K type thermocouple with Ramps 1.4

Hey all- I recently bought this extruder from Ebay and it came with a k-type thermocouple. 3 questions:

1. There is a hole inside the brass thermal core, which is where I assume the thermocouple should be attached, but how should it be attached? Glue? Screw?

2. How does the K-type thermocouple interface with the RAMPS 1.4? If there is no easy way, are there alternative methods to regulate temperature?

3. Suppose I ditch the thermocouple, what would be the best place to mount the thermistor?

Thanks for all the help!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/05/2014 07:18PM by lpbug.

You would need an amplifier board to use a thermocouple with RAMPS. AD595 and MAX6675 amplifiers are supported by RAMPS by default. Something like this, using the AD595 chip. That amplifier is available as a kit from MakerBot at a rather high price, considering you could source the components and build one for less than half of what they are charging even in a single quantity. Another option is something based on the MAX6675 chip, though that chip appears to be discontinued. Something like this from Adafruit may work?

There really isn't much information available on using a thermocouple with RAMPS. The easiest (and cheapest) thing to do might be to get a thermistor and use that, mounting it in the existing hole in the heater block, preferably with something thermally conductive like a high temperature cement or epoxy.

Be aware that you may have problems with that extruder, especially when trying to print PLA. Many of those Chinese-made extruders and hot ends aren't well designed, and have problems with jamming.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/05/2014 09:19PM by NewPerfection.