Are you looking to enhance your BambuLab 3D printer experience? Look no further than the Xtouch, an innovative open-source project that brings touch screen functionality to your Bambu printers(compatible with P1P, P1S and X1). Developed by Pedro Casaubon, this mod transforms your printing process with intuitive controls and real-time monitoring. This open-source project can be found on GitHub, and you can download the firmware from there as well. It's installed using an inexpensive ESP-32 board.
The Power of Touch at Your Fingertips
The Xtouch, previously known as P1 Touch, offers a user-friendly 2.8-inch touch screen interface that puts advanced control right at your fingertips. With plans for a 5-inch version in the works, this mod is set to revolutionize how you interact with your BambuLab printer.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Status Display: Keep track of WiFi connectivity, camera status, timelapse recording, and AMS status at a glance.
- Temperature Monitoring: Real-time updates on nozzle, bed, and chamber temperatures ensure optimal printing conditions.
- Print Job Control: Adjust print speed on the fly and maintain full control over your ongoing projects.
- Precise Positioning: Fine-tune your printer's XYZ position with adjustable head movement steps (1mm and 10mm).
- Filament Management: Easily load, unload, extrude, and retract filament (Note: Initially available only for printers without AMS).
- Multi-Printer Support: Seamlessly switch between different printers using a single Xtouch screen.
- Customizable Settings: Tailor your LCD and printer-related settings to your preferences.
- OTA Updates: Keep your Xtouch up-to-date with over-the-air firmware updates.
- Advanced Touch Screen: A touch screen interface for intuitive printer control.
Optional Enhancements
For those seeking even more functionality, the Xtouch screen supports an optional DS18B20 Temperature Sensor. This add-on provides accurate chamber temperature readings, especially beneficial for printers without built-in sensors. This project also provide two sensor enclosures for Bambu lab users.
Sensor enclosure
Flexible Mounting Options
Whether you prefer your Xtouch mounted directly on your printer or neatly enclosed on your desk, there are numerous options to integrate this mod seamlessly into your 3D printing setup.
Powering The XTouch Screen
The touchscreen can be powered in two different ways: through a USB port or via a JST 1.25 4-pin connector. Below are the details on how to power the screen using each method:
Powering via USB
1.Connect a suitable USB cable to your computer USB port or other USB power port.
2.At the opposite end of the USB cable, plug the USB head to the xtouch screen.
3.Ensure that the xtouch screen is turned on and that power is being supplied properly through the USB cable. The screen should light up and display the startup information.
Powering via the JST 1.25 4-Pin Connector
The JST 1.25 4-pin connector is an alternative method for powering the xtouch screen. Here is a pinout diagram of this connector:
To power the screen using this connector, follow these steps:
1.Locate the JST 1.25 4-pin connector on the xtouch screen.
2.Align the pins of the JST 1.25 connector with the corresponding pins on the xtouch screen.
3.Connect the JST 1.25 connector to the xtouch screen, ensuring that the pins are properly aligned.
4.Provide the proper power through the JST 1.25 connector using a compatible power source. Make sure the polarity is correct to prevent damage to the screen.
5.Turn on the xtouch screen and verify that it is receiving power properly.
The choice between USB and the JST 1.25 4-pin connector depends on your preference and resource availability. Make sure the xtouch screen receives the necessary power for optimal operation. We suggest you use the USB to power Xtouch screen as it is easy to set.
Installation and Setup
Prepare the SD card
It is important to properly initialize your SD card with the necessary configuration for connecting to your WiFi network. The steps as follow:
1.You need format your empty SD card with FAT32 file system.
2.Then generate a config.json file by online configuration TOOL.
3.Place it on the root directory of the SD card.
Online Web Installer
For set up your Xtouch Screen, you need use the Online Web Installer.
Installing the Xtouch is a straightforward process:
- Install CH340 drivers on your computer.(CH340 download address:https://www.wch.cn/download/CH341SER_ZIP.html)
- Connect the Xtouch to your computer via USB or JST 1.25 4-pin connector.
- Use the web installer to set up the Xtouch mod.(The address of web installer: https://xperiments.in/xtouch-bin/)
- Turn off and turn on your Xtouch screen to initialized it.
- Power on and configure your preferences.
This is the install steps of ESP-32 board. If you use other hardware as the Xtouch screen, you should do this follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully to ensure a successful installation. It is important to note that if you use the USB to powering your Xtouch screen, you'd better connect the USB to a computer and then you can use this computer to set up your Xtouch screen. It is more easy than by JST 1.25 4-pin connector.
Open-Source and Continuously Evolving
The Xtouch is more than just a mod; it's an open-source project that's constantly improving. The GitHub repository (https://github.com/xperiments-in/xtouch) serves as a hub for updates, allowing the 3D printing community to contribute and benefit from ongoing enhancements.
Join the Xtouch Community
To get the most out of your Xtouch experience, join the official Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/284441287626603) where you can connect with other users, share experiences, and stay updated on the latest developments.
Other Brand Touch Screen for Bambu Lab Printers
If you don't wast time on the DIY Xtouch screen and want to get a more powerful touch screen, the BIGTREETECH Panda Screen is a alternative choose. The Panda Touch is a 5-inch touchscreen display. It is compatible with the X1 and A1 series printers and supports group printing and control for up to 10 Bambu Labs printers.
Key Features:
Plug-and-play Convenience: The Panda Touch offers hassle-free setup with a quick and easy installation that does not void the warranty.
Customized User Experience: BIGTREE has tailored the user interface to provide a familiar experience with additional features for controlling multiple machines.
Versatile Functionality: The Panda Touch offers all the expected features of a rich graphical display, along with some extra capabilities.
Seamless Connectivity: The display connects to the printers effortlessly via Wi-Fi.
Magnetic Charging: The Panda Touch's convenient magnetic charging technology enables mobile portability.
Multi-Printer Control: The display allows users to easily manage and synchronize control over multiple printers simultaneously.
AMS Filament Changing System Control: The Panda Touch provides easy access to the multi-color printing controls and the ability to control the filament-changing system with a single touch.
Conclusion
The Xtouch bambu-upgrade offers a significant enhancement to your BambuLab P1P, P1S, X1 printers, and the follow A1, A1 MINI printers. With its intuitive interface, comprehensive features, and active development, it's a must-have mod for any 3D printing enthusiast looking to take their printing experience to the next level. Upgrade your BambuLab printer today and discover the convenience of touch screen control!