u/grow-n-stuff

Specs- ender 3 pro, sprite pro extruder, dual z offset motor kit, raspberry pi 4b (powered by buck board @5.2v), 4.2.7 board

Last night I got my printer set up and communicating but am struggling with getting it working well

I verified my new dual z was level, set z offset, bed mesh (got it as flat as I could), attempted my extruder printer configs per people with the same hardware config/adjusted orca slicer accordingly

I did a first layer print as my first attempt, but the lines are not looking good. I was hoping someone could guide me in the right direction.
I’m currently following the “Ellis print extruder calibration” and seeing where that leads me. But after a plate dive (that was my last attempt via marlin before switching/ I changed nozzles too) I’m a little worried about what’s gonna happen next.

Photos attached are how the line started on the print and I’m not sure if this is a flow or z axis issue? Please teach me things

I recently got a used Ender 3 pro.
Specs - 4.2.2 board, micro Swiss direct drive, pei textured plate

Shortly after I got the printer I added a cr touch and silicone spacers under the bed.

One of my issues is the nozzle will push out a little filament whenever the nozzle is hot.

I’ve been looking into a few upgrades… a sprite pro direct drive (hoping that will help with my leaking filament) and the cooling fans are clipping their housings. The other is I’m looking into a 4.2.7 or BTT skr mini e3 v3… but nervous about the approach to third party firmware. I do have a raspberry pi so klipper is an option but I don’t feel ready for that approach.

Any thoughts or recommendations on where I am at/ what path I should take for my upgrades?

My HBH is a few days away from harvest, my brother stopped by and was impressed with it in comparison to the one he grew a while back. This is my first haze grow and I’m pretty proud of it.

Was a main line grow, so the base looks gnarly and I love it