grinding or hanging up.

[@davidpaul9261]

OK I DID ALL THE PRINTING AND UPGRADES OTHER THAN A BED LEVELER ON THE SIDE OF THE SHROUD ..... WHAT SETTINGS DO I NEED TO CHANGE IN MY SLICER TO CHANGE THE ,,,, E STEPS AS ITS UNDER EXTRUDING NOW?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

If you installed King's Firmware then you'd go to your menu on the printer, then Configuration, Advanced Settings, Steps/MM, then E Steps. As for how much you need to adjust it, I'd recommend following Greg's recommendation on the Facebook page when he replied to you yesterday.

[@davidpaul9261]

@@JoeMartinMVC WELL I FIGURED THAT OUT BUT THE DIRECT DRIVE KEEPS JAMMING , SPINS WITHOUT FILAMENT BUT SEAMS THAT THE TENSIONER IS TOO TIGHT , I DONT KNOW WHAT IM DOING WRONG UGH

[@danielpierce9681]

HI, great video thank you, one question: My bl touch is on the left and in front of my extruder ((probe offset (-38 , -8)) do you have the bl touch only upgrade firmware not in hex so I can adjust the probe offset?

[@KiNG3DPrinting]

Probe offset can be adjusted right in the LCD for x/y!

[@notajp]

My cousin has an S8 that she got used and abused. We’ve been trying to fix all it’s issues, but it seems like for each issue we fix, another problem appears. It had an issue where the cooling fan ran, but we couldn’t change the speed. She added two more fans on the side, and now we have no fans at all. I have checked the terminals on the main board and have only 6 volts on the Fan 1 connector, and nothing at all on the other fan connector with no fans connected. If I connect a known good fan to the Fan 1 wires, the fan won’t run and I only get 2 volts. No matter what we try (preheating, changing fan speed), we get nothing on the other fan wires. I think when she tried running all three fans off the same wires from Fan 1, she damaged something on the board. Can’t find any info or parts online. Do you know of any other available board that can be used in this machine?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

I'll reach out to Mike King about it, as he's the guy who can give you all the info there, and he also has spare stock boards for fairly cheap as well usually. If you have a Facebook account, join our group: KiNG 3D Private Lounge and post on there and he'll be able to help get you up and going.

[@KiNG3DPrinting]

Hey there! As Joe mentioned, I do repairs and upgrades on the stock boards! If you're interested, please reach out!

[@john-michaelbarangan5968]

Hi! I might be pretty late on this, but I was wondering if you had a go to video, post, or tutorial you've seen on extending the ABL wires. I just recently saw this video and got the parts to upgrade my S8 but I'm very new to the scene. Anything you can suggest would help. I wouldn't want to trouble you in making a whole video since it's been quite awhile since you posted on the S8.

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Sorry, I was away from YT for a bit. I don't have one, but I could make a video on it if you wanted.

[@john-michaelbarangan5968]

@@JoeMartinMVC that would be amazing if you did! I'd appreciate it! I just wasn't sure if it was too late to ask.

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@john-michaelbarangan5968 Thankfully I have a spare cable laying around so I can make another one for the video, so it works out. I'm currently working on four other videos, but I'll try to squeeze it in before the others for a quick video for you. If time permits it'll be released for Sunday, if not... Should be done by Wednesday.

[@john-michaelbarangan5968]

@@JoeMartinMVC I really appreciate it! Your video is super helpful! Thank you again!

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@john-michaelbarangan5968 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYurapela9mqq5o

[@lonnylemke230]

I'm not good with soldering, how do I make or get or buy an extension cable?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Hey there, no worries about soldering skills it's actually a very simple process to solder one together. I released a video last week on how to make one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYurapela9mqq5o

[@ajc260]

Where does the filament come in now? it was going into the sensor then the extruder. Now how does it get tp the extruder?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Now it goes directly to the extruder bypassing the filament sensor. You load it in through the top of the clear BMG clone extruder.

[@90AWDSM]

Extruder Link shows no longer available for purchase... Just a headsup, Any alternate recommendations?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Thanks for the heads up. An alternative (same thing, just branded differently): amzn.to/3VI9wI5

[@DeprisaDryICeBLasting]

Hello I have a question I have sunlu s8 pro. Can I use same update for the motherboard . My chip say atmega 2560. 16u-th

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Yes it will.

[@TVHEAD-HI]

dumb question here... can i do the firmware without the raspberry pi?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Yes, there is no need to utilize the Pi. The Pi is just being used for Octoprint.

