DIY BamBus Cable Splitter

Introducing my new model:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/3066438-diy-bambus-cable-splitter#profileId-3451547

Recently I ran out of 4 Pin BamBus ports on the side of my A1 Mini. So I went to Amazon and found the Big Tree Tech Panda Branch. I was going to get it to solve my problem, but paused and realised; wait, $25 for something any Arduino hobbyist has the parts for? So I set out to make it myself, and here is the result.

This DIY BamBus Cable Splitter is worth the 1.5 hour case print.

It is ment to use for powered accessories (like Panda Lux or Panda Knomi) but could be used to run other accessories.

Splits one port to 2 or 3 ports giving you 1 or 2 extra ports.

DO NOT USE FOR A AMS! USE THE PORT DIRECTLY ON YOUR PRINTER INSTEAD!

Wondering community feedback and who would print this (make sure to do the poll below).

Make sure to check it out on MakerWorld!!

WHO WOULD PRINT THIS??

  • I would print this
  • I would NOT print this
0 voters
1 Like

Great idea, but why the solution with pins and tape? You already have Wago clamps on your shopping list anyway. Cut the cable and connect it directly to the Wago clamps. That way, there’s no risk of the tape coming loose due to heat or age.


That said, I understand your reasoning for wanting to ensure there’s no tension on the cable. Have you ever thought about adding something like that to your shopping list or including it as a 3D print?


Here is a 3D-printed version:


Apart from that, though, it’s an awesome project - really great. I just’m not so keen on the tape solution.

1 Like

The only reason the tape is there is to secure the wires connected into the BamBus. What are your other thoughts?

Looks good.

Niche product and looks like it has some thought put into it.

A few suggestions:

  1. Add more pictures
  2. Get rid of 90 percent of the red in the description.
3 Likes

Like I said, I think the project is great; the only thing I noticed is that the profile you’re using is the default one. You could, of course, consider optimizing it.

Grid as infill?

I think there’s still room for optimization. :+1:

I agree, I just wanted to post to get it out there, I made mine and it worked perfectly and it powers my Knomi perfectly also. Anyone else have any thoughts?

Sorry for the confusion, the tape is for connecting a jumper wire to the BamBus cable. I will look into designing a better solution and implementing it ASAP.

1 Like

It may be a little “niche” but it does work. For the A1 series you only get 2 BamBus ports. Unlike the P/X/H series you don’t get more ports as you add accessories (ex adding a AMS gives another slot on the back). Powering things like the Panda Knomi or Panda Lux have BamBus ports (they have other options but don’t turn on/off with the printer) but don’t give more ports. I had to think AMS and Panda Knomi or Panda Lux and Panda Knomi or spend $25 (I didn’t like it that much and came up with this)

How would anyone suggest I publicize this?

Niche is a good thing. I say that because that was one of the recommendations you got in the other thread.

2 Likes

Glad you like this better, this has been a work in progress the last 2-3 days​:grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

Back to my question: how would anyone suggest I publicize it? “Niche” may be a good thing, but if nobody’s searches for it, it’s worthless

Add more pictures, wait, and let it be.

I think its fine.

You could post it on r/3dprinting if you want.

Seems like a good idea, hopefully it takes off for you! I’m not a model creator so not much help from me here… I’ll be a user, not a idea helper

The connector is MicroFit 3.0p, which you can buy easily.

So you can make cable like this

Just buy 6 core or 4 core alarm cable - 0.5 mm^2. That will do just fine.

To go with those connector you also need a crimper for correct wire gauge.

From an EE view point, using dupont male pin to mate with micro fit female pin is not a right way to do. Thinking about a dog doggies a goat instead of another dog.

FYI, BBL cable is about 0.3 to 0.5 mm^2. And 0.5mm2 cable can do 3-5A which is 120w max @ 24V. The 24V PSU of P1S is only rated 108W (4.5A max @ 24V)

If you are already playing around with arduino and stuffs, having a crimper is almost a must. You can crimp dupont pin as well as other pins like JST pin.

The AMS bus 24V is quite convenient to tap on. But keep in mind, the PSU of the printer was not designed to handle extra heavy load.

I just do some simple math for P1S:

  • Steppers: X, Y, Z (12W x3)
  • Heater: 48W
  • AUX fan: 24V - 0.5A (12W)
  • All other fans (chamber fan, hotend fan, part cooling fan, MC board fan): 12W

Sum of power consumption when everything is running: 108W
This number does not include power drawn by AMS (first stage feeder motor + ams hub motor)

Oopsie!