I'm new to 3D printing, but I've been researching 3D printers for a while now and have decided to take a crack at building one, specifically the Prusa i3. I've spent a good amount of time researching on the RepRap Wiki pages, as well as a good number of other websites, but it seems that since the i3 is a relatively new model the sources for building one are not quite as exhaustive as the other models (There doesn't seem be any consolidated, complete, and consistent BOM for instance), and I've gotten stuck on a few things that I was hoping someone might be able to help with. One thing that I'm somewhat in the dark about is the electronics involved. I'm planning on using the RAMPS, and although I've found complete kits for this printer, they run around $180. I would like to buy the parts separately and piece them together, but I've been having some trouble finding a list of the individual components needed. So far, it looks like I need: --a RAMPS 1.4 board --5 motor drivers --6 end stops --Some other board (Mega 2560?) Am I on the right track? I have little experience with soldering, so I don't feel too comfortable making any of the boards myself, unless it's much easier than it looks. Any tips on what to look for when buying my electronics? Thanks! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,289859#msg-289859 Sun, 16 Aug 2026 21:28:04 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,292291#msg-292291 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,292291#msg-292291 onion_pepper1 General Mendel Topics Fri, 10 Jan 2014 05:55:25 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,291428#msg-291428 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,291428#msg-291428 JSanta General Mendel Topics Wed, 08 Jan 2014 14:35:00 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,290267#msg-290267 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,290267#msg-290267 uncle_bob General Mendel Topics Mon, 06 Jan 2014 12:55:46 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,290198#msg-290198 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,290198#msg-290198 lazzymonk General Mendel Topics Mon, 06 Jan 2014 10:57:35 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,290186#msg-290186 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,290186#msg-290186
end stops come in 2 main sorts> Optical and mechanical. Most people tend to use mechanical as far as i know ( easier to check and adjust) The mounting is identical for both types.
Again check ebay and you'll see the difference
Quick search on this forum will tell you the in's n outs of the 2 types

Good luck]]> bigfilsing General Mendel Topics Mon, 06 Jan 2014 10:34:01 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,289925#msg-289925 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,289925#msg-289925
I looked online for some of those things, and I found this package that includes the RAMPS, Mega, and 5 drivers with some cables for $76, which seems like a pretty decent price to me: [www.sainsmart.com]

Does that sound about right, price-wise?

Also, from what I've seen, the 3d printed parts needed seem to vary somewhat depending on the other parts I get. Do I need to be careful about this? For instance, should I only buy certain end stops that are the right shape and have the right mounting points? I know the hot end needs to fit the extruder, but other than that I haven't been able to determine.

Thanks for your help.]]> JSanta General Mendel Topics Sun, 05 Jan 2014 21:34:15 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,289885#msg-289885 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,289885#msg-289885
You will also need a power supply (12v 30amp is a popular choice)
Hot end
Heated bed
Thermistors for the above 2
Fans. One to cool hot end, one to cool prints and one to cool drivers.
Cables, make sure they can handle the current.
Connectors to attach cables to ramps.

I'm sure there are more but I hope that helps]]> lazzymonk General Mendel Topics Sun, 05 Jan 2014 19:09:07 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,289859#msg-289859 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,289859,289859#msg-289859
One thing that I'm somewhat in the dark about is the electronics involved. I'm planning on using the RAMPS, and although I've found complete kits for this printer, they run around $180. I would like to buy the parts separately and piece them together, but I've been having some trouble finding a list of the individual components needed. So far, it looks like I need:

--a RAMPS 1.4 board
--5 motor drivers
--6 end stops
--Some other board (Mega 2560?)

Am I on the right track? I have little experience with soldering, so I don't feel too comfortable making any of the boards myself, unless it's much easier than it looks. Any tips on what to look for when buying my electronics?

Thanks!]]> JSanta General Mendel Topics Sun, 05 Jan 2014 18:10:36 -0500