Sunlu T3 Firmware !new! (Web Popular)
Note: The Sunlu T3 is largely a rebranded/rehoused version of the Artillery Hornet or a similar low-cost Cartesian printer. Its firmware is a customized version of Marlin 2.0 (usually 2.0.x or later).
The Better Option: Custom Marlin Firmware (The "Community Build")
Because the T3 is an Ender 3 V2 clone, the open-source community has adopted it. If you need modern features, custom firmware is superior to stock.
11. Final Notes
- The Sunlu T3 hardware is capable, but its firmware lags behind open-source standards.
- For reliable printing, consider migrating to Klipper (if you have a Raspberry Pi) or compiling Marlin 2.1 using the above settings.
- Always back up your existing firmware using an ST-Link before flashing custom builds.
Need the actual binary files? Contact Sunlu directly – they have historically provided them upon request, though no public repository exists.
Document version: 2.0 – Last updated: 2025-03-01
11. Minimal Troubleshooting Checklist
- Incorrect temps → confirm thermistor type in firmware.
- Axis moves reversed → flip motor connector or change invert in firmware.
- No display → check cable and display model match firmware.
- Upload fails → install drivers, try different USB cable, or use ISP.
If you’d like, I can:
- Provide a step-by-step flash guide tailored to your exact board if you upload photos of the mainboard and display, or
- Search for specific Sunlu T3 firmware releases (I can run a web search).
(End)
(also known as the "Terminator 3") is often described by enthusiasts as an "Ender 3 clone" with some significant "under the hood" quirks, making a firmware update one of the most recommended first steps for new owners. 🏆 Top Recommended Resource
The most comprehensive "blog-style" technical breakdown of the
firmware and electronics is by Anson Liu. His post, SUNLU T3 Marlin Configuration and Controller Board Pictures, is widely considered the gold standard for this printer. It covers:
Hardware Truths: He identifies that the printer uses a modified BTT SKR Mini E3 V2 board.
Critical Fixes: He explains how the stock firmware incorrectly maps the extruder cooling fan (causing heat creep) and how to fix it.
Performance Upgrades: Guidance on enabling PID bed tuning, which Sunlu strangely disabled in the factory version [19]. 🛠 Popular Firmware Options
If you are looking to move away from the stock "set and forget" experience to something more capable, here are your best bets:
Custom Marlin (Community Favorite): A user named Kaot93 released a popular Custom Firmware for SUNLU T3 on Printables. It enables 5x5 point Auto Bed Leveling (ABL), raised hotend temperatures for all-metal setups (up to 285°C), and PID tuning for both the bed and hotend [23].
Klipper: For those wanting to push the T3's advertised "fast printing" speeds, a official Klipper configuration is available. It’s ideal for users who want better control over resonance and acceleration [14]. sunlu t3 firmware
Official Archive: If you just need the factory defaults, the official Sunlu T3 Firmware has been archived on GitHub for easy forking and modification [5]. 💡 Pro-Tips for Updating
The "SD Card" Method: To update, place the firmware.bin file on a clean SD card, insert it into the powered-off printer, and turn it on. The printer should automatically flash the new software [18, 23].
Check Your Wiring: Some users found that nozzle clogs were actually caused by fan wires being swapped at the factory. Before changing firmware to fix "heat creep," verify that your hotend fan is actually running when it should [25].
Save Your Settings: Always navigate to the "Configuration" menu and select "Save Settings" (Store Settings to EEPROM) after an update to ensure your Z-offset and PID values aren't lost on reboot [16].
The Sunlu T3 (Terminator 3) firmware is a customized version of the open-source Marlin 2.0 framework
. It is specifically configured to support the printer's unique hardware, such as its 32-bit mainboard and specialized "Fast Print" mode. Core Specifications & Architecture Base Framework:
Marlin 2.0 (specifically variants like 2.1.x in custom builds). Hardware Compatibility:
The T3 uses a 32-bit motherboard that is a modified clone of the BigTreeTech SKR Mini E3 V2 Stepper Drivers: It features TMC2209 silent stepper drivers
, though they operate in "standalone mode," meaning they cannot be configured via software (UART/SPI) without hardware modification. Key Firmware Features Fast Print Mode: The headline feature that purportedly allows speeds up to
. Analysis of the source code shows this mode primarily overrides standard acceleration and speed limits in the configuration rather than implementing advanced algorithms like Input Shaping. Auto Bed Leveling (ABL): Supports a
(or 25-point in custom versions) automatic leveling system using a BLTouch-style sensor. Safety & Utility: clog detection , filament runout detection, and power-loss recovery Common Issues & Critical Optimizations
Independent reviews and community feedback suggest several areas where the stock firmware underperforms: SUNLU T3 3D Printer Settings - Anson Liu
The Sunlu T3 (also known as the Terminator 3) is a high-speed FDM printer marketed for its ability to reach speeds of up to 250mm/s. While its hardware—a dual-gear extruder and 32-bit silent mainboard—supports this, the firmware is the true engine behind these capabilities.
