I need some advice on path to follow for a Diamond hot end conversion.

Currently I am using a RAMPS 1.4 / 2560, Marlin RC-6 combination.
I am using a single E3D hot end with a 2 in 1 adapter for 2 colors.
I would like to change this setup to be able to use the Diamond hot end.
In order to do this I will need to add a 3rd extruder.

I can do this by changing the controller board to something like the Rumba controller
or by using a stepper expansion module.

So my question is would it be better to purchase a new controller or would something like
the Geeetech L298N stepper board be sufficient?

I have no other plans than just to print objects. I don't care about wifi, cameras or if it's old or new 32 bit processing, at least at this point.

thank you for your thoughts

Don

Instead of the L298N driver you should use breadboard and jumper wires to adapt an a4988 driver ( or whatever you are using right now )

or you can even make one out of strip board



[www.thingiverse.com]

Documentation is old on [reprap.org] its from the days when we used to use dc motors on the extruder and people where converting to stepper drivers

It's what im using on my ramps board for my diamond hotend (I used a slightly different polulu module with built in voltage regulator, so it only needs 12v)
[dustsreprap.blogspot.co.nz]

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/16/2016 04:36AM by Dust.

o lampe and Dust, thank you for your thoughts on adding a 3rd hot end/ extruder.

After some consideration I decided just to build new printer.
Although my current printer is printing well I decided I wanted to expand the print area.
I think it would be simpler to build a new printer while printing what parts I could on the existing printer.
I will be getting away from the current design and heading for a Core XYZ type with a Diamond hot end.
Should be interesting build.

Again, thank you for responding.

Don