[@gennaropapaleo8565]

Thank you very much.. nice video. I did everything but, unfortunately, I got a problem with 3d touch. When is making ..homing.. everything is fine.. but when it starts to print, The auction of the 3d touch, starts to go up and down making the risk to have a collision. Do you know how to help me ?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Whenever it first starts it’s supposed to probe the bed before starting, and normally does it twice. Is that what yours is doing?

[@gennaropapaleo8565]

@@JoeMartinMVC no no after probing the bed is ok, the problem starts when I launch a print, while it is printing it starts the auction to go up and down as if it were probing the bed and it does so for the entire duration of the print, once the print is finished it returns ok

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@gennaropapaleo8565 Interesting. I know with the GCode modification it will probe the entire bed first to create a mesh to level the bed and then start the print, but it only takes about a minute to go through that.

[@ajc260]

After I did this install. After changing my firmware my side cooling fan isn’t turning on. The hot end fan still works but the print cooling fan on the side doesn’t. I’m gonna check to see if a wire was unplugged. Any ideas?

[@Chris-14all]

This is a usual issue. The firmware is prepared for HW-rev 1.00 of the mainboard. With HW rev 1.01 the mainboard has another control pin to power the fan. The HW rev 1.00 does not have such. You should take a specific firmware prepared for Rev 1.01 - I would suggest to take the firmware from TH3Dstudio. This works well!

[@jeremypalmer9028]

Is the BL touch when retracted (Stored) supposed to be the same or almost the same height as the nozzle? To me it looks too low and seems to catch on things periodically. I am thinking of reducing the spacer height by 2 or 3mm. Has anyone else had to do that?

[@jeremypalmer9028]

2 other things: 1) Can you put the link to the directory of the latest firmware, it goes strait to the download, and there is no choice to choose another version if one exists. 2) When I use Xloader to send the file, I tried doing it a few times, the first time it seem hung after 20 min or so, but on retry I get "Upload Failed" but it seems like it worked, it says King on the screen, it knows about the bed leveler, which wasn't there before. Is that normal?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

It’s supposed to be around 2mm shorter than the nozzle, so a thinner spacer would be needed in that scenario.

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@jeremypalmer9028 drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1pC3xTdpmMnZmVo2t1jWjeg8qw_r1QhDg As for if that’s normal, definitely not, though it does sound like it actually flashed successfully albeit the message.

[@thetheoryguy5544]

HI, Will these mods also work on the Sunlu T3? Just got 1 off Amazon.

[@JoeMartinMVC]

A lot of it will not, but the T3 actually doesn't really need much in terms of upgrades out of the box. I'd recommend joining Mike's FB Group and asking in there and he'd be able to give a more directed answer: facebook.com/groups/king3dprinting

[@vkhelldog]

Thank you for the video, got mine going just like yours.

[@JoeMartinMVC]

You're welcome, I hope you enjoy it!

[@The3Dprinterguy1983]

What e steps are u using mine set at 414esteps

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Mine are at 419.

[@JCballoondecorations]

Hi just a question. Is the Gcode you share can be used for any other brand printer?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

I don't see why not. You'd just have to change the X, Y, and maybe Z coordinate info to match whatever size printer you have.

[@viktor3525]

hello can you please do a video showing how to level your bed with bl touch im having some problems

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Yeah, I can make one to come out Wednesday if you'd like.

[@viktor3525]

@@JoeMartinMVC would really appreciate it

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@viktor3525 Not a problem, it'll be out a little later today.

[@The3Dprinterguy1983]

I've made all my upgrade parts from resin will that be ok

[@JoeMartinMVC]

I'd imagine resin printed would be even better than FDM.

[@The3Dprinterguy1983]

@JoeMartinMVC using a halot resen printer for the parts I've never got the sunlu s8 to work right so I'm hoping doing the upgrades will make it more usable and reliable

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@The3Dprinterguy1983 If you continue to have issues, join us on Facebook and we have a community dedicated to this printer. KiNG 3D Private Lounge

[@alinush_2472]

I hit the like for the dog

[@YardenTheobald]

Will this mod work on the sunlu s9+? Thank you!

[@JoeMartinMVC]

I wish I could answer that question confidently with a yes, but since I don't have an S9+ I'm not entirely sure. If you reply to the pinned comment the creator of the files may be able to answer that question for you.

