Prusa i3 Electronics

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!

You only really need 3 end stops, the arduino mega 2560 is the only real option with ramps.

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

Thanks, that does help a lot! I wasn't thinking of the hot end or heated bed as part of the electronics, but you are right.

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.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/05/2014 09:44PM by JSanta.

to get an idea of pricing i always use ebay>> cant really go wrong there as an indicator

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

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/06/2014 10:35AM by bigfilsing.

magnetic end stops are good too.

Start with the simple and get it working. Figure out what's going on with the base configuration. None of the electronics are all that expensive. Ramps & Mega work fine. They are easy to tweak. Micro switch end stops are easier to get going than the alternatives. If you replace them later, you are out the $4.50 you spent on the set of 3 of them. Trying to optimize this stuff to the last penny without ever seeing it is going to drive you crazy. Your preference for a 60 cent item may not in the end be the same as mine.

Thanks for all the advice! It was a big help.

JSanta I would suggest you buying a kit as a beginner, the various shipping cost do add up to a significant amount in the end. If you are in the U.S. or Europe you could take a look at www.3dprinterczar.com. They offer free shipping option on the i3 kit. Another popular source is www.makerfarm.com. Its Prusa i3 comes with a LCD smart controller.