Editing Openai/693e8fff-df14-800f-98bc-92e6bff9d2fa


{{DISPLAYTITLE:3D print firmware help}}

''This conversation was exported from ChatGPT''<ref>{{cite web|title=3D print firmware help|url=https://chatgpt.com/share/693e8fff-df14-800f-98bc-92e6bff9d2fa|publisher=ChatGPT|access-date=2025-12-14}}</ref>

== gpt-5-2 ==
=== User: Atlas, someone in a 3D print Facebook group needs some help. ===
Atlas, someone in a 3D print Facebook group needs some help. I’ve attached a screenshot of their inquiry.

=== Assistant: Got it. ===
Got it. This is a classic “fell into the deep end all at once” situation, and honestly the person is way closer than they think. Here’s a clean, confidence-building reply you can post that walks them through it logically without talking down to them.

You can copy/paste this directly, or tweak tone as you like.

You’re actually in much better shape than you think. The SKR Mini E3 V3 + TFT35 is a solid upgrade path. The confusion is mostly around how Marlin gets onto this board and what needs to be connected when.

Here’s the simplified flow.

===== 1. How firmware works on the SKR Mini E3 V3 =====

You do not install Marlin like software on a PC.

The SKR Mini E3 uses an SD card to flash firmware.
* You compile Marlin on your computer (or download a precompiled BIN if available).
* The compiled file is named firmware.bin
* Put firmware.bin on a blank SD card
* Insert SD card into the SKR board
* Power on the control box
* The board flashes it automatically and renames it to FIRMWARE.CUR

If the name changes, the flash worked.

No USB connection required for flashing.

===== 2. Do I power the board by itself first? =====

Yes. This is the safest approach.

For the first power-up, connect only:
* Power supply to the board
* LCD (optional but helpful)

Leave steppers, heaters, thermistors, endstops unplugged for the first test.

This lets you confirm:
* The board powers on
* No smoke or overheating
* Screen turns on

If that works, power off and continue.

===== 3. Marlin setup. Keep it simple =====

Do not start from scratch Marlin.

Best approach:
* Download Marlin 2.x
* Use the example config closest to a CR-10
* Modify only what is required: - Board: BTT_SKR_MINI_E3_V3_0 - Bed size for S5 - Direct drive extruder - CR-Touch enabled - TFT screen enabled (or run it in 12864 emulation mode)

PlatformIO + VS Code is the standard way to compile.

Yes, it feels weird the first time. Everyone hates it at first.

===== 4. TFT35 screen note (important) =====

The TFT has two modes:
* Touch mode (separate firmware on the screen)
* Marlin 12864 mode (acts like a normal LCD)

If things get confusing:
* Put the TFT in 12864 mode
* Treat it like a standard Marlin screen
* You can update TFT firmware later via its own SD card

They are independent.

===== 5. Wiring sanity check =====

The “4 fans, 3 fan ports” issue is normal.

Typical solution:
* Hotend fan on always-on port
* Part cooling fan on FAN0
* Electronics fan shared or run off always-on

Extruder motor not working originally was likely:
* Loose connector (which they found)
* Or driver current too low on old board

The SKR solves that.

===== 6. Order of operations going forward =====
# Flash Marlin via SD
# Power on with board + screen only
# Confirm screen boots
# Power off
# Connect endstops
# Power on and test endstop status
# Power off
# Connect steppers
# Power on and test movement
# Connect heaters and thermistors LAST

This avoids frying anything.

===== 7. Final reassurance =====

You’re not doing anything “wrong”. You jumped from Ender-level simplicity straight into custom firmware territory, which feels brutal the first time.

Once Marlin is flashed successfully, everything else becomes small, solvable steps.

If you want, I can help you:
* Pick the right Marlin example
* Verify config settings
* Double-check wiring order
* Or point you to a known-good SKR Mini E3 V3 + CR-Touch config

You’re absolutely on the right track.

If you want, tell me:
* Do you want this shorter and more Facebook-friendly, or
* Do you want a second comment that specifically explains Marlin flashing in 5 bullets?

Either way, this person is salvageable, and you’ll look like a hero helping them 👍

== References ==
<references />


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