MKS SBASE is made by Makerbase a.k.a MKS (Makerbase), a Chinese manufacturer of 3D Printer controller boards also know as a mainboard that can run Marlin, Repetier and other firmware.
MKS SBASE V1.3 Overview
This is a 32-bit control board for your 3d printer with an ARM-Cortex M3 LPC1768 microcontroller. It supports 12V-24V DC input.
Here is the pinout configuration from the MKS SBASE github page.
MKS SBASE 1.3 OnBoard Stepper Drivers
Its five motor outputs are powered by OnBoard DRV8825 stepper drivers with six different step resolutions: full-step, half-step, 1/4-step, 1/8-step, 1/16-step, and up to 1/32-steps. If you are using Marlin Firmware the stepper motor current can be adjusted in the Configuration_adv.h file.
Fan Wiring Connection
The MKS SBASE 1.3 comes with limited connections for your 3d printer’s extruder fans, board cooling fans and part cooling fans. This connection is for your 3d printers cooling fan as it kicks on after your first layer has been completed during the print.
But what about the Extruder Fans?
You might be asking yourself how to connect the extruder fans, at least that is what happened to me. I reached out to King at Makerbase and he suggested connecting them to the secondary input voltage connector. But then I thought well that would mean the fans would always be on which is not ideal or power-friendly.
So I searched for a better way and I found that you can use a relay or even better a MOSFET Driver Module!
These little guys make is easy to add low amp hardware and control them with the signal pin. Simply wire these to the secondary power input on the board, wire up the fans and then connect the signal pin to a free digital pin. Then just modify your firmware configuration to activate the pin for the extruder fan power. These support up to 24v which makes them a great and affordable choice.
Smart Controllers (Screens)
MKS SBASE 1.3 supports many Smart Controllers and Touch Screens. They have their own line of touch screens which are pretty nice.
USB and SD Card Compatibility
The MKS SBASE 1.3 board does not come onboard SD or USB KEY connectors. What’s pretty awesome about the MKS TFT Touch Screens is that they come with integrated SD and USB Key connectors!!!
Most other TFT Screens and Smart controllers come with an SD Card Slot Standard, just be sure whatever you are choosing has that feature should you want to use it.
Summary
The MKS SBASE 1.3 is a great 32-bit mainboard controller board that give you much improved performance over 8-bit boards. It’s compatible with Marlin firmware and the the open source community is improving it every day so it will only get better. It’s touch screen LCD’s make it an attractive and easy to use interface with an added USB convenience.
Hello, my name’s Rush Chapman. I’m a 3D printing enthusiast. I started this site to help people choose 3D printing projects and select the best 3D printer for your needs, whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro!
