One would think different, but i definitaley see the difference between 32 and 16 microsteps in terms of print quality.
When looking at a flat wall my extruder (BulldogXL/E3D V6) has much less "ripples" which come from the pulsing of my extruder stepper.
the watterodt trinamic TMC2100 drivers have "256th" microstepping which is essentially 16th microstepping multiplied by factor of 16 to give 256th pseudo-microstepping.
In the usable mode (not the totally silent mode) every step is multiplied by 16 to give 256 microsteps with an accuracy of 16th microstepping but with accustic noise saving of real 256th microstepping.
In stark contrast to this the RAPS128 give real 128 microstepping with both the resolution of 128 microstepping plus the little noise one 128th microstep makes. I don´t think that I could differentiate 128th microstepping from 64 to 32 in terms of print quality, but as I already said 16 to 32 make a differnce IMHO.
So, the question is, what stepper drivers should I use?
Since I already use DRV8825s, and I do see a difference in print quality, going for the TMC2100 will result in less noise but will actually be a step back when we talk about microstepping... Or will the multiplied step ratio also result in finer stepper pulses and therefore a better print appearance?
Another thing will be upcoming, not yet supported features.
I think both (TMC2100 and THB6128) drivers have the feature to report missed/skipped steps to the firmware. This is something very cool an I think that future releases of smoothie/marlin will support this.
ok, so what to go for?
stay with the DRv8825s which are already a huge improvement to the 4988 allegros or invest some 60-80€ and try one of the new drivers? And If so, which one would you choose?
When looking at a flat wall my extruder (BulldogXL/E3D V6) has much less "ripples" which come from the pulsing of my extruder stepper.
the watterodt trinamic TMC2100 drivers have "256th" microstepping which is essentially 16th microstepping multiplied by factor of 16 to give 256th pseudo-microstepping.
In the usable mode (not the totally silent mode) every step is multiplied by 16 to give 256 microsteps with an accuracy of 16th microstepping but with accustic noise saving of real 256th microstepping.
In stark contrast to this the RAPS128 give real 128 microstepping with both the resolution of 128 microstepping plus the little noise one 128th microstep makes. I don´t think that I could differentiate 128th microstepping from 64 to 32 in terms of print quality, but as I already said 16 to 32 make a differnce IMHO.
So, the question is, what stepper drivers should I use?
Since I already use DRV8825s, and I do see a difference in print quality, going for the TMC2100 will result in less noise but will actually be a step back when we talk about microstepping... Or will the multiplied step ratio also result in finer stepper pulses and therefore a better print appearance?
Another thing will be upcoming, not yet supported features.
I think both (TMC2100 and THB6128) drivers have the feature to report missed/skipped steps to the firmware. This is something very cool an I think that future releases of smoothie/marlin will support this.
ok, so what to go for?
stay with the DRv8825s which are already a huge improvement to the 4988 allegros or invest some 60-80€ and try one of the new drivers? And If so, which one would you choose?