Panel Due: now better AND cheaper!

dc42 · 19 Oct 2017, 09:28

I am pleased to announce that version 3.0 of the Panel Due display controller has been shipping for a little while now. The changes since version 2.0 are:

Processor core is now ARM Cortex M4 instead of M3
Processor flash memory, RAM and clock speed are all DOUBLED! The extra speed makes for a snappier response.
In the future, we will be able to support firmware upgrades via the Duet
If you have a Duet Ethernet or a Duet WiFi revision 1.01 or later and the PanelDue will be close enough to the Duet, you can now use just a 10-way ribbon cable to connect them together. The 4-way connector is still provided for users who wish to site them more than about 300mm apart.
I have reduced the RRP (recommended retail price) of the basic controller board + connector kit from £30 to £25, and reduced OEM and distributor prices too. I am pleased to report that the main PanelDue distributors (Duet3D and Filastruder) have reduced some of their prices in line with this..

So if you were thinking about buying a PanelDue, there has never been a better time! You can buy the PanelDue controller board by itself direct from me at escher3d.com (also from duet3d.com and Filastruder), or a complete kit including screen and cable from duet3d.com or Filastruder.

The firmware source code is common between all versions, so users with older versions of PanelDue will still be able to get firmware upgrades.

Version 3.0 has been designed to be compatible with enclosures designed for version 2.0.

DADIY · 19 Oct 2017, 10:46

I ordered a new controller a couple of months ago from Duet3d's shop, how can I tell if I have version 3?

dc42 · 19 Oct 2017, 13:40

It's printed on the underside of the board. If it's 2 months ago, it's probably version 2.

Billhc83 · 19 Oct 2017, 14:41

So is it accurate that any display ordered at this time will be v3?

dc42 · 19 Oct 2017, 15:17

If ordered from me (Escher3D), Duet3d or Filastruder, then yes.

mydayofplay · 19 Oct 2017, 15:27

Oh good I ordered mine this past sunday from Filastruder and should be getting it today or tomorrow.

peirof · 22 Oct 2017, 01:24

Hi,

I have ordered a panel due 5" some days ago…. What version will come?

mydayofplay · 22 Oct 2017, 02:19

All I can tell you peirof I ordered mine with 5inch touchscreen 7 days ago from Filastruder and it turned out to be a V3. When your looking at it make sure you check the PanelDue circuit board and not the touchscreen circuit board.

huntajav · 30 Oct 2017, 14:25

@dc42:

I am pleased to announce that version 3.0 of the Panel Due display controller has been shipping for a little while now. The changes since version 2.0 are:

Processor core is now ARM Cortex M4 instead of M3

Processor flash memory, RAM and clock speed are all DOUBLED! The extra speed makes for a snappier response.

In the future, we will be able to support firmware upgrades via the Duet

If you have a Duet Ethernet or a Duet WiFi revision 1.01 or later and the PanelDue will be close enough to the Duet, you can now use just a 10-way ribbon cable to connect them together. The 4-way connector is still provided for users who wish to site them more than about 300mm apart.

I have reduced the RRP (recommended retail price) of the basic controller board + connector kit from £30 to £25, and reduced OEM and distributor prices too. I am pleased to report that the main PanelDue distributors (Duet3D and Filastruder) have reduced some of their prices in line with this..

So if you were thinking about buying a PanelDue, there has never been a better time! You can buy the PanelDue controller board by itself direct from me at escher3d.com (also from duet3d.com and Filastruder), or a complete kit including screen and cable from duet3d.com or Filastruder.

The firmware source code is common between all versions, so users with older versions of PanelDue will still be able to get firmware upgrades.

Version 3.0 has been designed to be compatible with enclosures designed for version 2.0.

dc42, if I bought my paneldue from filastruder on sept 13, 2017 did I get the version 3.0 or 2.0?

dc42 · 30 Oct 2017, 16:08

With that date, I think it could be either. The version is printed on the back of the board.

jrlederer · 31 Oct 2017, 05:32

Is the difference between the newest version noticeable enough to warrant upgrading the two is got on my two delta printers, if the current ones are functioning properly?

