Done with Marlin Recompilation? Switch to Smoothieboard
Tired of recompiling Marlin firmware every time you want to change a setting? Smoothieboard v2 offers 32-bit performance with text-file configuration. Fast prints, smooth motion, endless expandability. Works with Cartesian, Delta, CoreXY, and more. The open-source upgrade your printer deserves.
8-Bit Board Holding Your Printer Back?
Common Frustrations with 8-Bit Boards:
- ❌ Marlin Recompilation Required - Change PID values? Recompile (10-30 min). New stepper driver? Recompile. Different hotend? Recompile. Every configuration change requires PlatformIO compilation.
- ❌ Limited Expansion - Want multi-material (3+ extruders)? Many 8-bit boards lack available GPIO pins for additional steppers, heaters, and thermistors.
- ❌ Configuration Complexity - Marlin’s configuration.h files require understanding C++ preprocessor directives and firmware compilation.
- ❌ Firmware Updates Take Time - Compiling and flashing Marlin firmware takes 10-30 minutes per update, making experimentation tedious.
- ❌ Limited Processing Power - ATmega2560 @ 16MHz with 8-16KB RAM limits motion planning buffer depth and acceleration calculations.
Sound Familiar?
You’ve spent hours:
- Fighting PlatformIO compilation errors
- Searching for the “right” Marlin configuration
- Recompiling firmware just to change a single number
- Wondering why “editing one setting” requires 10 minutes of compilation
There’s a Better Way.
32-Bit Power with RepRap Simplicity
What Changes with Smoothieboard:
Configuration Made Simple:
- ✅ Text-File Editing - Open
config.txt, edit numbers, save, reboot. Done in 30 seconds.
- ✅ No Compilation Required - Change PID, speeds, steps/mm instantly
- ✅ Drag-and-Drop Firmware Updates - Copy
firmware.bin to SD card, reboot. Automatic flash. No compilation tools needed.
- ✅ Easy Experimentation - Try settings, revert if needed, no penalties
- ✅ Well-Documented - 250+ pages of clear, organized configuration documentation
- ✅ Console Commands - Telnet or USB access for real-time debugging and control
Performance Improvements:
- ✅ Fast Prints - 32-bit STM32H745 @ 400MHz handles high speeds smoothly
- ✅ Silent Operation - TMC2660/TMC2590 drivers with StealthChop2 for near-silent stepper motors
- ✅ Better Motion Quality - Advanced trajectory planning reduces ringing and artifacts
- ✅ No Stuttering - 1MB RAM and 400MHz processor handle complex models without bottlenecks
- ✅ Smooth Microstepping - Up to 1/256 microstepping for ultra-smooth motion
Expandability:
- ✅ Multi-Material - Support for 5+ extruders (63 GPIO available on v2 Prime)
- ✅ Chamber Heaters - Multiple heater control for enclosed printers
- ✅ Filament Sensors - Runout detection, encoder-based jam monitoring
- ✅ Chamber Temperature - Additional thermistor inputs
- ✅ Web Interface - Built-in HTTP server for browser-based monitoring and control
- ✅ Network Control - Ethernet with Telnet, HTTP, and Simple FTP (no USB cable needed)
- ✅ Custom Features - Modular firmware architecture makes contributions simple
Printer Architecture Support
Works with Every 3D Printer Design
Cartesian (Prusa-Style):
- Prusa i3 clones, Ender 3, CR-10, custom Cartesian builds
CoreXY:
- Voron 2.4, Voron Trident, RatRig V-Core, HevORT, custom CoreXY
Delta:
- Rostock Max, Kossel / Mini Kossel, Anycubic Predator, custom Delta builds
Others:
- H-Bot / Markforged kinematics
- SCARA printers (Morgan SCARA)
- Belt printers
- Polar / Radial designs
Kinematics Automatically Handled - Linear delta math, CoreXY transformations, SCARA calculations all built-in.
Smoothie vs Marlin: The Comparison
| Feature |
Marlin (8-bit) |
Smoothieboard v2 |
| Processor |
ATmega2560 @ 16MHz |
STM32H745 @ 400MHz |
| Memory |
8-16KB RAM |
1MB RAM |
| Configuration |
Recompile firmware (10-30 min) |
Edit text file (30 seconds) |
| Firmware Updates |
Compile + flash (10-30 min) |
Drag-and-drop .bin file (1 min) |
| PID Tuning |
Recompile |
Change 3 numbers, reboot |
| Steps/mm Change |
Recompile |
Edit line, save, reboot |
| Stepper Drivers |
A4988/DRV8825 (basic) |
TMC2660/TMC2590 (silent) |
| Microstepping |
Typically 1/16 |
Up to 1/256 |
| Expansion GPIO |
Limited on most boards |
63 GPIO available |
| Network Control |
Requires add-on |
Built-in Ethernet |
| Learning Curve |
High (firmware development) |
Low (text editing) |
| Open Source |
Firmware only |
OSHWA HW+FW (FR000021) |
Example: Changing Extruder Steps/mm
Marlin: Edit Configuration.h → Install PlatformIO → Compile (5 min wait) → Upload → Test → Repeat if wrong. Total: 15-30 minutes.
