Makerbase MKS-MONSTER8

Makerbase MKS Monster8 V2 32-Bit Control Board Instruction Manual

Model: MKS-MONSTER8 | Brand: Makerbase

1. Produto rematadoview

The Makerbase MKS Monster8 V2 is a 32-bit control board designed for advanced 3D printers, offering extensive features and compatibility. It is suitable for large 3D printers such as Voron 2.4 and Creality Ender-3 series (Ender-3, Ender-3 V2, Ender-3 Pro).

Características principais:

  • 8 Stepper Drivers: Supports multiple motor drives including A4988, DRV8825, LV8729, TMC2208, TMC2209, TMC2225, TMC2226.
  • 9 Motor Interfaces: Driver0, 1, 2-1, 2-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 for flexible configurations.
  • Soporte de firmware: Compatible with Marlin 2.0.x and Klipper (requires a Klipper host like Raspberry Pi or MKS PI).
  • Compatibilidade da pantalla: Supports LCD2004, LCD12864, MKS MINI12864 V1.0/V3.0, and MKS touchscreens (MKS TFT24, MKS TFT28, MKS TFT32, MKS TFT35, MKS H43).
  • Expansion Functions: 6 endstops with power select (X-, X+, Y-, Y+, Z-, Z+), 3D TOUCH (PA8) interface, DFU mode via Boot0 button, driver power select (5V or 3.3V), TMC UART and SPI mode, SENSORLESS_HOMING (Diag0-5), integrated SPI communication micro SD card, reserved SPI signal UDISK, and virtual USB device.
  • MCU: STM32F407VET6, 168MHz, 512KB flash, 192KB RAM, built-in CAN transceiver and interface.
  • Entrada de enerxía: CC de 12 a 24 V.
  • Potencia de saída: 2 MP1584EN outputs (DC12V for fans and DC5V), 3 PWM fans + 3 power outputs (selectable VIN, DC12V, DC5V).
  • Protección: TVS power spike processing, 4KB EEPROM on board.
  • Conectividade: Type-C online serial port.
Makerbase MKS Monster8 V2 Control Board with STM32F407VET6 chip highlighted
Figure 1: High-performance main control chip (ARM STM32F407VET6 168MHz) on the MKS Monster8 V2 board.
Makerbase MKS Monster8 V2 board showing 8 stepper driver slots
Figure 2: MKS Monster8 V2 board with 8 stepper driver support, illustrating SPI/UART and Normal Step/Dir modes.
Close-up of Makerbase MKS Monster8 V2 showing 8 stepper drivers and 9 motor interfaces
Figura 3: detallada view of the MKS Monster8 V2 highlighting 8 stepper drivers and 9 motor interfaces for extensive DIY support.
Makerbase MKS Monster8 V2 board showing fan and power output interfaces
Figure 4: Intensive interfaces for DIY, including 3 PWM fans and 3 power outputs (5V output, controllable fan, normally open fan, power supply).
Detailed wiring diagram of the Makerbase MKS Monster8 V2 board
Figure 5: Comprehensive wiring diagram for the MKS Monster8 V2, detailing motor driver slots, heated bed, power supply, drive voltage selection, 5V output, MAX31865, I2C/CAN/UART1 expansion port, TF card slots, WiFi module slot, fan voltage selections, Z+ endstops voltage selection, DIAG signal, and display connections.

2. Guía de configuración

2.1 Instalación do controlador

Before connecting any components, ensure the motor drivers are correctly installed. For Dir/Step mode, insert the jumper cap into the pins marked with a red box in the diagram. The video below demonstrates using the TMC2209 driver in Dir/Step mode as an example.

Video 1: Installation of TMC2209 drivers and initial wiring connections for the MKS Monster8 V2 with a TFT35 touchscreen on an Ender-3 printer. This video covers driver installation, power connections, and motor/endstop wiring.

2.2 Conexións de cableado

Carefully follow the wiring diagram and instructions to connect all components. Pay close attention to positive and negative poles for power connections.

  1. Fonte de alimentación: Connect the main power supply (+POWER+ 12/24V).
  2. Cama quente: Connect the heated bed, paying attention to the positive and negative poles (+HBED-).
  3. Hotend: Connect the hotend (-HE0+).
  4. Fans: Connect the always-on fan and controllable fan.
  5. Termistores: Connect the hotend thermistor (TH0) and heated bed thermistor (TB).
  6. Endstops: Connect the X-axis endstop (X-), Y-axis endstop (Y-), and Z-axis endstop (Z-).
  7. Motores: Connect the X-axis motor (Driver0), Y-axis motor (Driver1), Z-axis motor (Driver2-1), and Extruder motor (Driver3).
  8. Visualización: Connect the MKS TS35 touchscreen display to EXP1 and EXP2 using DuPont wires.
Detailed wiring diagram for MKS Monster8 V2 showing various connections
Figure 6: Detailed support diagram for MKS Monster8 V2, illustrating motor driver slots, heated bed, power supply, drive voltage selection, 5V output, MAX31865, I2C/CAN/UART1 expansion port, TF card slots, WiFi module slot, fan voltage selections, Z+ endstops voltage selection, DIAG signal, and display connections.

2.3 Firmware Configuration (Marlin)

To ensure proper functionality, the Marlin firmware needs to be configured for the MKS Monster8 V2 board. Refer to the official Makerbase GitHub for the latest firmware and detailed instructions. Key configuration steps include:

  • Set the mainboard name to BOARD_MKS_MONSTER8 in Configuration.h.
  • Establecer SERIAL_PORT a -1.
  • Set the user interface to TFT_COLOR_UI.
  • Activar SDSUPPORT.
  • Activar SDCARD_CONNECTION_ONBOARD in pins_MKS_MONSTER8.h.
  • Activar EEPROM_SETTINGS e EEPROM_CHITCHAT.
  • Establecer default_envs = mks_monster8 in platformio.ini.
  • Establecer EXTRUDERS a 1.
  • Establecer TEMP_SENSOR_0 e TEMP_SENSOR_BED a 1.
  • Activar USE_XMIN_PLUG, USE_YMIN_PLUG, USE_ZMIN_PLUG.
  • Establecer X(Y,Z)_MIN_ENDSTOP_INVERTING a true.
  • Establecer X(Y,Z)_HOME_DIR a -1.
  • Establecer X(Y)_BED_SIZE a 200 e Z_BED_SIZE a 250.
  • Establecer X_DRIVER_TYPE a TMC2209 (adjust for other drivers as needed).
  • Establecer INVERT_X(Y,E0)_DIR a false e INVERT_Z_DIR a true.
  • Activar MESH_BED_LEVELING e LCD_BED_LEVELING.

For detailed firmware configuration, please visit the official Makerbase GitHub repository: https://github.com/makerbase-mks/MKS-Monster8

2.4 Actualización de firmware

After compiling the firmware, copy the "asset" folder and the .bin file generated after compilation to the root directory of the SD card. Insert the SD card into the mainboard's slot, then turn on the power to update the firmware. The display will show the update progress.

Makerbase MKS Monster8 V2 board with SD card slot highlighted
Figure 7: MKS Monster8 V2 board showing the SD card slot for firmware updates.
Video 2: Demonstration of firmware update process for the MKS Monster8 V2 and TFT35 touchscreen, showing the display updating.

3. Instrucións de funcionamento

Once the MKS Monster8 V2 board is installed and firmware updated, you can operate your 3D printer using the connected display. The display allows for control over various printer functions.

3.1 Basic Movement and Controls

Use the touchscreen or rotary encoder on your MKS display to navigate menus and control printer axes (X, Y, Z) and the extruder. This allows for manual positioning and filament loading/unloading.

3.2 Initiating a Print

After preparing your G-code file on an SD card, insert it into the display's SD card slot (if applicable) or the mainboard's slot. Navigate to the print menu on the display and select your file to begin printing. Ensure the heated bed and hotend reach the desired temperatures before printing starts.

Video 3: Demonstration of basic printer operation and initiating a print after successful installation and firmware update of the MKS Monster8 V2 with a TFT35 touchscreen on an Ender-3 printer.

4. Mantemento

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your MKS Monster8 V2 control board.

  • Manter limpo: Regularly clean the board and surrounding area to prevent dust and debris accumulation, which can lead to overheating or short circuits.
  • Evitar a humidade: Ensure the control board is kept in a dry environment to prevent damage from moisture or humidity.
  • Comproba as conexións: Periodically inspect all wiring connections to ensure they are secure and free from wear or damage. Loose connections can cause intermittent issues or component failure.
  • Actualizacións de firmware: Stay updated with the latest firmware releases from Makerbase to benefit from bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.

5 Solución de problemas

This section addresses common issues and their solutions for the MKS Monster8 V2 control board.

5.1 Power-Related Issues

  • A placa non se acende: If the board does not power on, first check if the power supply wiring is reversed. The MKS Monster8 V2 includes TVS power supply anti-reverse and spike protection, preventing damage from incorrect polarity, but the board will not function until correctly wired.
  • Raspberry Pi "Currently Throttled" Error: The MKS Monster8 V2 provides a stable DC 5.1V/3A power output specifically designed for Raspberry Pi. If you encounter a "Currently Throttled" error, ensure your Raspberry Pi is connected to this dedicated power interface on the Monster8 V2 to avoid voltage and current instability.
Video 4: Demonstrates the power supply anti-reverse protection, back EMF protection for stepper motors, stable Raspberry Pi power output, ESD protection, and PL08N leveling sensor signal protection features of the MKS Monster8 V2.

5.2 Motor and Sensor Protection

  • Stepper Motor Damage: The board features a protection circuit for back electromotive force (EMF) generated by stepper motors. This significantly reduces potential damage to motor drivers, even if the print head is manually moved or obstructed.
  • Danos por ESD: The motherboard's MOS drive circuit and temperature measurement circuit are protected by Schottky diodes, reducing damage from external static electricity spikes. The board has been tested to withstand 4kV of static electricity.
  • PL08N Leveling Sensor Issues: The PL08N leveling sensor signal interface is protected by Schottky diodes with a withstand voltage of 40V. This ensures that the signal pin of the chip will not be burned out due to sensor-related issues.

6. Especificacións

CaracterísticaDetalle
FabricanteMakerbase Motherboard Monster8
Dimensións do paquete8.03 x 5.12 x 3.11 polgadas
Peso do elemento9.1 onzas
ASINB09M3WKJS4
Número de modelo do artigoMKS-MONSTER8
Pilas necesariasNon
Compoñentes incluídosPCBA
CorNegro
MarcaMakerbase
Voltage24 voltios (DC)
Tipo de visualizaciónLCD or Touchscreen
MCUSTM32F407VET6, 168MHz, 512KB Flash, 192KB RAM
Stepper Drivers8 (supports A4988, DRV8825, LV8729, TMC2208, TMC2209, TMC2225, TMC2226)
FirmwareMarlin 2.0.x, Klipper
Protección de potenciaTVS power spike processing, pluggable fuse
Raspberry Pi Power OutputDC5.1V/3A

7. Soporte e Recursos

For further assistance, firmware updates, and community support, please refer to the following official Makerbase resources:

Makerbase MKS Monster8 Guide with QR codes for GitHub, Voron 2.4, and Klipper firmware
Figure 8: Makerbase MKS Monster8 Guide with links to GitHub for firmware and Voron 2.4/Klipper configurations.