6. xLCD assembly

Relevant for:

MK4S MK3.9S

Last updated a month ago

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Available languages

Step 1 Tools necessary for this chapter

⬢For the following steps, please prepare:

⬢2.5mm Allen key

⬢Needle-nose pliers for tightening and cutting zip ties

⬢Torx key T8/10

⬢Phillips screwdriver

Step 2 xLCD assembly: parts preparation (part 1)

⬢For the following steps, please prepare:

⬢xLCD-support(1x)

⬢xLCDcover (1x)

⬢xLCD (1x)

Remove the protective film from the xLCD screen.

⬢xReflector sticker set (1x)

The list continues in the next step...

Step 3 xLCD assembly: parts preparation (part 2)

⬢3x8sT screw (4x)

⬢PE Faston 6.3x0.8 (1x)

Step 4 Installing the xReflector sticker

⬢Peel off one of the individual adhesive xReflector sticker.

⬢Note the separated part of the tape at one end. Do not peel off the remaining part.

If the sticker is damaged during peeling, there is an extra sticker in the SPARE package.

⬢Position the xReflector sticker strip so that it lines up with one side and both the edges of the "gutter" in the xLCD-cover. Continue to lay down the xReflector sticker strip towards the other side of the gutter.

⬢Press the xReflector sticker strip all the way into the gutter so it adheres to the xlcd-cover.

Step 5 Covering the xLCD

⬢Carefully slide the xLCD into the xLCD-support, ensuring it snaps under the plastic tabs. Align the screw holes in the xLCD board with the holes in the plastic part.

⬢Place the xLCD-cover on the xLCD, orienting it so the encoder passes through the hole in the cover.

Step 6 Installing the PE Faston

⬢From the back of the xLCD assembly, secure all parts together using three 3x8sT.

The screws cut thread directly into the plastic, so there might be some resistance.

⬢Through the opening in the xLCD-support, place the PE Faston on the xLCD with the exact orientation as shown.

⬢Center the PE Faston in the opening and secure it with the 3x8sT screw.

The screw cuts thread directly into the plastic, so there might be some resistance.

Step 7 xLCD cables: parts preparation

⬢For the following steps, please prepare:

⬢PE cable 460/420 mm (1x)

⬢xLCD cable (1x)

⬢xLCD-knob(1x)

⬢3x12sT screw (4x)

Step 8 Connecting the xLCD cable & PE cable

⬢Take the xLCD cable and prepare the end without the QR code label.

If your xLCD cable doesn't have a label, it won't affect functionality. The choice of cable end is purely for aesthetics.

⬢Connect the xLCD cable to the xLCD board. Ensure the safety latch on the cable connector aligns with the triangle symbol on the xLCD slot.

Make sure the xLCD cable is connected in the same orientation as seen in the picture. Otherwise, your display won't work

⬢Take the end of the PE cable with the square connector. Slide the connector onto the PE Faston all the way.

Step 9 Attaching the knob

⬢Attach and push the xLCD-knob onto the xLCD encoder pin.

Note that there is a flat part on the encoder shaft. There is a geometry on the inside of the knob that should align with the flat part to seat the knob properly.

Step 10 Attaching the xLCD assembly

⬢There are four holes in the front plate of the printer's frame. Insert four 3x12sT screws through each of them from the inner side.

⬢

Attach the xLCD assembly onto the front plate. The screws should fit into the corresponding openings in the xLCD assembly.

⬢Guide the xLCD and FE cables under the front plate to the frame.

⬢Tighten up all four 3x12sT screws.

The screw cuts thread directly into the plastic, so there might be some resistance.

⬢If screws are hard to tighten, pre-screw them into the xLCD support to create a thread for easier tightening.

⬢Guide both cables through the cable clips inside the frame, leaving the end of the xLCD cable free for now.

Step 11 Black vs Silver PSU

The following instructions vary depending on the type of your PSU (power supply unit)!

⬢Select the appropriate instructions for your PSU before proceeding:

⬢Black PSU - go to Connecting the PSU (Black PSU): parts preparation and follow the instructions.

⬢Silver PSU - go to PE cable (Silver PSU): parts preparation and follow the instructions.

