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New user, a few questions before install.

Please forgive my ignorance in all of this, i have not installed the 3D Chameleon to my printer yet because i am struggling to understand everything fully, and having issues finding detailed written instructions. I had a few initial questions if anyone is able to assist or guide me to the answer. I have an Ender 3 Pro printer, with metal extruder, and stock hotend, and purchased the 4-color MK3.

With the MK3, am i able to completely remove my extruder and use the included motors on the MK3 as my extruder, or do i need my extruder? If yes, is this recommended to use as the extruder or would you suggest an upgrade to a direct drive hot-end or the BMG extruder?
What is the difference between "Extruder Mode" and "Direct Mode"?
Is there instructions on the 3D Clippy? I printed out the pieces, and i saw in TinkerCAD how its assembled, but is there directions on how to get its GCODE going during prints.
Is there a page that i may have missed, with detailed instructions written out VS. just the YouTube Videos?

Overall, im still confused (and new) to custom G-Code's as a whole, is there somewhere that explains better how to get the gcode working with 3D Chameleon + 3D Clippy? as well as the button commands of the switches for the MK3. Thank you to anyone who can guide or assist me. Hoping to understand enough to get this installed over the next few weeks. I kind of made the mistake of jumping head first in the shallow end before I understood more.

4 comments

4 Comments

Bill

Apr 14

Please don't over think the installation. Just follow the videos in the Basic Installation Playlist. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dux6tBVc_w&list=PLs1jpNL7rg7_w_ufJVqMZ4nUdiA1cg38_) 1) You can use either method... the Basic installation uses your stock extruder AS IS... and it is the recommended technique for anyone who isn't familar with gcode. 2) There are 2 basic modes of operation... the Basic Installation (and easiest) is the Extruder Loader/Unloader mode. The "Advanced Installation" is the Extruder Replacement mode, where you remove your printer's existing extruder and use the 3D Chameleon as a NEW extruder. This one requires a lot of work to get, but it will easily give you the fastest overall printing experience. The Basic Installation works on every printer out there with very little customization needed. 3) 3DClippy is just an open source project I published to help overcome some of the limitations of different filaments. It's not needed for the 3DChameleon... but can save you some time. The only instructions for it are on the Printables and Tinkercad pages. The Printables page have some PrusaSlicer profiles with sample code in it. But I suggest you install and learn to use the 3DChameleon first before you tackle modifying it to add this functionality. 4) No, I've only published videos on the steps. But they can be broken out into these simple sequences: Video 1: Mount 3DChameleon Base Unit, Mount Switch, Mount Electronics, Connect Y Adapter. Every single printer uses those steps regardless of configuration. Video 2: The older Mk2 was initially covered in the video, but the newer Mk3 firmware has a different command structure. This video covers the new Mk3 commands. Also, the Mk3 GCode Generator has all the commands listed on it at the bottom of the page. Video 3: PrusaSlicer setup for your printer. Video 4: Automatic GCode Generator. Shows how to use the generator so that you do not have to know the gcode yourself. That last one is important... a lot of people are over thinking this and thinking they need to learn the gcode right away... that's not the case... you can use our tool, enter the few parameters it needs (which are covered in the video) and it will automatically generate all the custom gcode you need... simply copy and paste it into PrusaSlicer and you're done.

As always, feel free to email me with any questions.

Bill

Justin

Apr 15

Replying to

Thank you for the clarification. I think I’ll take some more time this week going over the videos instructed again and tackle this all next weekend. Appreciate the quick response and support.

Justin

Apr 22

Replying to

Hey Bill, so i got the 3dchameleon installed, i had to place the switch on my y axis at +221, i have an ender 3 pro, and my y-switch for homing is already on the back placement. But when it goes to level my bed it jams up to the chameleon switch, how would i prevent that? im assumming adjusting my bed size in Prusa potentially. but wanted to check in case you know of something. Thanks again.

Unknown member

Apr 14

With the MK3 you have the option of using it as your extruder and completely removing your extruder or you can use it as the load unload extruder and its job is simply to put the filament to your BMG gears. If you search in the forum for 3D clippy you will see an example g-code but it probably will not be exactly what you need. There should also be a post about how it all gets assembled I do believe I remember seeing that. The direct and the extruder modes I believe there is also a post on that but I cannot remember the difference between the two. In my mind there's basically two functions either a direct replacement for your printers extruder or as simply a filament moving system to get it to or away from your extruder. And as far as information being scattered everywhere that's absolutely true that was my biggest gripe when I first got it. It's like the organization of instruction for this product was done by someone on crack.