1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Turbo Control Board, TFT35 V3.0.1 Touch Screen Display, and TMC2209 V1.3 Stepper Motor Drivers. This integrated solution is designed to enhance the performance and capabilities of FDM 3D printers, offering advanced control, silent operation, and versatile connectivity. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation.
Package Contents:
- BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Turbo Control Board
- BIGTREETECH TFT35 V3.0.1 Touch Screen Display
- 5 x TMC2209 V1.3 Stepper Motor Drivers
2. Specifications
2.1 SKR V1.4 Turbo Motherboard
- Appearance Size: 110mm x 85mm
- Mounting Size: 102mm x 76mm
- Microprocessor: ARM Cortex-M3 CPU (LPC1769, 120MHz)
- Input Voltage: DC 12V-24V (5A-15A)
- Logic Voltage: DC 3.3V
- WIFI Module Support: ESP-01S (purchased separately)
- Motor Driver Support: TMC5161, TMC5160, TMC2209, TMC2225, TMC2208, TMC2130, ST820, LV8729, DRV8825, A4988 (external motor drive supported)
- Driver Working Modes: SPI, UART, STEP/DIR
- Motor Driver Interfaces: X, Y, Z, E0, E1 (5 ways, each with closed-loop drive interface), up to 256 subdivisions
- Key Features: Resume printing while power off, smart filament break detection, automatic shutdown after printing, BLTouch/microProbe V20 support, eddy auto bed leveling sensor support, RGB light support, dual Z-axis interface.
2.2 TFT35 V3.0.1 Screen
- Type: Medium size, dual-mode, ultra-clear 3D printer display
- Microcontroller: ARM Cortex-M3 series GD32F205VCT6 (32-bit CPU, 120 MHz)
- Working Modes: LCD12864 encoder mode, Serial Touch Screen mode
- Printing Support: SD card and USB stick printing
2.3 TMC2209 V1.3 Stepper Motor Driver
- Type: Ultra-silent motor driver IC for two-phase stepper motors
- Continuous Drive Current: 2A
- Peak Current: 2.8A
- Key Features: StealthChop2 for silent operation, microPlyer interpolation (up to 256 subdivisions), locked-motor test function.
3. Setup and Installation
3.1 SKR V1.4 Turbo Board Overview
Familiarize yourself with the various interfaces and components of the SKR V1.4 Turbo control board.
3.2 TFT35 V3.0.1 Display Connection
The TFT35 V3.0.1 display supports two working modes: 12864 LCD mode and Serial Touch Screen mode. The connection method varies depending on the chosen mode.
- 12864 LCD Mode: Connect the EXP1 and EXP2 ports of the display to the corresponding ports on the motherboard. In this mode, touch functionality is not available.
- Serial Touch Screen Mode: Connect the TFT or AUX-2 port on the motherboard via RS232. This mode enables touch functionality.
3.3 TMC2209 V1.3 Stepper Motor Driver Installation
Install the TMC2209 V1.3 stepper motor drivers into the designated slots on the SKR V1.4 Turbo board. Ensure correct orientation. The drivers can operate in STEP/DIR, SPI, or UART modes.
3.3.1 STEP/DIR Mode Configuration
In STEP/DIR mode, microstep resolution is configured using the MS1 and MS2 pins. Refer to the table below for settings.
3.3.2 UART Mode Configuration
For UART mode, the 5th pin is used as the UART pin. This typically requires removing a resistance and welding it to specific pads on the driver board, as shown in the diagram.
3.4 Firmware Configuration
The SKR V1.4 Turbo board is compatible with open-source firmware such as Marlin2.0 and Klipper. Firmware flashing is typically done via an SD card. Detailed instructions for firmware compilation and flashing can be found on the BIGTREETECH GitHub repository.
- Download the appropriate firmware for your printer model and desired features.
- Configure the firmware settings (e.g., stepper drivers, endstops, display type).
- Compile the firmware and save the resulting
.binfile to the root directory of an SD card. - Insert the SD card into the SKR V1.4 Turbo board and power on the printer. The board will automatically flash the new firmware.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 TFT35 V3.0.1 Display Operation
The TFT35 V3.0.1 display allows for easy switching between its two operating modes.
- Mode Switching: Press and hold the rotary encoder for approximately 3 seconds until the mode selection page appears. Select your desired mode (12864 LCD or Serial Touch Screen) and press the encoder to confirm.
- Printing: The display supports printing directly from an SD card or a USB stick. Insert the storage device into the appropriate slot on the display and navigate the menu to select your print file.
4.2 Advanced Features
The SKR V1.4 Turbo board supports several advanced features that can be enabled through firmware configuration:
- Resume Printing While Power Off: In the event of a power interruption, the printer can resume printing from where it left off once power is restored.
- Smart Filament Break Detection: The printer will pause operation if it detects that the filament has run out or broken, allowing for filament replacement.
- Automatic Shutdown After Printing: The printer can be configured to automatically power down after a print job is completed.
- BLTouch/MicroProbe V20 & Eddy Auto Bed Leveling: Integrate these sensors for automatic bed leveling, improving first layer adhesion and print quality.
5. Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your BIGTREETECH components.
- Cleaning: Keep the control board and display free from dust and debris. Use a soft, dry brush or compressed air for cleaning. Avoid using liquids.
- Cooling: Ensure adequate airflow around the stepper motor drivers and the main control board. The TMC2209 drivers feature a large-area fan thermal pad for heat dissipation, but additional cooling may be beneficial in enclosed environments.
6. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter.
6.1 General Issues
- Printer Not Powering On:
- Verify power supply connections and ensure the input voltage is within the specified range (DC 12V-24V).
- Check for any blown fuses on the control board.
- Display Not Working:
- Ensure the display cables (EXP1/EXP2 for 12864 mode, RS232 for serial mode) are correctly connected.
- Confirm the display mode is correctly selected on the TFT35 V3.0.1.
- Verify firmware configuration for the display type.
6.2 Stepper Motor Issues
- Motors Not Moving or Stuttering:
- Check motor wiring for correct polarity and secure connections.
- Verify stepper driver installation and orientation.
- Ensure the correct driver mode (STEP/DIR, SPI, UART) is configured in firmware and on the driver itself.
- Check Vref (voltage reference) settings for the stepper drivers; incorrect Vref can lead to overheating or insufficient current.
- Inspect drivers for signs of damage or overheating.
- Excessive Motor Noise:
- Ensure TMC2209 drivers are operating in StealthChop2 mode (configured via UART/SPI).
- Check for mechanical issues with the printer axes.
6.3 Firmware Related Issues
- Firmware Not Flashing:
- Ensure the
.binfile is correctly named (e.g.,firmware.bin) and placed in the root directory of a FAT32 formatted SD card. - Try a different SD card.
- Verify the firmware is compiled for the correct board (SKR V1.4 Turbo).
- Ensure the
- Unexpected Behavior After Flashing:
- Review your firmware configuration for any incorrect settings (e.g., pin assignments, thermistor types, driver types).
- Perform a factory reset if possible, or re-flash with a known good firmware configuration.
7. Warranty and Support
BIGTREETECH products are designed for reliability and performance. If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding the SKR V1.4 Turbo Control Board, TFT35 V3.0.1 Touch Screen Display, or TMC2209 V1.3 Stepper Motor Drivers, please contact BIGTREETECH customer support.
Our technical support team is available to assist you and will respond to inquiries within 24 hours. Please provide your product model and a detailed description of the issue when contacting support to facilitate a quicker resolution.
For the latest documentation, firmware, and community support, please visit the official BIGTREETECH GitHub page or website.