Step 12 Connecting the BLACK PSU: parts preparation

⬢For the following steps, please prepare:

⬢PSU-cover (1x)

⬢M3x10 screw (2x)

⬢xBuddy power cable (2x)

⬢Power panic cable (1x)

⬢Zip tie (4x)

Step 13 Connecting the BLACK PSU: PE cable

⬢Place the printer so that you have easy access to the bottom side of the PSU.

⬢Remove the left screw on the PSU circuit board. Note there is a washer on the screw. Do not throw the screw away, you will need it later.

⬢Place the single end of the PE (not the forked end) cable into the same place you have removed the screw. Secure the cable by re-using the screw together with the washer.

Note the correct orientation of the PE cable connector.

⬢Guide the PE cable so that it does not interfere with the threaded column under the PE connector.

Step 14 Power cables info

In the following steps, we will be connecting the power cables one by one. The terminal screws are installed on the PSU already. Loosen them but don't remove them completely so they don't get mixed up with the other type of screws used on the xBuddy board side of the cable. Each of the two power cables has two leads.
One has a prevailing red color = positive / +
One has a prevailing black color = negative / -

⬢Note that the power cables have different connectors on each end. For now, prepare the U-shaped connectors (crimping tube color may vary).

⬢Note that the polarity of the terminals on the PSU is:

⬢Positive (V+)

⬢Negative (V-)

The red cable (positive) may have a black stripe on it. Similarly, the black cable (negative) can have a red stripe on it.

Do not connect any cables yet, wait until you have prompted.

Step 15 Connecting the BLACK PSU (part 1)

⬢Take two RED wires and slide the fork connectors all the way into the first two (positive) terminals from the left on the bottom of the PSU. Make sure the steel washer is above the "fork" connector.

⬢Point the bent part of the fork upwards.

⬢Tighten the terminal screws firmly.

Keep in mind some parts are made out of plastic. When tightening each of the terminal screws, proceed carefully.

Step 16 Connecting the BLACK PSU (part 2)

⬢Take the BLACK wires and slide them all the way into the last two (negative) terminals. Make sure the steel washer is above the "fork" connector.

⬢Tighten the terminal screws firmly.

Check all the connections again!

⬢

The red (+) wires are connected into the two terminals on the left.

⬢The black (-) wires are connected into the two terminals on the right.

Make sure that cables are tightened properly. Otherwise, there is a risk of a damage to the printer and its surroundings!

Step 17 Connecting the power panic (BLACK PSU)

⬢Connect the power panic cable into the PSU. Use the side with the black connector at the end.

Check all the connections again! The red wire is in the second slot and black in the fourth. Make sure that all the cables are properly tightened. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the printer and its surroundings.

⬢Place the psu cover over the power terminals. Make sure the "PRUSA" logo is facing upwards.

⬢

Attach the cover by using the two M3x10 screws through the marked openings. Note the openings are quite deep.

Make sure the cover is seated properly and no cable is being pinched underneath.

⬢Take a look from the bottom of the PSU and guide all the PSU cables through the cable clips according to the picture.

Step 18 Guiding the Z motor right cable (BLACK PSU)

⬢Slide the zip tie through the circular holes in the frame to create a loop on both sides of the frame so that the cable goes through both the loops.

⬢Start tightening the zip tie so it is snug and holds the wires on both sides. Be careful not to over-tighten the zip tie as it could damage the wires. Cut off the remaining part of the zip tie very carefully.

Step 19 Guiding the power cable bundle (BLACK PSU)

⬢Continue downwards and using another zip tie create the next loop.

⬢Guide the Z-axis cable and all cables from the PSU through the zip tie.

⬢Place the PE and power cables at the bottom of the bundle.

⬢Push the cable gently in the zip tie and tighten it so it is snug and holding the wires. Be careful not to over tighten the tie as it can cut the wires. Cut the remaining part.

Step 20 Guiding the power cables (BLACK PSU)

⬢

Continue guiding the cables toward the xBuddy. Include the Y motor cable into the bundle.

⬢Secure it with another zip tie to the frame.

