While doing research, I noticed many models are coming out in 5 colors. I know I can add a pause, but after some investigating, I was wondering why the A1 Mini (which I push to the absolute EDGE!) has 2 ports for an AMS unit. Then I noticed on some advanced AMS units/printers they use an AMS hub which has 4 filament inputs and two filament outputs, with the RFID being read at the AMS unit. It looks like when being retracted it retracts past the hub.
Question: Why can’t I add another AMS unit to the A1 Mini? It has two AMS ports. I could theoretically run 8 colors to two AMS lites to two hubs which in turn would feed 4 filaments to the four filament head. Why doesn’t BL exploit this? And why the second port if it can never be used? Man I would LOVE to run that system! I mean the H2S does it…
-Sad Bunny
The H2s is nearly 6 times the cost of an A1 mini…
Most likely, “vertical product differentiation”
In order words, it is a question of financial strategy not engineering.
The AMS Lite only has passive retraction which only allows the filament to be retracted less than an inch. Using a hub the filament needs much further retraction and thus the active retraction of a standard AMS is required.
You can but they both have to be standard AMS’s, not a Lite.
If the A1 firmware were a little more open, something like this [anycubic dongle] would be feasible for DIY’ing 2 ams lite
IDK if its a good idea to drag around 8 tubes though, across many small problems.
WOW!!! That is a nice head! I think it must be a software/firmeware issue.
I realize that, was just commenting on the PTFE tube routing and the fact that they have a second port on the unit.
Bambu has a guide to add multiple AMS units to the A1 Mini and the A1. You just have to be on the latest firmware.
I currently run multiple AMS-HTs on my Mini. Works like a champ. I have other multihead/nozzle printers so I don’t have a reason to connect more than the a couple single spool HTs. My guess is it would run just fine with a couple AMS Pros.
Special thanks to Anthony_Bec and JonRaymond! Although I see a lot of snarky and condescending replies on here sometimes, BUT there are always the helpful ones. But you have to sift through all the comments to find! Thank you both as my path is now clear.
No, I do not sit around in mom’s basement reading the BL wiki guide cover to cover. I prefer to cut to the chase and come here to those who have the knowledge and advice I seek and I am most grateful. No need to reinvent the wheel. I have also found the BL wiki to be full of older and sometimes erroneous information. I wonder who ever updates it anyway? (LOL) I do not need the big box printers as I print mostly smaller items, but I need more than 4 colors now as my models get more and more elaborate. After reading the article, I am going to get an A1 (price has come down a bit since the A2L was introduced) AND two AMS 2 Pros for a total of 8 colors. Thanks to all for their time and effort as it is appreciated!
I understand that. But for a quick reference, I usually prefer to look at the wiki first simply because it is faster and more comprehensive.
I dont see an issue with linking the wiki to a question. Most of the time, I would say the Wiki explains topics better than most of us can.
To actually address the question… Jon summed it up, but I will be more blunt. The AMS lite works great, but it is a weird system that cuts some significant corners.
I see a lot of people use the 2nd port as a power source for lights and stuff. I suspect that Bambu had the idea of releasing accessories at some point, then never got around to it.