[@3rdlegCosimo]

Which bed mat are you using

[@JoeMartinMVC]

It’s a PEI sheet. amzn.to/3KKxv6W I have a video about the install here: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqvMfp2tecmVo68

[@3rdlegCosimo]

Thank you that's what I thought just wanted to make sure

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@3rdlegCosimo You're welcome. =)

[@georgelichak3972]

Can you share who makes the auto leveler extension cable?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

I made my own, the only person I know that made them and sold them was Mike King himself, but currently he is unavailable. If you'd like I can make a video showing how to make the extension cable if you'd like. It just requires a tiny bit of soldering fortunately and is rather easy to do.

[@georgelichak3972]

@@JoeMartinMVC I can solder it. Just not sure what cable to order to use to extend it.

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@georgelichak3972 any 22 gauge wire will work. I used wire from an Ethernet cable for mine.

[@georgelichak3972]

@@JoeMartinMVC ok cool so the plug end is correct it just needs to be longer

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@georgelichak3972 exactly. Just make sure you keep track of your colors for both ends.

[@jmdphotographie]

Really useful. Big thanks

[@JoeMartinMVC]

Glad I could be of help.

[@jmdphotographie]

@@JoeMartinMVC yes, specialy the part about bl touch inverted wires which i also had. Its now printing the first print and looks good. Just need some tweaking in cura to be dialed perfect.

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@jmdphotographie I try my best to cover all bases for people as information for this printer tends to be pretty sparse. I actually have another video coming out soon about using the stock extruder motor and an extension wire to make sure it's wired correctly, as it can also be miswired and won't print. If you have any issues with calibration, let me know and I can do my best to help out there too.

[@JCballoondecorations]

hi how, can I download the firmware that you talk about on minute 28?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

The firmware and XLoader/drivers are linked in the description of the video.

[@JCballoondecorations]

@@JoeMartinMVC yes but for some reason wen I download nothin came out I'm stock there

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@JCballoondecorations Should've been a file named Firmware.hex from the firmware link, and then a .zip file for XLoader and the drivers. If you go to downloads in your browser, does it show anything downloaded? (Ctrl J in Chrome and Edge to bring up downloads)

[@JCballoondecorations]

@@JoeMartinMVC thanks thanks

[@Juand8438]

What estep value did you end up with if you don’t mind me asking?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

I'll have to get back to you on that tomorrow morning once my 27 hour print finishes and I can double check it as I don't remember.

[@JoeMartinMVC]

My printer is showing 412 for the esteps currently.

[@georgelichak3972]

do i use the same procedure to level the bed if i dont use the touch leveler?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

It’s very similar. You’d just have to adjust the nozzle so it’s level primarily at the four corners and then you could use the offset feature to micro step the nozzle to where you want it in the center. You’d just be doing the work of the bed leveler manually.

[@georgelichak3972]

@@JoeMartinMVC so i should choose auto bed level and turn it off in the menu till i get my touch?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@georgelichak3972 I'd personally recommend installing the firmware for not having a bed leveler, though I can't say what the process looks like as I haven't used this version of Mike's firmware (I'll also update the description with the link for the non-leveler firmware): drive.google.com/file/d/1hBUkl540PQcMGQcVpXD_brMePGRM8UbI/view?usp=sharing

[@georgelichak3972]

Is everything the same for the new S8 pro???? Firmware? Motherboard version?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

From what I've been told by King 3D Printing (creator of the firmware and these files) it's all the same and compatible with the S8 Pro. The only difference for the pro is that it has updated stepper drivers to make it quieter.

[@georgelichak3972]

@@JoeMartinMVC thank you

[@emmanueldeiller3709]

Hi ! does it fit for Sunlu S8 Pro ?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

From what I've been told, yes. The primary difference with the Pro is the 32 Bit Main board, the hotend and most everything else is still the same.

[@emmanueldeiller3709]

@@JoeMartinMVC THX

[@lonnylemke230]

What type of filament did you use?

[@JoeMartinMVC]

I buy in bulk from iiidmax.com.

[@lonnylemke230]

Ok thanks. I mean pla or petg or abs or what kind.

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@lonnylemke230 I use PLA+, which is a stronger version of PLA.

[@lonnylemke230]

Ok thank you so very much. I have 2 sunlu s8 printers I have bl touches I need to install.

[@JoeMartinMVC]

@@lonnylemke230 Just make sure you flash the appropriate firmware for them and you should be good to go.