Just picked up a M2

[jimc]

man your still rockin the v3a. i dont think there are too many of those ceramic heaters left. if there are the owners keep awfully quiet.

i would recommend the 24v upgrade. i have one 24v m2 and on 12/19v m2. my bed power has been soldered directly to the rambo on the 12/19v machine. the connections all melt down there eventually. since i soldered it a year ago i really have no problem with it otherwise but it is running the current right up to the max on the rambo. as rick said its just the best thing to do. the bed heats up faster as well.

[Rara]

Yeah I have had my finger on the trigger for 24v, v4, etc. for a while now but this old stuff just keeps on chugging along for me and I can't quite justify fixing what's not yet broken. Everything is original on mine except for doing the PSU soldering and replacing the fans!

[ErikAkia]

I still have the split power and have not done any soldering of the power. I don't do much ABS but run the PETG at 100C. I still have at least 4 of the v3a. At least 1 has never been used and they all worked when I took them out of service in favor of the e3d which I love. I have waffled many times on the 24V upgrade. I thought about doing the smoothie board so would have to do the 24V upgrade but so far I don't see enough of an advantage in it. Other than the obvious joy of modding the machine.
At some point I probably will pull the trigger. Hopefully before I burn anything out.

[M. Beneteau]

Hi Like Tim, I would suggest the 24V upgrade. I did mine just last month and the heat issues with burned connectors via heat related issues is gone. But (and here i feel abliged to tell you that an injury is not worth the risk) if you plan on sticking with the 12/19v split power supplies, use medium hold hair spray on your heat bed at no more than 60degrees-- it holds great even at 50. Also, make sure your board fan is running at peak efficiency; it tends to dissipate the heat a little better. After burning out my mini fuses and many many connectors, the switch to 24v was a relief. It is well worth the 230.00$ for this upgrade and the instructions are simple.
Best of luck and welcome to the printer jungle ;p

[jprochnow]

I was thinking of putting the v4 hotend on it as well at the same time. I'm not sure what nozzle comes on the printer so ill have to see come Tuesday what direction I need to go.

[mathisyourfriend]

I still have the split power and have not done any soldering of the power. I don't do much ABS but run the PETG at 100C. I still have at least 4 of the v3a. At least 1 has never been used and they all worked when I took them out of service in favor of the e3d which I love. I have waffled many times on the 24V upgrade. I thought about doing the smoothie board so would have to do the 24V upgrade but so far I don't see enough of an advantage in it. Other than the obvious joy of modding the machine.
At some point I probably will pull the trigger. Hopefully before I burn anything out.

I feel the same about the upgrade to 24v since my M2 continues to work (except for when I mess up). What temp is your extruder for petg?