I recently upgraded my Ender3 to Klipper firmware through the Creality Sonic Pad. I have read about Klipper for years and decided to take the plunge when I saw the Sonic Pad on sale for $120. The benefits of using Klipper are well-documented on Reddit and various other tech forums and blogs.
What is Klipper? It is a the process of working with a Raspberry Pi or another general purpose computer and installing the firmware that improves the speed through input shaping. Input shaping is an open-loop control technique for reducing vibrations in computer-controlled machines. I know it can be intimidating for some it replace the firmware, but if I can do it, anyone can.
Back to the Sonic Pad, the Creality Sonic Pad is a tablet that had a general purpose computer and screen that promises to make using Klipper much easier. Klipper can be used with and without Octoprint and it does not require the Sonic Pad, but reportedly, the Sonic Pad makes it easier.
Pros:
My Ender-3 is not stock. I have a glass plate, auto-leveling, and Dual Z motors. I could have used a stock preset if I did not have these additions.
The firmware offers many features that can improve the printing result. The Sonic Pad is also pre-configured for many Creality 3D printers, making it a good choice for anyone with a compatible printer. It is not exceptional difficult to configure it for a non-Creality or modified printer but it does take some patience.
The bottom line: It works well. So, does it live up to the hype? Yes. After 2 weeks of printing, I can print three as fast as a stock Ender-3. I have printed as fast as 6 times and I get marginal quality at that level. It makes the printing experience very convenient and faster. I am very happy with the purchase.
How does it compare to my Prusa? It is faster (1.5x or so) and the quality is similar. Time will tell if the reliability lasts. My Ender is several years old and is responsible for hours, weeks, and months of heartache and foul words, so it will take a lot of time to heal those wounds. Maybe I bought a lemon, but the last two weeks have shown me it can print with the right mods and firmware.
What is Klipper? It is a the process of working with a Raspberry Pi or another general purpose computer and installing the firmware that improves the speed through input shaping. Input shaping is an open-loop control technique for reducing vibrations in computer-controlled machines. I know it can be intimidating for some it replace the firmware, but if I can do it, anyone can.
Back to the Sonic Pad, the Creality Sonic Pad is a tablet that had a general purpose computer and screen that promises to make using Klipper much easier. Klipper can be used with and without Octoprint and it does not require the Sonic Pad, but reportedly, the Sonic Pad makes it easier.
Pros:
- Durable product that is well designed
- Provides good results at high print speeds
- 18 preset printers that work with it out of the box
- Touch screen that is easy to use
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- Plenty of ports
- Easy to setup and use for remote print monitoring and time-lapses
- Crappy Documentation
- Additional printers (outside the 18) require some firmware knowledge
- The calibration prints are not the best
My Ender-3 is not stock. I have a glass plate, auto-leveling, and Dual Z motors. I could have used a stock preset if I did not have these additions.
The firmware offers many features that can improve the printing result. The Sonic Pad is also pre-configured for many Creality 3D printers, making it a good choice for anyone with a compatible printer. It is not exceptional difficult to configure it for a non-Creality or modified printer but it does take some patience.
The bottom line: It works well. So, does it live up to the hype? Yes. After 2 weeks of printing, I can print three as fast as a stock Ender-3. I have printed as fast as 6 times and I get marginal quality at that level. It makes the printing experience very convenient and faster. I am very happy with the purchase.
How does it compare to my Prusa? It is faster (1.5x or so) and the quality is similar. Time will tell if the reliability lasts. My Ender is several years old and is responsible for hours, weeks, and months of heartache and foul words, so it will take a lot of time to heal those wounds. Maybe I bought a lemon, but the last two weeks have shown me it can print with the right mods and firmware.