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Installing Marlin on Dremel 3D20

Moonglow edited this page Jun 17, 2021 · 18 revisions

Contributors:

Tim Schoenmackers


Required software:

Notes:

The Dremel 3D20 unlike the FlashForge has an older bootloader what does not allow the user to update the firmware from bootloader mode. The 3D20 has version Bootloader V1.0. This means in order to update the firmware you will need to use Dremel's firmware update tool following the instructions below. If you need to revert back to the stock Dremel3D20 firmware after having updated to Marlin then you will need to copy the original Dremel Firmware (included with the official Dremel3D20 firmware package) onto the printer's internal micro SD card which is connected to the motherboard (not the user accessible one). It's not ideal, but it is better than nothing. The Dremel 3D20 is very similar to the FlashForge Dreamer NX but the Dremel does not have a heated bed, chamber fans, or a chamber temperature sensor.

How to perform the Initial install of Marlin firmware from stock 3D20 firmware:

  1. Connect your 3D20 to a PC using a USB cable
  2. Unpack the Dremel 3D20 firmware updater
  3. Go to the Dremel3D20 firmware folder that you just unpacked ( in my case: Dremel3D20_Firmware_Update_Package_20180611\firmware )
  4. Backup original firmware ( in my case: dremel_1.5.20180611.bin, move to safe place or change file extension from *.bin to something else ).
  5. Copy the Marlin firmware that has been encrypted with the Dremel3D20 encryption key to the Dremel3D20_Firmware_Update_Package_20180611\firmware folder ( you do not need rename it because the Dremel firmware updater will use any *.bin files from that folder )
  6. Run the Dremel firmware updater tool ( dremel_firmware.exe ) you will see first button green ( Printer Detected ) this means, that software detect our printer and you can continue
  7. Push Start Firmware Update button and wait while it finished
  8. Reboot your printer and you will see that printer will update the firmware ( progress bar will shows at screen bottom ).
  9. Once the progress bar completes, the Dremel will reboot and after showing the Dremel logo you will see Marlin firmware running !
Dremel 3D20 Marlin firmware
dremel_marlin

How to Update Marlin firmware or revert to stock firmware:

  1. Turn OFF your printer
  2. Flip the printer upside-down and unscrew the six 2.5mm hex screws from the printer's bottom metal shield. Note that the bottom shield is held onto the printer via a metal grounding strap, so exercise caution when lifting it to not damage your printer.
  3. The micro SD card is held in place via a small metal retaining clip. To remove internal micro SD card from the motherboard first note the position of the SD card in the slot so that you know how to place it back after step 4, then slide the metal clip toward the USB connector, then flip it up. Now the micro SD can be removed.
  4. Using a computer, copy either the updated Marlin firmware or the original Dremel firmware onto the SD card's sys folder, and rename the firmware to dremel.bin
  5. Insert back microSD card to motherboard socket ( be careful and make sure that the micro SD is seated correctly) then flip the metal locking bracket down and slide it away from the USB connector.
  6. Turn ON the printer and wait until the Marlin firmware finishes booting. Then navigate to Settings->Configuration->Advanced Settings->Firmware update trigger
  7. Accept the Write trigger? request when prompted.
  8. Reboot your printer by turning it OFF then ON and it will update the firmware from SD card sys folder

Notes: