Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

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Chris Muncy
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Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by Chris Muncy »

*IF* you want to use the Velleman MK138 temperature controller with the provided thermister to use with a heated print bed, you will need to short out R5 to enable the controller to get to the 100C temp needed when printing with ABS.
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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by kilroyo »

I just tried what you suggested and it didnt work ,, so I pulled out the electric print. For the extruder we have been using a 4k thermistor while replacing R5 with a 18K resistor in order to get to above 200 celius. I just dont see how using a 10k stock thermistor and no resistance on R5 is going to work .. to me it looks like we are going to have to replace R5 with a 45K resistor.. I try out tonight to confirm
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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by kilroyo »

Humm ,, now it doesnt work at all ,, I dont know what happened. ??
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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by Chris Muncy »

kilroyo wrote:Humm ,, now it doesnt work at all ,, I dont know what happened. ??

Check your 2 1N4148 diodes to make sure they are still good. If not, Radio Shack sells them.
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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by Leeway »

@ $8.48 each, this is why I really bought two kits. That and I will eventually need two when I migrate to Mach 3.
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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by mhackney »

The diodes at RS are like $1.48 for a pack of 10. I replaced mine and it did the trick. D2 was the culprit - twice. A cheap and easy fix. Thanks to Chris on that one!

cheers,
Michael

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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by Leeway »

I bought two of these kits and while I thought my soldering would cause an issue, with a small enough soldering iron, this was pretty easy.
Both of my kits have failed though. The first one failed after about 6 hours. First 3 hours was ABS so I used 110 C. The latter half was only regulating for PLA @ 55 C. It just started switching the relay on and off fast and then quit.
Second one was only used on PLA @ 55 C. Lasted about 5 hours. I didn't see when it quit, so don't know if it was the same affliction, but suspect it was.
I'll pick up some diodes from RS, but this lead me to search for a little more reliable solution.

Found a couple on Ebay.
The first is a digital aquarium temp controller. Hong Kong though.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160765044923?ss ... 925wt_1398

The one I actually bought was from a different supplier and cost a bit more because of faster shipping.
Then I saw this one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 938wt_1398

It's in NY. This one should be able to be used easier with Mach 3. I don't think it comes with an SSR, but I have a good supply of those here.
One thing I have learned building my own CNC machines is that if you build them using good rugged parts and electronics, you are better off in the long run.
I like the digital output as well on both these.
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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by Chris Muncy »

I had ordered one of those as in the specifications it said it would also run on 12 vdc. Well the version sent only ran on 110. So if you want to run it on 12vdc check the EXACT part number.
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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by mhackney »

Lee, you must have your temps wrong in the above post. ABS is going to extrude in the range of 375°F (190°C) to 425°F (218°C) (ish). the aquarium controller has an upper limit of 110°C.

The PID though should handle it and that is a great price on a dual controller too. It will require thermocouples and not resistors though. It looks to have one relayed output and one 3amp SSR. The later should be suitable for a hot end and the relay to an SSR for a higher average hot bed. Manufacturer's website here: TA Series Temp Controller

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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by Leeway »

This is just for the hotbed.
The Gen 6 I have takes care of the Extruder for now.
I was hoping to use the last one for maybe the hotend with Mach later on.

The first one linked was just the style I ordered.
The actual link is here.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... OC:US:3160

If it comes in for 220 only, refund time. It does come with a thermocouple though for the heat bed. I think there is enough flex in the circuit board for this.
Now where would I find a tiny thermocouple that would work on a hotend? It's clear I will need to read up on the differences.
Thanks, Guys.
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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by mhackney »

Chris, you are right, it is unclear which version they are selling. The listing shows the configuration/code number as having two power options. But the listing does not include the full code for the item on sale. I've emailed the seller to see if they have the 12 v version.

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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by mhackney »

Ah, that makes sense. The aquarium unit has enough range for a hot bed. The RepRap wiki has sources for thermocouples as I recall.

I'm actually taking a different approach since I want to control the temps and display them in Mach3. I am using an Aruduino talking to Mach via MODBUS. The Arduino has the PID control (open source) for temp control. I have prototyped a unit with 2 temp controllers and 2 fan controls and a few auxiliary controls for LEDs, etc. The heaters are powered with MOSFETs. They are perfect for this application.


Here is a photo: [img]http://mhackney.zenfolio.com/img/s3/v38 ... 0711-3.jpg[/img]

I just need some time to finish it up now that my hot bed is functional.

cheers,
Michael

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Start Here:
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Strategies for Resolving Print Artifacts

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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by Leeway »

I have a notice that it was shipped this AM, but I have also asked if what he shipped was indeed for 12 VDC.

I am keeping my eye on your progress too.
I hope that when you get it sorted, you may have kits or plans.
Mach 3 will be the only way I have to be able to use properly with the heat bed. Short of buying another purpose built board.
I am designing a larger printer too, and it will most likely use the G540 with nema 23's, but it might work okay with the right 17's.
Just printing out a few R&D parts for now to test a few concepts.
Keep up the great work on that, Michael.
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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by Leeway »

Wow. Speedy reply from seller.

"Hi, there

Sure, we've shipped as the 12V version, as all previous US buyers have made this choice, and 220V is not used in the States.

So no worries.

Enjoy a great day!

Sincerely yours,
Charlie

- lemonbleue"
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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by Eaglezsoar »

Chris Muncy wrote:I had ordered one of those as in the specifications it said it would also run on 12 vdc. Well the version sent only ran on 110. So if you want to run it on 12vdc check the EXACT part number.
Did you ever receive one that operated on 12V?
All the pictures show the higher voltage model, how do you get the 12V model?
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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by Leeway »

I haven't received it yet, but the tracking shows that it has been processed in NY. There were a couple of the pictures in the add with the check mark in the correct spot for low voltage.

I'll let you know what arrives.

This particular offering only shows the 12 VDC option. Different seller though.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... FP:US:1123
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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by drew »

I'm thinking of using a mk138 with it's stock thermistor to control a heated bed and was wondering if anyone knows of a datasheet for the thermistor supplied by velleman? I tried looking up NTC10K0 but that seems to be a generic type and isn't manufacture specific.

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Re: Using the Velleman MK138 with a heated print bed

Post by zaphod »

I think this may be close to the velleman stock thermistor but I'm not positive: http://www.ussensor.com/rt%20charts/PS103G2.htm

It is a NTC 10k0 but I'm not positive about the 'G' vs. 'J' temperature profile curves. I don't have the exact velleman thermistor part number... any else have it?
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