⬢Fold and carefully guide the xLCD cable under the cable bundle. Do not include the xLCD cable in the cable bundle. Leave it free for now.

⬢Guide the PE cable from the xLCD through the cutout in the frame and include it in the cable bundle.

⬢Secure the cable bundle with the zip tie.

⬢Guide all cables from the PSU through the cable-clip. Leave the ends of the cables free for now.

Step 21 Connecting the X and Y motor cables (BLACK PSU)

⬢Connect the X motor cable to the first slot from the left on the top of the xBuddy.

⬢Connect the Y motor cable to the second slot from the left on the top of the xBuddy. Guide the cable alongside the xBuddy box over the zip ties.

Step 22 Connecting the BLACK PSU cable: parts preparation

⬢For the following steps, please prepare:

⬢Power terminal screw 6/32" (4x)

⬢M3x6 screw (1x)

⬢M3w washer (1x)

⬢Zip tie (3x)

Step 23 Connecting the BLACK PSU cables: PE cable

⬢Attach the PE cable connector to the right lower screw hole in the xBuddy box. Secure the cable with the M3w washer and the M3x6 screw. Tighten the screw firmly.

Note the correct orientation of the PE connector.

⬢Guide the PE cable so that it does not interfere with the threaded hole under the xBuddy board.

Step 24 Connecting the BLACK PSU cables:

⬢Connect the power panic cable to the white connector on the bottom of the xBuddy board.

⬢Connect the PSU cables into the xBuddy board in this order (starting from the left with the first pair of the PSU cables). :

⬢Red power cable (positive)

⬢Black power cable (negative)

⬢Red power cable (positive)

⬢Black power cable (negative)

⬢Secure all power cable connectors with the terminal screws. Tighten the screws firmly.

Verify the correct placement of the cables comparing it to the picture. This is crucial! Incorrect wiring may cause damage to your printer!

⬢Now, go to Securing the PSU cables

Step 25 SILVER PSU - PE cable: parts preparation

The following steps are intended for the silver PSU only.

⬢For the following steps, please prepare:

⬢PE extended cable (1x)

⬢M3w washer (1x)

⬢M4x5 screw (1x)

⬢M3x6 screw (1x)

⬢M3nEs nut (1x)

⬢Zip tie (5x)

Step 26 Inserting M3nEs nut (SILVER PSU)

⬢From the inner PSU side of the short extrusion, insert the M3nEs nut between two cable clips.

The exact position of the nut doesn't matter.

Step 27 Guiding the PE cable (SILVER PSU)

⬢Carefully turn the printer on the PSU side.

⬢Take the single end of the PE (not the forked end) cable that is already installed on the printer. Guide the cable through the right cable clip.

Step 28 Connecting the PE cables (SILVER PSU)

⬢Take the free end of the PE cable guiding from the printer and line up the connector with on of the connector of the extended PE cable.

⬢Push the M3x6 screw and the M3w washer through the both connectors.

⬢Attach the joint of cables to the M3nEs nut in the extrusion profile and secure it by fully tightening the M3x6 screw.

⬢The free extended PE cable must be in the left position and lead freely outside the printer.

Step 29 Connecting the extended PE cable (SILVER PSU)

⬢Merge both PE cables and attach them with the zip tie to the left cable clip.

⬢Note two threaded screw holes in the silver power supply unit (PSU). Secure the extended ground connector to the "upper" hole using the M4x5 screw.

⬢Guide all PSU cables through the right cable clip.

Step 30 Guiding the Z motor right cable (SILVER PSU)

⬢Slide the zip tie through the circular holes in the frame to create a loop on both sides of the frame so that the cable goes through both the loops.

Step 31 Guiding the power cable bundle (SILVER PSU)

⬢Continue upwards and using another zip tie create the next loop.

⬢Guide the Z-axis cable and all cables from the PSU through the zip tie.

⬢Place the PE and power cables at the bottom of the bundle.

⬢Push the cable gently in the zip tie and tighten it so it is snug and holding the wires. Be careful not to over tighten the tie as it can cut the wires. Cut the remaining part.

