Notice

Update Apr 14, 2022: A new batch of v.1 PCBs and v.2 PCBs were received, feel free to order a pair for your 3D printer.

Update Nov 25, 2021: We are not including JST-XH, JST-VH, or RJ45 connectors in the kit anymore. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Updated Nov 21, 2021: v.2 now supports hotend heater cartridge, thermistor, and PWM fan.

What is it?

This module is designed specifically as an addon for the EVA 2 3D project which enables modular 3D printer hotend assemblies using standard adapters and 3D printed parts.

It is for low current electronics such as fans, accelerometer, e-step motor, and high current electronics such as heater cartridge and thermistor.

The v.1 board measures 80mm x 30mm, lead-free and RoHS compliant, and is designed to be mounted through grounded M3 holes.

The v.2 board measures 80mm x 41mm, lead-free and RoHS compliant, and is designed to be mounted through grounded M3 holes.

v.2 PCB

v.1 PCB

This project is certified open hardware:

Why did you make it?

Rather than wiring all devices directly from the 3D printer electronics panel to the hotend assembly, this module allows you to connect two simple RJ45 wires between them, and then wire the devices directly using the JST-XH / JST-VH connectors. One module mounts to the hotend, the other mounts on the electronics panel.

It then makes it simple to swap out a hotend without rewiring everything. It significantly cleans up the wiring and reduces maintenance and upgrading headache.

Note: this module was originally designed to lay flat with 40x40mm dimensions, but a similar project by "Minty Trebor" on The RatRig Discord chat inspired me to alter the design.

What makes it special?

The v.1 module didn't support high current devices, but this new v.2 module does (through separate wires), which means the entire hotend assembly can be wired between two modules.

What's included in the kit?

One full kit (2 PCBs) ships with the following components:

What's not included?

The kit does not supply JST-XH, JST-VH, or RJ45 connectors, cables, 3D printed parts, mounting screws, tools, wires, or anything not listed above.

You will need to source your own JST-XH, JST-VH, and RJ45 connectors for each PCB:

Safety remarks

Please use high-end stranded and shielded 24AWG RJ45 cables for safety and reliability.

Please use 16AWG stranded wiring for crimping to high current JST-VH connectors.

Low current PCB traces are 0.5mm and can support at most 1A of current, although RJ45 wires of 26AWG size are only rated for 350mA per wire, it is not recommended to pull too much current with such thin wires. The PCB does not contain any fuses or diodes to protect wiring or devices.

High current PCB traces are 3mm and can support at most 3.9A of current, and possibly more because the traces are doubled on both sides. High current traces have only been tested up to 2A. Please be warned and use at your own risk.

Do not connect a heater cartridge, or high power fan to the low-current JST-XH/RJ45 connectors. It is only designed for low-current devices and you will have a bad day if you decide to pull more than it can handle.

Do not connect anything other than a μ3D module to the RJ45 cables. It does not use any known standard pinouts and will likely destroy any "ethernet" devices you connect (laptops, switches, IP cameras, etc).

The v.2 module is not compatible with v.1 module due to different board layout and design.

We are not responsible for accidents or problems caused by your use or misuse of these modules.

Documentation

Comprehensive documentation, including alternative wiring schemes can be found here.

Recycling program

If you outgrow the need for these modules, we will gladly accept returns in order to recycle, refurbish, and reuse the components for future use. In that case we will provide you with a lovely discount on future purchases from our store. Please note, we refuse to recycle modules which are severely damaged, non-functional, or soldered with lead based solder. They will be disposed of and no discount will be provided. Please use lead-free solder even if you don't plan to return the modules when they've reached their end-of-life.

For tracking and logistics, please contact us and wait for approval before making any returns. We may ask for photos of the modules before hand, and we may refuse to accept returns for any reason. Return shipping is paid by the sender and does not require a tracking number for low volumes. You can ship it by boat even if it takes months to reach Japan :) Thank you for understanding.

Privacy policy

We will not use customer information for any purposes other than shipping items, handling returns and defects, and customer support. We must provide customer contact information and shipping details to our mailing agent (Japan Post) through their online shipping website, which may be shared with third parties without our knowledge or consent. Please contact Japan Post to inquire about their privacy policy. We will not store customer contact information locally or on external cloud servers for more than 30 days after shipping the items (excluding information stored on Tindie which we may or may not be able to delete).