<p>That is not possible without changing to a different printer main board. The Anet A8 board has 4 integrated (A4988) stepper drivers, one for X, one for Y, one for Z and one for E (extruder 0). </p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/Uwsgt.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/Uwsgt.png" alt="enter image description here"></a>
Both Z steppers are controlled by a single stepper driver (they are wired in parallel to the single Z stepper driver), there is nothing to free up nor is there to configure in Marlin without replacing the main board.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-03-05T22:47:21.420Z
2020-03-06T07:59:39.180Z
2020-03-06T07:59:39.180Z
0scar
<p>I am wondering if it is possible and safe to add a second extruder to my Anet A8 without changing the main board. I was thinking splitting my Z motor wires to free up the Z2 axis motor connector on the main board, using this connector for the second extruder motor. 
Is this possible? If so, how would i configure Marlin to use those extruder pins
Can I overload the board by using two motor on the same connector?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-03-06T15:28:13.643Z
Even if there were a spare stepper, where would you get the additional power to heat both extruders?
Carl Witthoft
<anet-a8><stepper><multi-material>
Anet A8 Installing second extruder without changing board
hugo4715
# Anet A8 Installing second extruder without changing board

(Asked by: username_0 on 2020-03-05)

I am wondering if it is possible and safe to add a second extruder to my Anet A8 without changing the main board. I was thinking splitting my Z motor wires to free up the Z2 axis motor connector on the main board, using this connector for the second extruder motor.
Is this possible? If so, how would i configure Marlin to use those extruder pins
Can I overload the board by using two motor on the same connector?

**Tags:** anet-a8, stepper, multi-material
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Even if there were a spare stepper, where would you get the additional power to heat both extruders?  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2020-03-05. Score: 4 | Accepted answer

That is not possible without changing to a different printer main board. The Anet A8 board has 4 integrated (A4988) stepper drivers, one for X, one for Y, one for Z and one for E (extruder 0).

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/Uwsgt.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/Uwsgt.png)
Both Z steppers are controlled by a single stepper driver (they are wired in parallel to the single Z stepper driver), there is nothing to free up nor is there to configure in Marlin without replacing the main board.


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