Step 32 Guiding the power cables (SILVER PSU)

⬢Continue guiding the cables toward the xBuddy. Include the Y motor cable into the bundle.

⬢Secure it with another zip tie to the frame.

⬢Carefully guide and fold the xLCD cable under the cable bundle. Do not include the xLCD cable in the cable bundle. Leave it free for now.

⬢Guide the PE cable from the xLCD through the cutout in the frame and include it in the cable bundle.

⬢Secure the cable bundle with the zip tie.

Step 33 Power panic extended cable (SILVER PSU): parts preparation

⬢For the following steps, please prepare:

⬢Power panic extended cable (1x)

⬢3-32 terminal screw (4x) you removed from the printer (EINSY board)

⬢Zip tie (3x)

⬢M3x6 screw (1x)

⬢M3w washer (1x)

Step 34 Extending the power panic cable (SILVER PSU)

⬢Using the 3-32 terminal screw, attach the power panic extended cable connector to the last (right) power terminal slot. Do not completely tighten the terminal screw! A few turns are enough for now, we will fully tighten the screw later.

⬢Connect the white connector of the power panic extended cable to the slot labeled PWR PAN. on the xBuddy board.

⬢Leave the black connector of the power panic extended cable free for now.

Note that most of the following steps are taken with a black PSU and without power panic extended cable. However, specific instructions will be provided if there are differences for the silver PSU.

⬢Pre-screw the remaining terminal screws into the terminals on the xBuddy board. Do not tighten the screws completely, 3-5 turns will be sufficient.

Step 35 Connecting the X and Y motor cables (SILVER PSU)

⬢Connect the X motor cable to the first slot from the left on the top of the xBuddy.

⬢Connect the Y motor cable to the second slot from the left on the top of the xBuddy. Guide the cable alongside the xBuddy box over the zip ties.

Step 36 Connecting the PE cable (SILVER PSU)

⬢Attach the PE cable connector to the right lower screw hole in the xBuddy box. Secure the cable with the M3w washer and the M3x6 screw. Tighten the screw firmly.

Note the correct orientation of the PE connector.

⬢Guide the PE cable so that it does not interfere with the threaded hole under the xBuddy board.

Step 37 Connecting the SILVER PSU cables

⬢Plug the power cables under the pre-screwed terminals screws on the xBuddy board in this order (starting from the left with the first pair of the PSU cables). :

⬢Red power cable (positive)

⬢Black power cable (negative)

⬢Red power cable (positive)

⬢Black power cable (negative) - connect together with the extended power panic cable. The extended power panic cable must be underneath.

⬢Secure all power cable connectors with the terminal screws. Tighten the screws firmly.

Verify the correct placement of the cables comparing it to the picture. This is crucial! Incorrect wiring may cause damage to your printer!

Step 38 Connecting the power panic cable (SILVER PSU)

⬢Plug the power panic guiding from the PSU into the power panic extended cable.

Step 39 Securing the PSU cables

⬢Divide the cable bundle into two paths:

⬢Insert the zip tie through the right hole in the cable clip.

See the detail showing an example how to guide a zip tie through the cable clip.

⬢Guide the cables from the PE cables, PSU cables, Power Panic cable and motors cables around the left side of the cable clip.

⬢Guide the xLCD cable around the right side of the cable clip.

⬢Very gently tighten the cables with the zip tie. Cut off the remaining zip tie.

Step 40 Guiding the Z motor left cable

⬢Push the zip tie through the frame under the Z motor left.

⬢Guide the Z motor left cable through the cutout in the frame to the xBuddy box.

⬢Carefully tighten the zip tie. Cut off the excess of the zip tie.

Do not overtighten the zip tie, it may fatally damage the cable.

Step 41 Connecting the xLCD cables

⬢Connect the xLCD to the slot on the right side of the xBuddy. Note the safety latch on the xLCD cable connector. The latch must fit into the upper side of the connector.

Make sure all the cables guide through the zip ties in the xBuddy box, not under them.

⬢Arrange the xLCD cable like in the picture. The xLCD must covering the cable bundle. Tighten the cable bundle with the first two zip ties in the bottom of the xBuddy box. Do not overtighten the zip ties!