Projects
Bambu Conveyor

Bambu Conveyor for ESP32

Github: https://github.com/t0nyz0/Bambu-Poop-Conveyor-ESP32 (opens in a new tab)

Overview

The Bambu Conveyor is an application designed to manage the waste output of a Bambu Labs X1 3D printer (opens in a new tab). It utilizes the MQTT protocol to monitor the printer's status and control a motor that moves waste material away from the printing area.

image

Features

  • WiFi and MQTT Connectivity: Connects to a local WiFi network and communicates with the printer via MQTT
  • Motor Control: Activates a motor to manage the printer's waste output based on the printer's status
  • Web Server: Hosts a web server to provide manual control and configuration of the system
  • Stage Monitoring: Monitors various stages of the printer to determine when to activate the motor

Conveyor Makerworld files (Print these)

List of some supplies that you see in this project

Setup

GPIO Pins

The application uses the following GPIO pins for motor and LED control:

const int greenLight = 19;
const int yellowLight = 18;
const int redLight = 4;
 
int motor1Pin1 = 23;
int motor1Pin2 = 21;
int enable1Pin = 15;

Wiring diagram

image

Note:

  1. The wire color in the diagram will not exactly match my project wires that you will see in the next few images.
  2. Be sure to use resistors on your LED positive terminals or they will burn out eventually.
  3. FAQ: How does the ESP32 get power? On the L298N motor controller there is a 12v IN and an optional 5V OUT. The 5V out runs to the ESP32 > VIN (Voltage In) line, which can handle 3-5v. This solution allows us to use one power source (12V) to power our entire project.
  4. Do not remove any of the jumper pins on the L298N Motor Controller. 5V out is required for the ESP32 as mentioned. See this photo for reference.

After hooking everything up it should look something like this

image

I hot glue the LED's in place, worked well for me

image

Its not ideal but I stuff all this into the box and we are done, the motor rest against the wall in my situation. In the next build I will add better motor mounting and eletronic mounting support

image

WiFi and MQTT Configuration

Enter your WiFi and MQTT credentials in the following variables:

// WiFi credentials
char ssid[40] = "your-ssid";
char password[40] = "your-password";
 
// MQTT credentials
char mqtt_server[40] = "your-bambu-printer-ip";
char mqtt_password[30] = "your-bambu-printer-accesscode";
char serial_number[20] = "your-bambu-printer-serial-number";

Note:

  • ssid is your WIFI name
  • password is the WIFI password
  • mqtt_server is your Bambu Printers IP address
  • mqtt_password is your Bambu printer access code as found on your printer
  • serial_number is your Bambu printer serial number as found on your printer Bambu Wiki - How to find serial number (opens in a new tab)

Installation

  1. Connect the ESP32 to your computer.
  2. Open the code (Bambu-Poop-Conveyor.ino) in the Arduino IDE. image

Tools > Board > Board Manager image

  1. Enter your WiFi and MQTT credentials in the respective variables. (Starting around Line: 17)

  2. Upload the code to the ESP32.

  3. Access the web server via the IP address assigned to the ESP32 to configure and control the application.

Usage

Web Server

The application hosts a web server to provide manual control and configuration. Access the following URLs for different functionalities:

  • Root URL: Opens config page (/)
  • Control URL: Manual motor control page (/control)
  • Config URL: Configuration page to update settings (/config)
  • Logs URL: Log history page (/logs)
  • Manual Run URL: Opening this URL runs the motor manually (/run)

Configuration Screen

image

Log screen

image

Motor Control Timings

Optioal - Configure the motor run time and wait time:

int motorRunTime = 10000; // 10 seconds by default / I prefer 5000 as the poop doesnt come out fast enough for you to need anymore than that, but 10 seconds is just more exciting
int motorWaitTime = 5000; // The time to wait to run the motor. / We dont want the conveyor to run right when the status is detected, 5 seconds is just right in my case
int delayAfterRun = 120000; // Delay after motor run / We dont want it to run again anytime soon

PWM Configuration

Optional - set the PWM properties for motor control:

const int freq = 5000;
const int pwmChannel = 0;
const int resolution = 8;
int dutyCycle = 220; // Motors power level (255 for full power) / I run just under that for no reason other than my own preference

FAQ / Troubleshooting

What do the flashing lights mean when its first turned on?

  • Flashing yellow only = Connecting to WiFi
  • Solid Green = We are connected to Wifi and MQTT printer
  • Red Light on bootup = No Wifi / No MQTT (Solid red also when conveyor is running)
  • Green light / Yellow flashing = Wifi connected / Attempting to connect to printer
  • Green light / Yellow solid = Wifi connected / Issue connecting to printer via MQTT / Will reattempt connection after 5 seconds

The ESP32 doesnt connect to the printer

  • Double check that your printer is setup with Access Code and LAN only mode is OFF See Bambu Wiki (opens in a new tab)
  • Double check your SN matches the settings you put in
  • Make sure your printer has good Wifi signal
  • Make sure the ESP32 has good Wifi signal
  • Reach out to me if you still have issues

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.

image

Modern Next.js Blog in MinutesBambuBoard