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 BED_MESH_CALIBRATE before first print (Mainsail console or dashboard)
• Recommended probe grid: 5×5 or 7×7 for the 300mm bed
• Save: SAVE_CONFIG after calibration
• Start G-code: add BED_MESH_PROFILE 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 BED_MESH_PROFILE 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.