Vlad · 31 Oct 2017, 07:17

Hi guys, I am sorry for possible dumb question. But do I need that board for $30 on top of DuetWifi board and PanelDue 7in screen in order to make the system work? I am unsure what the purpose of that board is, but I see it was mentioned many times. Is it required? I thought I just connect PanelDue directly to DUET board, no?

dc42 · 31 Oct 2017, 10:59

@Vlad:

Hi guys, I am sorry for possible dumb question. But do I need that board for $30 on top of DuetWifi board and PanelDue 7in screen in order to make the system work? I am unsure what the purpose of that board is, but I see it was mentioned many times. Is it required? I thought I just connect PanelDue directly to DUET board, no?

See the Components section of https://miscsolutions.wordpress.com/paneldue/. Duet resellers offer complete kits.

dc42 · 31 Oct 2017, 11:03

@jrlederer:

Is the difference between the newest version noticeable enough to warrant upgrading the two is got on my two delta printers, if the current ones are functioning properly?

I'd love to sell you new controller boards, but in answer to your question: no.

To complicate matters, there are actually two versions of the Version 2.0 board: those with ATSAM3S2BA processors, and later ones with ATSAM3S4BA processors. At some time in the future we may have to stop offering firmware upgrades for the original ones, because we're getting tight on flash memory. But we haven't reached that point yet.

huntajav · 5 Nov 2017, 23:35

@dc42:

With that date, I think it could be either. The version is printed on the back of the board.

dc42, I am confirming that I did get v3.0 of the Panel Due from Filastruder. Thanks!

Vlad · 17 Nov 2017, 10:48

Hi guys, it is unfortunate that your 7in screen is unavailable now, so I am trying to find a workaround and found something that looks really nice on paper (haven't tried it yet though).. Could you please tell me, what if I buy this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/252943342364
Will I be able to get it to work with your board? I am not very advanced in such electronics, therefore seeking your advice on this.
I love your board and it's capabilities, therefore I want to stick to it.
Thanks in advance! I am trying to build one outstanding printer Working hard on it's design. Have to finish by mid December.

DADIY · 17 Nov 2017, 11:36

If you search ebay for ssd1963 7" you'll find plenty of people selling those 7" screens although prices seem to have gone up since I last bought one.

Vlad · 17 Nov 2017, 11:51

I have already seen those, but don't want to risk the compatibility issues situation and also not too crazy about having resistive touchscreen (most of screens on ebay are capacitive models), trying to see if there are better alternative for the screen while staying with DUET board. Stumbled upon this screen that i mentioned and thought it was nice and not too expensive. Higher resolution, capacitive touch, running android and a whole bunch of other stuff included, such as webcam support (not that I need that, but still). Really willing to make this work, but have no idea if it is even distantly compatible. Looks like it offers a lot of what duet board already offers, so some functions will be duplicate, but I don't mind that, as it is still a very nice screen and for $30 extra I can get professional looking interface that shows model layer by layer in real time as it prints. So fingers crossed that I hear some good news from someone : )

T3P3Tony · 17 Nov 2017, 11:57

The screen you linked does not appear to have Source code that can be edited so if it does not work out the box then probably not.

It connects via USB by the look of it so that should work but no idea if it uses standard gcodes or something custom.

Also capacitive touch is often unhelpful in a workshop environment where being able to use a stylus, pen etc rather than (dirty) fingers is actually useful.

If you want to try this then best thing to do is buy one and try it. Maybe contact mks and ask for the source code?

Vlad · 17 Nov 2017, 12:17

Thanks Tony, USB was one of my concerns. So, as far as the input is concerned, your board should be able to connect to it which is good. Looks like it simply acts as a little computer and sending standard gcode. But I guess you are right, gotta try to see.

On ebay page it says:

Interface: USB AUX-1
Support the machine structure: I3, XYZ, delta, Kossel, Corexy
Recommended software: Cura, Simplify3d, Repetier-Host

I love it's looks though, interface is pretty, and I am designing a printer for market, so it would be nice if interface looked like one from factory produced machines. I haven't purchased DUET board yet as well due to Filastruder guy playing paranoiac on me and refusing my order, thinking I am some sort of fraud So, have to repurchase somewhere else now. I'll speak to that seller tomorrow too. Very curious whether I can make that screen talk to your nice board. I am also gonna use 3 steppers on Z axis for real leveling and will need your extension board (one stepper port short), your extension board IS expensive guys But I gotta buy anyways. Just saying. Costs almost as much as the main board. Do you guys have any updates on when you will bring 7 inch screen option back?