# Anycubic i3 Mega Marlin Firmware with TFT support
This is my slightly customized version of the [Marlin Firmware](https://github.com/MarlinFirmware/Marlin), gratefully based on [derhopp's repo](https://github.com/derhopp/Marlin-with-Anycubic-i3-Mega-TFT) with his remarkable efforts to get the Anycubic i3 Mega TFT screen to work.
I am running this version on an i3 Mega Ultrabase V3 (for distinction of the different versions, check [this Thingiverse thread](https://www.thingiverse.com/groups/anycubic-i3-mega/forums/general/topic:27064)) with FYSETC TMC2208 V1.2 installed.
Basically, this should work on every Ultrabase version that has no bed leveling sensor and two Z-axis endstops.
- Many people have issues getting the Ultrabase leveled perfectly, using Manual Mesh Bed Leveling the printer generates a mesh of the planeness of the bed and compensates for it on the Z-axis for perfect prints without having to level with the screws.
- Much more efficient bed heating by using PID control. This uses less power and holds the temperature at a steady level. Highly recommended for printing ABS.
- Fairly loud fans, while almost every one of them is easily replaced, the stock FW only gives out 9V instead of 12V on the parts cooling fan so some fans like Noctua don't run like they should. This is fixed in this firmware.
- Very loud stock stepper motor drivers, easily replaced by Watterott or FYSETC TMC2208. To do that, you'd usually have to flip the connectors on the board, this is not necessary using this firmware.
I provided three different precompiled hex files: One for no modifications on the stepper motor drivers - good for people who didn't touch anything yet, one for boards with TMC2208 installed and where the connectors have been flipped and one with TMC2208 and the connectors in original orientation.
### Choose your precompiled hex:
- Choose the correct hex file:
- For TMC2208 with connectors in original orientation, use `Marlin-AI3M-XXXXXX-TMC2208.hex`
- For TMC2208 with flipped connectors, use `Marlin-AI3M-XXXXXX-TMC2208_flipped.hex`
- If you use the original stepper motor drivers, use `Marlin-AI3M-XXXXXX-stock_drivers.hex`.
- In the IDE, under `Tools -> Board` select `Genuino Mega 2560` and `ATmega2560`
- Open Marlin.ino in the Marlin directory of this repo
- Customize if needed and under `Sketch`, select `Export compiled binary`
- Look for the .hex file in your temporary directory, e.g. `.../AppData/Local/Temp/arduino_build_xxx/` (only the `Marlin.ino.hex`, not the `Marlin.ino.with_bootloader.hex`!)
This firmware is perfectly calibrated for my own machine with TMC2208 (1.015V on the axis, 1.152V on the extruder). If you also have these stepper motor drivers and you run them on similar voltages, this firmware should do great prints right after flashing. Nevertheless, a PID tune and especially calibrating the extruder is **highly recommended**. Simply follow the instructions below.
### Calibrating extruder steps
- Preheat the hotend with `M104 S200`
- Use a caliper or measuring tape and mark 120mm (measured downwards from the extruder intake) with a pencil on the filament
- Send `G91`, `G1 E100 F300` and `G90` in that order
- Your extruder will feed 100mm of filament now
- Measure where your pencil marking is now. If it's exactly 20mm to the extruder, it's perfectly calibrated
- If it's less or more than 20mm, add or subtract that value from 100mm, e.g.:
- If you measure 25mm, your result would be 95mm. If you measure 15mm, your result would be 105mm
- Calculate your new value: ( 100mm / actually extruded filament ) * 105.24
- For example, if your markings are at 15mm, you'd calculate: (100/105) * 105.24 = 100.23
- Put in the new value like this: `M92 X80.00 Y80.00 Z400.00 Exxx.xx`, replacing `x` with your value
Marlin is an optimized firmware for [RepRap 3D printers](http://reprap.org/) based on the [Arduino](https://www.arduino.cc/) platform. First created in 2011 for RepRap and Ultimaker printers, today Marlin drives a majority of the world's most popular 3D printers. Marlin delivers outstanding print quality with unprecedented control over the process.
If you have coding or writing skills you're encouraged to contribute to Marlin. You may also contribute suggestions, feature requests, and bug reports through the Marlin Issue Queue.
Before contributing, please read our [Contributing Guidelines](https://github.com/MarlinFirmware/Marlin/blob/1.1.x/.github/contributing.md) and [Code of Conduct](https://github.com/MarlinFirmware/Marlin/blob/1.1.x/.github/code_of_conduct.md).
### Marlin Resources
- [Marlin Home Page](http://marlinfw.org/) - The latest Marlin documentation.
- [Marlin Releases](https://github.com/MarlinFirmware/Marlin/releases) - All Marlin releases with release notes.
- [RepRap.org Wiki Page](http://reprap.org/wiki/Marlin) - An overview of Marlin and its role in RepRap.
- [Marlin Firmware Forum](http://forums.reprap.org/list.php?415) - Get help with configuration and troubleshooting.
- [Marlin Firmware Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1049718498464482) - Help from the community. (Maintained by [@thinkyhead](https://github.com/thinkyhead).)
- [@MarlinFirmware](https://twitter.com/MarlinFirmware) on Twitter - Follow for news, release alerts, and tips. (Maintained by [@thinkyhead](https://github.com/thinkyhead).)
### Credits
Marlin's administrators are:
- Scott Lahteine [[@thinkyhead](https://github.com/thinkyhead)]
Marlin is published under the [GPLv3 license](https://github.com/MarlinFirmware/Marlin/blob/1.0.x/COPYING.md) because we believe in open development. The GPL comes with both rights and obligations. Whether you use Marlin firmware as the driver for your open or closed-source product, you must keep Marlin open, and you must provide your compatible Marlin source code to end users upon request. The most straightforward way to comply with the Marlin license is to make a fork of Marlin on Github, perform your modifications, and direct users to your modified fork.
