Is the Duet 2 Discontinued or near EOL?
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Don't see a lot of options for purchase of the Duet 2. I have one in my M2 and just got another M2 which I am considering updating with BLT and Duet 2. Should I consider Duet 3? Would rather go with what I have for simpler install wire for wire..
looks like Matterhackers still has them but not much else shows up with a google search that I would trust.
If Duet 2 is still in production, what is the road map for the future.. is there an end of life and end of support dates?
Thanks! -
@airscapes I would consider the Duet 2 EOL. The Duet 3 mini is the same footprint and mounting holes as the Duet 2 and would be a better long term choice
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@airscapes For a comparison table, see https://docs.duet3d.com/en/Duet3D_hardware/Hardware_overview
It really depends on your application, though if it's just a printer upgrade, I'd say go for the Duet 3 Mini5+. It is cheaper, has double the RAM and flash storage, can run with an SBC, and is CAN expandable. The Duet 2 is still supported by the current firmware, but due to the limited RAM and storage, features are being removed (mostly different kinematic models at present), and some new features (multiple motion systems, keepout zones) won't ever make it to Duet 2. It has the advantage of slightly more powerful stepper drivers (though without stealthChop), and having the Duex5 or EBoB for expansion, but that brings wiring headaches that CAN makes a lot easier.
We still have some demand for Duet 2's from OEMs, and make them in small batches, though we are encouraging them to move to Duet 3. No firm EOL date has been scheduled, as far as I am aware.
I mostly reach for a Mini 5+ over a Duet 2 nowadays. Though I have to keep my pre-production white PCB Duet 2 going in something!
Ian
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@droftarts Without diving in to the instructions myself to compare, would you say wiring the duet 3 is the same? I have 4 steppers 2 heaters,4 fans, 1 bltouch, 24 and 5v. Rather simple setup and I would want to use all my macros and configs from the duet 2 without having to rework anything. I imaging the board is layed out differently so obviously wiring locations will be different. And I do like the $40 less of the Duet 3 mini. I assume this has the web UI same as duet 2 and the SBC is optional?
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@airscapes There are some wiring differences, and some connector locations are different. Stepper driver connectors and thermistors/PT1000 are unchanged, and fans and BLTouch are all still Molex KK, you'll probably just need to use a different connector and move pins around. Heaters and VIN are different, using JST VH crimps and a barrier strip respectively, rather than screw terminals. See https://docs.duet3d.com/Duet3D_hardware/Duet_2_family/Duet_2_WiFi_Ethernet_Hardware_Overview#description-of-connections versus https://docs.duet3d.com/Duet3D_hardware/Duet_3_family/Duet_3_Mini_5+_Hardware_Overview
Pin names are different, but that should largely be limited to changing config.g, so I would imagine most macros should work unchanged. Yes, still uses the same DWC, and the SBC is optional.
Ian
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@airscapes It's just been pointed out to me that the Duet 2 WiFi is EOL: https://www.duet3d.com/duetwifi
As of January 2024 The Duet 2 Wifi External Antenna and Duet 2 Ethernet are not recommended for new designs. The Duet 2 Wifi with Internal Antenna is End Of Life and no longer available directly from us, although some reseller may have limited stock. It is recommended to use one of the Duet 3 range for new designs going forward.
If you still want one, and Matterhackers don't have stock, then Filastruder probably does, and if they don't they order frequently enough that I'm sure they'd add one to their order if you pre-ordered it from them.
Ian
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@droftarts Thanks for all the info so quickly! Will have to do some reading and figure out if it is worth saving $40 as I do not think I will every do any other upgrades that would utilize the features of the duet 3 but I would also be on a non supported board at some point, not that it would be a big deal as long as everything is working.
Have a great Week
Doug -
To add a bit of further clarification for others reading this thread. As of April 2024 the Duet 2 WIFI EA and Duet 2 Ethernet are not EOL, they are Not Recommended for New Designs. They will remain NRND but not EOL for at least the rest of 2024 and possibly further, based on our customers demand for existing machines part way through their hardware lifecycle. When we do make a decision to EOL the Duet 2 Wifi EA and Ethernet there will be at least 6 months notice.