5. Upgrading the connectivity

Relevant for:

MK4S MK3.9S

Last updated 20 days ago

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Available languages

Step 1 Tools necessary for this chapter

⬢For this chapter, please prepare:

⬢2.5mm Allen key

Step 2 Opening the electronics

⬢Release four M3x6 screws and remove the xBuddybox-cover.

⬢Release two M3x10 screws from the El-box-cover and remove the cover from the printer.

You will no longer need the El-box-cover (plastic cover).

Step 3 Removing the Wi-Fi&heatbed covers

⬢Release two M3x6 screws from the Heatbed-cable-holder and remove it from the printer.

⬢Release the M3x6 screw from the Wifi-cover and remove it from the printer.

You will no longer need these printed parts.

⬢Gently remove the ESP-01S Wi-Fi module from the printer by pulling it out of the connector.

Even if you no longer need this part for your printer upgrade, keep it for future projects. For example, if you own an Original Prusa MINI/+, you can install this Wi-Fi module to take advantage of the benefits of connectivity on that printer as well.

⬢More information at help.prusa3d.com.

Step 4 Wi-Fi: parts preparation

⬢For the following steps, please prepare:

⬢MK4S-Wifi-cover (1x)

⬢ESP-WiFi (1x)

⬢M3x12 screw (3x)

Step 5 Assembling the Wi-Fi

⬢Insert the ESP-WiFi module into the WiFi-cover, positioning it just below the bridge on the left side.

⬢On the other side, ensure the connector fits correctly into the hole in the cover.

Step 6 Installing the WiFi cover assembly

Be very careful when handling and connecting the ESP module to avoid bending and damaging the pins.

⬢Take the WiFi cover assembly and connect the ESP module pins to the connector in the xBuddy.

⬢Position the heatbed cable bundle into the cutout in the WiFi cover.

⬢Close the WiFi cover carefully, ensuring the pins of the ESP module are properly engaged in the connector on the xBuddy.

Double-check that the heatbed cable bundle is in place.

⬢Secure the cover with three M3x12 screws.

Step 7 NFC antenna: parts preparation I.

⬢For the following steps, please prepare:

⬢xBuddybox-cover (1x) you removed earlier

⬢El-box-cover (1x) new part

Make sure you really have the new part ready. Compare according to the second picture.

⬢M3x6 screw (4x) you removed earlier

⬢M3x10 screw (2x) you removed earlier

The list continues in the next step ...

Step 8 NFC antenna: parts preparation II.

⬢NFCcoil (1x)

⬢Adhesive film 32 x 25 mm (1x)

⬢NFC coil cable (1x)

Starting December 2024, packages may include another version of the NFCcoil with a different assembly process. Check your version and follow the correct steps.

⬢NFCcoil assembly (1x)

This NFCcoil version is pre-assembled, with the antenna cable and adhesive layer attached to the NFCcoil.

⬢If you have the pre-assembled version, proceed to the next step; otherwise, go to Connecting the NFC antenna.

Step 9 Installing the NFCcoil (pre-assembled)

⬢Peel of the protective layer layer from the NFCcoil.

CAUTION: The NFCcoil surface is adhesive. Avoid sticking anything to it.

⬢Gently insert the NFCcoil into the part. And position correctly:

⬢The antenna cable and the cable solder joint on the NFC coil board must be oriented as shown.

⬢Stick the NFCcoil on the inner side of the El-box-cover approximately like in the picture.

Step 10 Connecting the NFC antenna

⬢Locate the small round connector labeled NFC on the bottom left side of the xBuddy board.

⬢Connect the NFC coil cable to the board by fitting the connectors together and pressing lightly until you feel a click, ensuring a correct connection.

Ensure the NFC antenna cable connector is securely plugged in and does not come loose from the board.

BE EXTRA CAREFUL when connecting the NFC antenna cable connector. Excessive pressure or misalignment can cause irreversible damage.

⬢Leave the other end of the cable free for now.

⬢If you connected the pre-assembled version, go to Verify all connections once more!.

Step 11 Preparing the NFCcoil

⬢Peel off the yellow protective film from the adhesive tape.

Avoid covering the holes in the NFCcoil board.

⬢Stick the adhesive film on the cleaned side of the NFCcoil approximately as shown. The side without the company logo.

Do not put the adhesive tape over any holes in the board!

Step 12 Assembling the NFC antenna

⬢Peel of the adhesive tape paper layer from the NFCcoil.

⬢Stick the NFCcoil on the inner side of the El-box-cover approximately like in the picture. See the correct orientation of both parts!

⬢Leave at least 2mm space between the NFCcoil end the edge of the El-box-cover.

⬢Locate the small round connector on the NFCcoil.

⬢Connect the NFC coil cable to the board by fitting the connectors together and pressing lightly until you feel a click, ensuring a correct connection.

Ensure the NFC antenna cable connector is securely plugged in and does not come loose from the board.

BE EXTRA CAREFUL when connecting the NFC coil cable connector. Excessive pressure or misalignment can cause irreversible damage.

Step 13 Verify all connections once more!

⬢Check your electronics connection with the first picture.

Before covering the electronics, check and compare your wiring.

⬢Compare your cable management with the third picture.

If you're upgrading from MK3.9, you may notice slightly different cable management due to motor cable adapters. These differences do not affect the instructions in this manual.

Make sure that all connectors are fully inserted and PSU cables properly tightened. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the printer!

Step 14 Covering the xBuddy box: bottom cover

⬢Push two M3x10 screws through the El-box-cover.

⬢Attach the cover to the xBuddy Box. There are two threaded holes in the xBuddy box. Make sure there is no cable in the way for the screws and the cover.

⬢Secure the el-box-cover by tightening both M3x10 screws to the xBuddy box.

Be careful not to pinch the NFC cable when closing the cover.

Step 15 Covering the xBuddy box

⬢Arrange the NFC coil cable to the rightmost side as shown.

Avoid routing the cable over the Ethernet connector on the left and the power cables on the right, or it may get pinched and damaged when covering the electronics box.

⬢Carefully cover the xBuddy box by first sliding the bent part of the cover into the box.

Avoid pinching the cables. Double-check the NFC coil cable position.

⬢Align the xBuddy box cover with the xBuddy box and secure it with four M3x6 screws.