In the year 2023, we are witnessing an exciting shift in the manufacturing industry as companies are gradually moving away from 8-bit boards. While a few new machines equipped with 8-bit 2560 CPUs have emerged, these represent the last remnants of this technology. Nowadays, the slowest and most limited processors found in 3D printers are the Melzi-type boards with 1284p CPUs. Remarkably, it has been over a year since we last encountered a processor utilizing this older technology.
As we dedicate a significant amount of time to developing our firmware, supporting a wide range of CPU and board combinations increases the duration required for testing and releasing updates. Given the declining prevalence of these older boards in newly manufactured printers and the natural lifespan limitation of existing boards, we have made the decision to discontinue updates for 1284p CPUs. However, it is important to note that we will maintain the availability of 1284p firmware on our website, albeit limited to the last release that supported them (most likely the current 2.69 version).
Fortunately, many of the printers equipped with these older boards can be easily upgraded to alternative boards, such as our EZBoard V2. By opting for a new 32-bit board, users can enjoy enhanced print quality and faster printing speeds, while also gaining access to the latest and most advanced firmware features. We encourage those seeking the utmost performance and cutting-edge functionalities to consider upgrading their printers to a new 32-bit board for an optimally satisfying experience.
TH3D EZBoard V2 – For Creality/Sovol Printers – Unified 2, Marlin, & Klipper
In addition, we would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the users who have been utilizing our firmware on the older 1284p CPUs. Your support and loyalty have been invaluable to us, and we appreciate your commitment to our brand.
As we transition away from supporting these older boards, we want to assure you that our dedication to providing top-notch firmware remains unwavering. We eagerly anticipate the moment when you will be able to run our firmware on new boards, whether that means acquiring a brand-new printer or upgrading your existing one. With the latest advancements in 32-bit technology, you can expect superior print quality, faster speeds, and access to a wide range of exciting features.
Once again, we extend our sincerest gratitude to all our users and remain eager to accompany you on your printing journey with our firmware, embracing the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Happy Printing,
Tim Hoogland
Owner – TH3D Studio