Whether you are looking to restore the official factory settings or push the machine's limits with custom builds, this guide covers everything you need to know about Sunlu T3 firmware. 1. Official Sunlu T3 Firmware Note: The Sunlu T3 is largely a rebranded/rehoused
The stock firmware is a specialized version of Marlin 2.0. Its standout feature is the "Fast Print" mode, an algorithm that optimizes acceleration and speed values directly from the printer's interface to cut printing times by up to 50%. Core Features:
16-Point Auto Bed Leveling (ABL): Uses an inductive sensor to compensate for bed irregularities.
Clog Detection: Automatically pauses prints if the filament stops moving, a rare feature in this price bracket.
Silent Stepper Support: Configured for TMC2209 drivers to maintain quiet operation (approx. 45 dB).
Where to Download: The official firmware.bin files are hosted on the Sunlu Support Page and archived by community members on GitHub. 2. Custom Firmware Options: Marlin vs. Klipper sunlu 3d - Facebook
Updating the firmware on your SUNLU T3 is the best way to unlock its full potential, especially for high-speed printing (up to 250mm/s) and fixing common fan mapping issues. Why Update Your T3?
Correct Fan Mapping: Stock firmware often has the extruder cooling fan mismapped, meaning it only runs when motors are active. Updated configurations ensure it runs whenever the hotend is hot, preventing heat creep.
Enhanced Performance: Newer versions of Marlin (like 2.0 bugfix) provide better stability for the T3's modified BTT SKR Mini E3 V2 board.
Safety & Features: Firmware updates can address security vulnerabilities and improve compatibility with modern slicer software. How to Get "Proper" Firmware
Instead of relying on outdated factory files, many users opt for community-verified Marlin configurations.
Download Official Marlin: You can find the base firmware and release notes on the Marlin Firmware Download page.
Use Verified Configurations: Anson Liu has contributed a dedicated configuration to the Marlin GitHub repository that specifically fixes the T3’s cooling fan pins and optimizes the TMC2209 stepper drivers. Compile & Flash:
Edit your configuration in VSCode using the Auto Build Marlin plugin. Place the resulting .bin file onto a formatted SD card.
Insert the card into the printer while powered off, then turn it on to flash. Hardware Compatibility Note The Better Option: Custom Marlin Firmware (The "Community
The SUNLU T3 uses a custom mainboard. If you are upgrading to a different probe (like a CR Touch or BLTouch), ensure your firmware configuration matches the specific sensor pins on your board to avoid leveling errors.
Sunlu T3 (Terminator 3) runs on a variant of Marlin 2.0 firmware. It is built on a 32-bit architecture, using a modified version of the BTT SKR Mini E3 V2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. board with TMC2209 stepper drivers. Key Firmware Features
Fast Print Mode: A signature feature that claims print speeds of up to 250mm/s.
Auto Bed Leveling (ABL): Supports 16-point or 25-point (5x5) leveling via a factory-installed 3D Touch sensor.
Clog Detection: Built-in intelligence to detect nozzle blockages.
Filament Runout Detection: Automatically pauses prints if filament breaks or runs out.
Power Loss Recovery: Resumes printing after a sudden power failure.
Z-Offset Tuning: Allows real-time babystepping to adjust the first layer height while printing. Official vs. Custom Options SUNLU T3 3D Printer review----from the-gadgeteer
Error 4: SD card not recognized after firmware update
Fix: The firmware has a different SDSUPPORT buffer size. You need to use a smaller SD card (4GB or less) or reformat to FAT16. This is a limitation of the HAL driver Sunlu uses.
9. Upgrade Path (3rd Party)
Because it runs Marlin, you can flash:
- Stock Marlin 2.1.x: Gives you Input Shaping (experimental) and Linear Advance.
- Marlin w/ BLTouch: You must recompile the firmware to enable
AUTO_BED_LEVELING_BILINEARand comment out manual mesh.
Marlin 2.1.x (Advanced Users)
Because the T3 is mechanically an Ender-3, you can compile Marlin 2.1.x from source. You need Visual Studio Code with PlatformIO.
Key configuration changes for Configuration.h (Sunlu OEM board):
#define MOTHERBOARD BOARD_RAMPS_14_EFB // (or BOARD_CREALITY_V4 if using that board)
#define SERIAL_PORT 1
#define BAUDRATE 115200
#define DEFAULT_NOMINAL_FILAMENT_DIA 1.75
#define TEMP_SENSOR_0 1 // (100k thermistor - ATC Semitec 104GT-2)
For the stock screen (DGUS): You must enable DGUS_LCD_UI_RELOADED. The T3 uses a 12864 emulation mode, not the fancy touch UI.