If you're a 3D printing enthusiast or hobbyist with a Bambu Lab X1 Carbon printer, you're probably familiar with its impressive capabilities. But what if you could take your 3D printing experience to the next level, expanding its potential with additional sensors, lights, cameras, and more? Enter the X1Plus Expander, the latest hardware companion for the Bambu Lab X1 series, available now on Crowd Supply. This compact and powerful expansion board will revolutionize how you use your printer.
What Is the X1Plus Expander?
The X1Plus Expander is a hardware solution designed to extend the functionality of your Bambu Lab X1 Carbon 3D printer by adding a variety of useful features. Whether you're a print farmer looking for more reliable connectivity, a Home Assistant enthusiast who wants to integrate environmental sensors, or simply a content creator aiming to automate high-quality photography, the X1Plus Expander is your go-to tool.
This expansion board plugs into your X1 printer between the AP board and the chamber-monitoring camera. It offers several exciting upgrades:
- Ethernet Port
- Two USB 2.0 Ports
- STEMMA-compatible I²C Connector
- Four GPIO headers for adding expansion modules
With these additional ports and connectors, the X1Plus Expander gives you the flexibility to customize and enhance your 3D printing setup.
Key Features & Modules
The X1Plus Expander opens up a world of exciting opportunities for hardware expansion. The device includes multiple add-on modules designed to enhance the functionality of your printer. Let’s take a look at some of the available options:
1. Addressable-LED Level Shifter Module
- This module allows you to connect a string of WS2812B-compatible LEDs (NeoPixels). Whether you want to add ambient lighting to your printer or use it as a status indicator, this module gives you full control over your LED setup.
2. And-on Module
- Ideal for print farmers or anyone managing multiple 3D printers, the Andon Module features 25 programmable RGB LEDs, buttons, and a beeper. It provides visual and auditory feedback, allowing you to quickly assess the status of your printer — whether the print has completed, failed, or is in a different state.
3. Shutter Release Module
- Capture beautiful time-lapse footage of your prints with the Shutter Release Module. It features two 2.5mm TRS shutter-release connectors that are compatible with most digital cameras. You can automate the process of taking time-lapse photos from various angles, giving your content an extra touch of professionalism.
Endless Customization with Actions and Triggers
One of the standout features of the X1Plus Expander is the Actions subsystem built into the X1Plus firmware. This allows you to create powerful, customized workflows based on triggers and actions. For example, you can:
- Trigger a beep when a certain layer is reached in a print.
- Automatically pause the print process at specific points for manual intervention.
- Create a cold-pull macro that heats the nozzle, waits for user confirmation, and then extrudes filament in reverse.
These are just a few examples, but the possibilities are endless. The open-source nature of the X1Plus firmware allows you to develop custom actions tailored to your needs. Whether you're automating your printer for a specific task or adding new hardware interfaces, you can design your own actions using the Python-based X1Plus Daemon.
GPIO: Add Your Own Peripherals
For even more flexibility, the X1Plus Expander provides eight GPIO pins for connecting additional peripherals. Whether you want to add sensors, cameras, or other external devices, these GPIOs can be configured for various uses. You can even build your own custom expansion board using jumper cables or a 16-pin connector to ensure a reliable interface.
Installation and Setup
Setting up the X1Plus Expander is straightforward. The expansion board connects to the existing wiring of your printer, so you don't need any advanced skills to get started. For users who prefer an off-the-shelf solution, you can order a high-quality printed enclosure that fits behind the X1’s LCD screen.
The board is powered by a Microchip LAN9514 USB hub and Ethernet controller, a Raspberry Pi RP2040 for GPIO management, and comes with voltage regulators to ensure smooth power delivery. The X1Plus Expander uses your printer's 24V power supply, stepping down to 5V and 3.3V without overloading your printer's AP board.
Open-Source and Community Driven
The X1Plus Expander is built on open-source principles, and the firmware, CAD files, and hardware designs are available on GitHub. You can contribute to the project by submitting patches, improving the firmware, or designing your own modules to expand the ecosystem.
This project is actively being developed, with frequent updates shared on Hackaday, the X1Plus Wiki, and the Discord community. If you're interested in contributing or simply want to stay up to date with the latest developments, joining the community is a great way to get involved.
The X1Plus Expander is a game-changer for Bambu Lab X1 Carbon printer owners looking to enhance their 3D printing experience. With added connectivity, customizable actions, and the ability to add new modules, this expansion board takes your printer from a basic 3D printing machine to a fully-integrated, customizable tool.
If you’re ready to expand your Bambu Lab X1's capabilities, head over to Crowd Supply and check out the X1Plus Expander campaign. Whether you're automating processes, adding new functionality, or simply enhancing your printer’s appearance, the X1Plus Expander offers something for every 3D printing enthusiast.
Get Your X1Plus Expander Today!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to unlock the full potential of your Bambu Lab X1 Carbon printer. Visit the Crowd Supply page now and get started with the X1Plus Expander!
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