Smoothie: Edit → Save → Reboot. Total: 30 seconds.
Not Klipper, Not Marlin - Just Smoothie
How Smoothie Compares to Alternatives
vs Klipper:
- ✅ No Raspberry Pi Required - Standalone controller, simpler setup
- ✅ Lower Total Cost - No $35-75 Pi needed
- ✅ Less Complexity - One device instead of two
- ✅ Easier Setup - No Linux, SSH, or Pi configuration needed
- ❌ Input Shaper - Klipper has this feature, Smoothie doesn’t (yet)
vs Marlin:
- ✅ 32-Bit Performance - 25x faster processor than 8-bit Marlin
- ✅ Text-File Config - vs firmware recompilation
- ✅ More Memory - 1MB vs 16KB
- ✅ Easier to Use - No PlatformIO, Arduino IDE, or compilation needed
When to Choose Smoothie:
- Want standalone controller (no Raspberry Pi)
- Value simplicity and ease of configuration
- Prefer OSHWA open hardware
- Don’t need bleeding-edge features like input shaper
Multi-Material & Advanced Features
Multi-Material Printing:
- Support for 2-10 extruders (plenty of GPIO available)
- Independent temperature control per extruder
- Tool change scripting (configurable via G-code)
- Compatible with multi-material systems
Chamber Control:
- Heated chamber support for enclosed printers
- Chamber temperature monitoring
- Exhaust fan control based on temperature
- Safety interlocks for overheating protection
Filament Management:
- Filament runout sensors (simple or switch-based)
- Encoder-based filament monitoring (detects jams/tangles)
- Auto-pause on filament runout
- Resume print after filament change
Advanced Sensors:
- BLTouch bed leveling probe support
- Inductive/capacitive probe support
- Strain gauge bed leveling
- Custom sensor integration via GPIO
Configuration Example: See How Easy It Is
Smoothie config.txt Example (Human-Readable):
# Extruder Configuration
extruder.hotend.enable true
extruder.hotend.steps_per_mm 140
extruder.hotend.max_speed 50
# Hotend Temperature Control
temperature_control.hotend.enable true
temperature_control.hotend.thermistor_pin 0.23
temperature_control.hotend.heater_pin 2.7
temperature_control.hotend.thermistor EPCOS100K
# Heated Bed Configuration
temperature_control.bed.enable true
temperature_control.bed.thermistor_pin 0.24
temperature_control.bed.heater_pin 2.5
temperature_control.bed.thermistor Honeywell100K
That’s it. Human-readable. No compilation needed.
Change PID values? Edit three numbers. Save. Reboot. Done.
Software Compatibility
Slicers (All Compatible):
- ✅ PrusaSlicer / SuperSlicer - Standard G-code output
- ✅ Cura - Excellent support
- ✅ Simplify3D - Full compatibility
- ✅ IdeaMaker
- ✅ Slic3r and variants
Host Software:
- ✅ OctoPrint - Popular choice (via Raspberry Pi + USB)
- ✅ Pronterface - Direct USB control
- ✅ Repetier-Host - Full support
- ✅ Smoothie Web Interface - Built-in HTTP server for network control
Your Workflow Doesn’t Change: Slice → Send G-code → Print
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this work with my [Ender 3 / CR-10 / Prusa] printer?
A: Yes, if it uses standard 3D printer architecture. Wiring is similar to any control board swap (steppers, endstops, heaters, thermistors).
Q: Is it easier to set up than Marlin?
A: Initial wiring is the same as any board. Configuration is MUCH easier - text file editing vs firmware compilation.
Q: Can I use OctoPrint?
A: Yes. OctoPrint connects via USB (or network - Smoothie has Ethernet built-in).
Q: What about automatic bed leveling (ABL)?
A: Fully supported. BLTouch, inductive probes, capacitive probes all work with proper configuration.
Q: Will my sliced G-code from PrusaSlicer/Cura work?
A: Yes. Standard G-code from any slicer works perfectly.
Q: Can I add more extruders later for multi-material?
A: Absolutely. Just add more extruder module configurations and wire up the hardware. No firmware limits.
Q: Does it support input shaper like Klipper?
A: Not currently. If input shaper is critical for you, Klipper might be a better choice. Smoothie focuses on simplicity and standalone operation.
Q: Is it faster than my 8-bit board?
A: The processor is 25x faster, yes. Motion is smoother at high speeds. Whether YOU can print faster depends on your printer’s mechanical limits (not the controller).
Ready to Upgrade Your 3D Printer?
Smoothieboard v2 Prime - $200
What’s Included:
- Smoothieboard v2 Prime board
- Choice of TMC2660 or TMC2590 stepper drivers
- Pre-flashed firmware ready to configure
- Quick start guide
Free 3D Printing Resources:
- 3D printer wiring guide
- Sample configurations (Cartesian, Delta, CoreXY)
- OctoPrint setup instructions
- Slicer configuration examples
- Community forum support
Where to Buy:
Upgrade Your 3D Printer - $200
✓ No More Marlin Recompilation
✓ 32-Bit Performance
✓ Multi-Material Ready
✓ Text-File Configuration
✓ Works with All Slicers & OctoPrint
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