Standalone local-network controller for Anycubic ACE Pro and ACE 2 Pro filament changers.
ACELink lets an ACE unit be controlled without a printer. A host computer stays connected to the ACE, runs ACELink, and serves a web UI on your local network.
Disclaimer: You are responsible for your own hardware, wiring, and use of this project. I am not responsible for damage to your ACE, host computer, adapter, printer, or other equipment.
| Model | Protocol | Baud Rate | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anycubic ACE Pro | JSON over serial | 115200 | USB cable → 6-pin connector |
| Anycubic ACE 2 Pro | Protobuf over serial | 230400 | USB-to-RS485 adapter → 6-pin connector |
Both models share the same 6-pin Micro-Fit 3.0 2x3P signal connector, but use different electrical paths. ACE 2 Pro tested and validated on real hardware.
ACE-side 6-pin signal connector, front/mating side
Clip/latch side at the top
clip/latch
||
+-------------------+
| [NC] [D+] [D-] |
| [NC] [GND] [5V] |
+-------------------+
Warning: The 5V pin is shown for identification only. Do not connect it. Connecting 5V can damage the ACE, adapter, or host USB port.
ACE Pro uses a direct USB data path:
| USB cable wire | ACE Pro signal connector |
|---|---|
USB D- |
D- |
USB D+ |
D+ |
USB GND |
GND |
USB 5V |
Do not connect |
ACE 2 Pro requires a USB-to-RS485 adapter. Community-validated with CH340-based adapters:
| Adapter label | ACE 2 Pro signal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
GND |
Ground | Always required |
A (485+) |
D+ or D- |
Swap if commands time out |
B (485-) |
The other of D+/D- |
Swap if commands time out |
VCC |
Do not connect | Always leave disconnected |
If the adapter enumerates but ACE commands time out: keep GND connected and swap the A/B pair. A working link will show real temperature and status values.
- Python 3.11+
- Node.js (for frontend build)
# macOS / Linux
scripts/install.sh
# Windows PowerShell
scripts/install.ps1# Production mode
scripts/run.sh # macOS / Linux
scripts/run.ps1 # Windows
# Mock mode (UI development, no hardware)
python main.py --debugOpen http://localhost:8765 in a browser.
Configured in acelink.config.json. The web UI Settings tab provides a form for all options.
| Field | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
port |
8765 |
Web UI port (restart required) |
device_model |
auto |
auto, ace_pro, or ace_2_pro |
serial_port |
(auto-detected) | Serial device path |
baudrate |
230400 |
Baud rate hint for auto-detect |
scan_interval |
15 |
Polling interval in seconds |
protocol_debug |
false |
Show raw serial bytes in logs |
load_length |
2100 |
Global load feed length (mm) |
retract_length |
1950 |
Global retract length (mm) |
feed_speed |
80 |
Global feed speed (mm/s) |
retract_speed |
30 |
Global retract speed (mm/s) |
slot_tuning |
(array) | Per-slot override for the above |
Dryer temperature limits are hard-coded per model:
- ACE Pro: 35–55°C
- ACE 2 Pro: 35–65°C
All commands operate on the connected ACE device.
| Command | Slot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Feed | per-slot | Push filament forward through the slot |
| Retract | per-slot | Pull filament back through the slot |
| Dryer Start | n/a | Start drying at specified temp/duration |
| Dryer Stop | n/a | Stop the dryer |
| Load Spool (manual) | per-slot | Manually mark a non-RFID spool as loaded |
The ACE 2 Pro RFID reader detects filament after a brief feed, populating type, color, and brand automatically. Manual "Load spool" is available for non-RFID filament.
Three tabs:
- Device — Slot status, filament info, feed/retract controls, dryer controls, presets
- Settings — App port, movement defaults, slot tuning
- Diagnostics — Hardware probe results and event log
Save and recall temperature/duration profiles. The preset name is its identity — editing and saving with the same name updates the preset, a new name creates a new one.
# Run mock mode for UI development (no hardware)
python main.py --debug
# Build frontend
cd webui && npm run build
# Run tests
python -m unittest discover -s testsACELink protocol and connectivity knowledge is derived from: