Questions from a new owner (of old M2)
Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 3:30 am
I purchased an old M2 unit. Not sure which version, but it does have the single power supply. I assume that it was an early copy of the versions with single power supply. It does have the stepper motors that are the silver rather than black color. The LCD appears to be the oldest version (lines on the left). I presume this is Rev E based on the firmware download page.
I did read through the beginners guide. That was very helpful. I have some questions that I am hoping someone is kind enough to answer.
It appears that Simply3d is the slicer of choice. Reading online, it sounds like development is stalled and it is not worth the $150 at this point. I am wondering if there are any slicers with good profiles available for the M2. What do you all recommend?
It sounds like the V4 hotend/extruder is a worthwhile upgrade? Anyone think otherwise? Would I be better off with an E3D or similar? If so, would it work with the current mainboard.
Is my mainboard outdated? Are there current firmware updates? Should I look to upgrade to either a new Makergear board or go down the path of 3rd party (Duet, etc)?
I will need to replace the glass bed (broken in transport). Are there any other build surfaces the Makergear version that I should buy instead?
Any recommended upgrades or maintenance items.
And finally, I know this might be a biased area to ask this question, but would I have been better off just getting a Prusa? What have I gained over the Prusa by buying the M2?
I did read through the beginners guide. That was very helpful. I have some questions that I am hoping someone is kind enough to answer.
It appears that Simply3d is the slicer of choice. Reading online, it sounds like development is stalled and it is not worth the $150 at this point. I am wondering if there are any slicers with good profiles available for the M2. What do you all recommend?
It sounds like the V4 hotend/extruder is a worthwhile upgrade? Anyone think otherwise? Would I be better off with an E3D or similar? If so, would it work with the current mainboard.
Is my mainboard outdated? Are there current firmware updates? Should I look to upgrade to either a new Makergear board or go down the path of 3rd party (Duet, etc)?
I will need to replace the glass bed (broken in transport). Are there any other build surfaces the Makergear version that I should buy instead?
Any recommended upgrades or maintenance items.
And finally, I know this might be a biased area to ask this question, but would I have been better off just getting a Prusa? What have I gained over the Prusa by buying the M2?