Introduction: A Flying SD Card Socket for the Da Vinci 1.0 3D Printer

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About: I've always been interested in what makes things work and stops them too! Having spent some time working in various fields of Engineering including Production Engineering I love taking inspiration from other p…

This "hack" was inspired by another I saw elsewhere on the Net where a hacker had discovered that all the operating software and G-Code printing files for the Da Vinci 1.0 3D Printer are stored on an SD Card in a socket on the main PCB inside the machine. This cunning chap had cut a hole in the casing of his Printer using a Dremel Tool to allow him to remove and replace the card at will for uploading new Post Processed G-Code files rather than using the (some say cumbersome) XYZ proprietary software.


Being loathe to damage anything if possible when "hacking" it I decided to try and find a slightly tidier method of achieving the same end result. After a little Google work I discovered an SD Card Extension Cable online and ordered one. It came from the Far East for a few pounds all in and I honestly cannot remember now if eBay was involved or not!


For this "hack" you will need

1. An SD Card extension lead.
2. Some basic Hand tools mainly screwdrivers
3. reasonably dextrous fingers.

Step 1: Remove Side Panel

Carefully remove the panel covering the main circuit board using a screwdriver and set aside.

Step 2: Locate SD Card Socket

Locate the SD Card in it's socket at the top right hand corner of the vertical printed circuit board.

Step 3: Remove SD Card From Socket

Peel back the securing adhesive tape so that it releases the SD Card but leave it attached to the Socket. Pop out the Card and set aside safely.

Step 4: Insert Cable End

Insert the Male end of the SD Card Extension Lead into the SD Card socket and press the securing tape back into place. Ensure the SD Card "clicks" home before re-applying the tape.

Step 5: Route the Ribbon Cable.

Carefully route the ribbon cable through the casing to the join between the panel you removed in Step 1 and the rest of the casing.

Step 6: Replace the Cover

Replace the panel covering the circuit board taking care not to pinch the Ribbon Cable while securing the screws.

Step 7: Re-Install SD Card & Test Printer.

Insert the SD Card into the Female Socket at the end of the extension cable. Power on the Printer and ensure it boots up properly.


If you have doubt in your own ability to complete this correctly first time you can swap the order of Steps 6 & 7.