¶ BMCU
The original author's project page：
https://oshwhub.com/bamboo-shoot-xmcu-pcb-team/bmcu
https://gitee.com/at_4061N/BMCU
This section is a repost of the original content by the author, and I have translated it into English. The red-marked parts are my own annotations.
This page, including all BMCU-related content, follows the original author's open-source license and is freely available to everyone.
With due credit to the original author 4061N.
向原作者4061N大佬及其团队致敬。
¶ Introduction
The BMCU is designed based on open source materials, according to the protocol introduction of bambubus on Github, and the reference data provided by users, so we designed a system to simulate the operation of AMS for A series printers.
Note: BMCU is only compatible with A1 and A1 mini.
Some people did manage to get it to work in p series though, but that may not be supported in the author's original firmware.
The BMCU is specialised on AMCU, and many of its designs refer to the workings of AMS lite that can be found on the Internet.
Because its design uses a lot of open source content and its function is too similar to AMS lite, BMCU is open source and not allowed to be commercialised, and is only for personal DIY learning and use.
¶ Features of BMCU
-
Unloading does not need to be backed up to the break detection like AMCU, but just exit the five passes, switching consumables faster
-
Side-by-side structure, does not include shelves, which means that you can put the consumables in a sealed box, which feeds your printer.
-
Has a buffer, before the printer triggered winding material can be actively feeding, to prevent excessive resistance to consumables lead to problems
-
Device standardisation, when we designed the machine, we defined many parts as a uniform parameter, which enabled the one-time DIY success rate to be increased, preventing the cost from increasing.
-
The BMCU explores a photoelectric detection design that allows the photoelectric switch to detect transparent consumables, eliminating the resistance of consumables and their instability caused by the micro-detection method. The photoelectric design will be used separately with other open source protocols that allow borrowing.
¶ DIY Cost
Note: The platforms mentioned by the author are open to China only.
PCB support JLC free proofing standard, motherboard and component boards will consume two coupons combined, the cost of components on it in about RMB 80
Mechanical parts cost around RMB 130
Counting other hidden costs that may exist, the replica cost is estimated at RMB 220, not counting printing supplies
¶ Downloads
Check Download center in section BMCU Tutorials
BMCU_Tutorial
¶ Known issues
As a user of BMCUs, here are the issues I've noticed or mentioned by the authors.
Known issue:
- BMCU does not support NFC recognition of bambulab original supplies.
- Transparent filaments may not be detected.
- Some gear noise may occur. -> in my case, channel 4 makes more noise than others.
- Filament still shows up when not plugged in. Especially for channel 1.
- It is possible that Bambulab may block this component after a firmware update. The BMCU went through two bambulab firmware updates. However, given the current attitude of bambulab towards third-party slicing software, it is impossible to be completely optimistic about the future.
¶ Buy for you - Service from me
I currently offer a direct buying service from China to Europe, please see this link for details.
https://www.leboncoin.fr/ad/accessoires_informatique/2922782382
¶ Price and options:
- Option 1 💶€25 : Only the PCBs included one main board + 4 sub-boards: €25
.jpg)
The PCB you receive may not always be the same as in the picture, there are blue/green/white/black styles, etc., depending on the diyer that sells it.
- Option 2 💶€60 ：PCBs in option 1 + all mechanical parts + 4 ptfe tubes + 1 câble
You have to print the structure and assemble them yourself
Option 1 + 
+ 4 x tfpe tubes
- Option 3 💶€80 ：Option 2 and fully assembled and tested, ready to use.
You will still need to print the mounting support yourself.
.avif)
¶ This price DOES NOT include
- Final shipping from France my address to your France/Europe address.
- The support base to mount the BMCU to your printer.
- Additional fees through leboncoin or other platforms.
¶ After-sales, warranty
Although I cannot provide after-sales service, I can guarantee that the product will be tested by me to work properly before it is shipped to you.
-
Warranty is not included. My service is limited to assisting you with placing the order on the platform, arranging logistique to your address, and sharing all the relevant information I can provide.
-
I do not guarantee the quality of the product itself, such as the PCB, accessories, or other components.
-
I can't guarantee that Bambulab will block this BMCU one day.
¶ Buy it yourself
If you wish to purchase on your own, I still hope to be able to help you.
Chinese goofish plateform with keyword BMCU
This platform, Goofish, operates in China and requires a verified Alipay account for ordering.
Therefore, you would need a Chinese citizen or a foreigner currently in China with a verified Chinese Alipay account to place an order
Some third party platforms such as superbuy can help you to place an order from goofish for an extra fee. But one thing complicated will be how to communicate the details with the seller in this case.
Reference price : 1kg package shipping to France about $25 (import tax may apply)
BMCU complete assembly reference weight : less than 1.5 kg
¶ Photo Gallery
¶ my BMCU in use
My A1 mini
.jpg)
My A1
¶ Video Gallery
BMCU with two color multi-color printing.
https://youtube.com/shorts/GthoyZ_HDdk?feature=share
¶ Installation instruction
Check section BMCU Tutorials.
BMCU_Tutorial