Creality Ender-3 Neo Max + Sonic Pad — Machine Reference & Connection Guide

Creality Ender-3 Neo Max + Sonic Pad — Machine Reference The Ender-3 Neo Max is a large-format FDM printer (300×300×320mm) with direct drive extruder and CR Touch auto-leveling. The Sonic Pad is a Creality Klipper controller — it runs Klipper, Moonraker, and Mainsail, connecting to the printer over USB. How the Sonic Pad Works Slicer → upload to Sonic Pad (Mainsail web UI or Moonraker API) Sonic Pad (Klipper) → sends G-code to printer mainboard over USB Printer → controls motion, heaters, fans Do NOT connect your PC directly to the printer. All communication goes through the Sonic Pad. Connection Quick Reference To find Sonic Pad IP: touchscreen → Settings → Network → IP Address. Slicer Setup (Orca Slicer) 1. Printer → Add Printer → Physical Printer 2. Host type: Klipper (Moonraker) 3. IP: <sonicpad-ip> — port: 7125 4. API key: blank (unless set in Moonraker config) 5. Print → file uploads directly to Mainsail queue For Cura: Manage Printers → Connect → Octoprint/Moonraker → enter Sonic Pad IP + port 80. CR Touch Auto-Leveling Run BEDMESHCALIBRATE before first print (Mainsail console or dashboard) Recommended probe grid: 5×5 or 7×7 for the 300mm bed Save: SAVECONFIG after calibration Start G-code: add BEDMESHPROFILE LOAD=default after G28 Sonic Pad First-Time Setup 1. Connect Sonic Pad USB-A → printer mainboard USB 2. Power on Sonic Pad first, then printer 3. Touchscreen setup: select Ender-3 Neo Max from machine list 4. Configure WiFi or use Ethernet 5. Run Z-offset calibration and bed mesh before first print Firmware Updates Sonic Pad — touchscreen → Settings → System Update (OTA). Printer mainboard — download .bin from Creality, SD card to printer (power off → insert SD → power on). Useful Links Creality official site Creality wiki — Ender-3 Neo Max Sonic Pad firmware Orca Slicer releases Mainsail docs Klipper docs Reddit r/ender3 Reddit r/klippers Common Issues Sonic Pad not finding printer: Check USB cable is data-capable. Try another USB port on Sonic Pad. Power Sonic Pad before printer. Mainsail shows Disconnected: SSH in and run sudo systemctl restart klipper. First layer too high/low: Re-run Z-offset calibration in Mainsail → Z calibrate. Adjust in 0.05mm increments. Bed mesh not loading: Add BEDMESHPROFILE LOAD=default to start G-code in slicer, after G28. Print shifting: Check X/Y belt tension. Direct drive adds weight to X carriage — verify stepper current in printer.cfg. Large prints warping: Heat bed for 5+ minutes before starting. Add brim. Consider an enclosure for ABS/ASA.

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