Anet A8 Plus customisation

On my Creator Pro I have always liked to use a USB connection in order to manage and send prints, rather than the more conventional walk-up and plug in a card. I have a dedicated laptop which runs Windows 10 and Simplify 3D. Despite the perfectly valid criticism of updates stalling, I really quite like S3D and I do hope that the development does finally start moving again. For me, it's a very handy way of working. I can connect to the laptop from anywhere using Remote Desktop and run S3D as if I was local and slice and print - and manage the printer - all from one session. If I want to stop the job, I'm in direct control. A couple of webcams and I can see what's going on and set up and run things from anywhere. When I built the A8 Plus I simply added a USB hub and S3D will allow multiple sessions so that I can run both printers at once with the same facility as I had for one. On the new build, I have installed the ESP-01S WiFi module to the TFT35 to provide WiFi access to t...

Today I have been working on mopping up some tasks which need do in preparation for creating the cable looms. This latter task is now a little delayed as I've decided to make the stepper motor cables with shielded cables, just because I don't like the amount of noise which they're pumping out .  Today, I have carried out a number of preparatory and remedial processes.  Installed the ESP01 WiFi module into the TFT35 screen. I had had a number of aborted attempts at this previously (it's more than a little arcane) but this time I have managed to get it working. In practice, I may not use it that often but it could be useful in some circumstances. It does seem very basic, but it does mean that I'm not tied to a cable.  I also decided to replace the IGUS bearings on the X axis with traditional roller bearing ones. While I had the carriage apart, I also replaced the heater block, throat and nozzle.  I also upgraded the X axis belt to a high quality Gates one as I'd b...