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MKS SBASE V1.3 32bit 3D Printer MainBoard Controller

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MKS SBASE is made by Makerbase a.k.a MKS (Makerbase), a Chinese manufacturer of 3D Printer controller boards also known as a mainboard that can run Marlin, Repetier, and other firmware.

MKS SBASE V1.3 Overview

MKS Base Board

This is a 32-bit control board for your 3d printer with an ARM-Cortex M3 LPC1768 microcontroller. It supports 12V-24V DC input.

Here is the pinout configuration from the MKS SBASE github page;

MKS SBASE schematic

MKS SBASE 1.3 OnBoard Stepper Drivers

Its five motor outputs are powered by OnBoard DRV8825 stepper drivers with six different step resolutions: full-step, half-step, 1/4-step, 1/8-step, 1/16-step, and up to 1/32-steps. If you are using Marlin Firmware the stepper motor current can be adjusted in the Configuration_adv.h file.

Check out our OctoPrint Beginner Guide Article;

Fan Wiring Connection

The MKS SBASE 1.3 comes with limited connections for your 3d printer’s extruder fans, board cooling fans, and part cooling fans. This connection is for your 3d printer’s cooling fan as it kicks on after your first layer has been completed during the print.

But what about the Extruder Fans?

You might be asking yourself how to connect the extruder fans, at least that is what happened to me. I reached out to King at makerbase and he suggested connecting them to the secondary input voltage connector. But then I thought well that would mean the fans would always be on which is not ideal or power friendly.

So I searched for a better way and I found that you can use a relay or even better a MOSFET Driver Module!

These little guys make it easy to add low amp hardware and control them with the signal pin. Simply wire these to the secondary power input on the board, wire up the fans, and then connect the signal pin to a free digital pin. Then just modify your firmware configuration to activate the pin for the extruder fan power. These support up to 24v which makes them a great and affordable choice.

Smart Controllers (Screens)

MKS SBASE 1.3 supports many Smart Controllers and Touch Screens. They have their own line of touch screens which are pretty nice.

USB and SD Card Compatibility

The MKS SBASE 1.3 board does not come onboard SD or USB KEY connectors. What’s pretty awesome about the MKS TFT Touch Screens is that they come with integrated SD and USB Key connectors!

mks sd card module

Most other TFT Screens and Smart controllers come with an SD Card Slot Standard, just be sure whatever you are choosing has that feature should you want to use it.

Summary

The MKS SBASE 1.3 is a great 32-bit mainboard controller board that gives you much-improved performance over 8-bit boards. It’s compatible with Marlin firmware and the open-source community is improving it every day so it will only get better. Its touchscreen LCDs make it an attractive and easy-to-use interface with added USB convenience.

Need help or want to learn how to configure Marlin Firmware check out our article;
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Garrett Dunham

A trained Mechanical Engineer and lifelong tinker, Garrett chose to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's engineering proram because they had a 3D printer... back when they were called "rapid prototypers". "The first time I held something I designed and 3D printed, my mind exploded. Just hours earlier my idea was just a thought - and now it's a thing I'm holding." Now, years later, Garrett brings his love of tinkering, inventing, engineering, and 3D printing to the Makershop community.

8 thoughts on “MKS SBASE V1.3 32bit 3D Printer MainBoard Controller”

  1. I have NEMA 17 motors and an MKS v3.1 abase Board for my printer build. The cables that cane with my motors are key’d At the motor end have a simple flat 4 pin female plug end with no “key” that matches the MKS board xyz axis plugs. You can turn them either way. What is correct.? I can change the ends to the correct matching plug for the board but don’t know the correct pinout to properly run the motors. Please…any help?? Thanks

    • Hi Bernard,
      You might be over thinking it. Usually reversing the connector will just invert the stepper direction.
      Here is the Datasheet if you need see the pinout on page 4.
      Have you tested it with power yet?

  2. Thank you for replying. I am building this printer https://repalmakershop.com/pages/core-xy-3d-printer-build-instructions
    It is about 75% done. No wiring yet. I’m a rookie and the person who put this up as a project is well experienced but has left out so much I believe because he is taking the information in his head as common knowledge. Not so. I’m having some difficulty getting the parts from him and have had to source my own after waiting weeks. My question was due to research into wiring the printer correctly. I am dreading the set up at power on. I have no clue how to set up or calibrate or update the MKS board with what ever is required. None of this information is provided by the designer. I’m on my own but am glad I found your site. Maybe when I need information next I can ask questions here. Thanks again.

    • Hi Bill,
      For Marlin 2.0 the easiest way to edit and flash your mainboard is to use an IDE like VS Code. There is an extension Platform IO that you need to install with VS Code and that should get you going. We are working on a tutorial for this so be sure to check back soon. Thanks!

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