RAMPScompatible

RAMPS-compatible refers to hardware, electronics, or accessories that are designed to interface with the RAMPS electronics used in RepRap 3D printers. RAMPS itself is a shield for the Arduino Mega 2560 that provides a common interface to drive stepper motors, heaters, sensors, and auxiliary components through Pololu-style stepper-driver sockets and a set of standardized connectors. The term indicates that a product follows the RAMPS design conventions and can be used with RAMPS-based printer configurations.

Devices labeled RAMPS-compatible are built to fit the RAMPS 1.4 shield layout and use the same 0.1-inch pitch header connections, including the stepper motor channels (X, Y, Z, and extruder), the heated bed, thermistor and heater outputs, fan ports, endstop inputs, and LCD/SD interfaces. They typically assume the same pin mapping and electrical characteristics as the RAMPS ecosystem, enabling straightforward integration with compatible firmware.

In practice, RAMPS-compatible components work with firmware standard in RAMPS setups, most commonly Marlin configured for RAMPS. Compatibility also involves power considerations, with common operation at 12V (and in some cases up to 24V), and the use of standard Pololu driver sockets for A4988 or DRV8825 drivers. The term is often used for add-ons, driver boards, expansion modules, or alternative RAMPS shields that maintain the same form factor and interface expectations.

RAMPS-compatible hardware remains relevant for older or budget-oriented 3D printers that rely on RAMPS electronics. While newer 32-bit control boards offer advanced features, RAMPS-compatible components provide a familiar, cost-effective option for retrofits, upgrades, or educational builds within the RAMPS ecosystem.