Difference between revisions of "Installing and using software with Gigabot"

Revision as of 19:58, 8 January 2016

Install software

Gigabot is fully compatible with open source programming tools supported by the RepRap community (http://reprap.org/). We encourage you to become an active participant in this thriving community!

Download and install:

1. USB to serial driver
2. Simplify3D or Slic3r
3. Pronterface

USB to serial driver

The Virtual Communications Port driver talks to your USB port in a way that Gigabot understands.

Download and install the VCP driver for your specific operating system.

Windows version setup executable.

All operating systems.

You may need administrator rights, or need to right click and "Run as Administrator".

Simplify3D

After installing Simplify3D -

Install updated Gigabot configuration file.

1. Click one of the following links
   1. File:Gigabot.fff
   2. File:Gigabot XL.fff
2. In the new window right click on the link at the top of the page and choose "save link as"
3. This will download the file to your computer.
4. Open Simplify3D.
5. Go to File -> Import .fff Profile
6. Choose the updated .fff configuration file for your machine

Additional information about Simplify3D:

http://www.simplify3d.com/support/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQP0KuWKndRvvTbLVYWZXnQ

Helpful tutorials: http://www.simplify3d.com/support/tutorials/

Slic3r

Slic3r takes a 3D model (usually an .stl file) and turns it into G-code. G-code is the instructions for the 3D printer to create the part. A more detailed understanding of G-code can be found on the RepRap wiki.

Download and install Slic3r.

Read the complete Slic3r manual

Download Slic3r settings File:Gigabot Slic3r config.ini‎ to your local computer.

Open Slic3r and go to File -> Preferences -> Mode -> Expert

Click OK and follow prompt to restart Slic3r

Once you have restarted Slic3r go to File -> Load Configuration

Choose the Gigabot_Slic3r_config.ini ‎ configuration file you saved earlier

Printrun (Pronterface)

This program is the interface you will use to communicate with Gigabot. Once the 3D model (.stl) has been turned into G-code, it must be feed into the printer. This can be done by loading the G-code file onto a micro SD card and inserting it into Gigabot's Viki controller or feeding it from your computer to Gigabot via Pronterface. More information on Pronterface can be found Here

Download and install Printrun for Windows or Mac.

Open Pronterface and go to Settings -> Options

Under the Printer Settings tab change:

Baud rate to 250000

Bed temp for PLA to 65

Extruder temp for PLA to 195

X and Y manual feed rate to 6000

Z manual feed rate to 200

E manual feed rate to 100

Width, Depth and Height to 600

Click OK then restart Pronterface for the changes to take affect

Connecting to Gigabot

• Turn on Gigabot
• Plug the USB cable into your computer
• Open Pronterface and click on the 'Connect' button at the top left of the main screen
• Once connected the dialog box on the right side of the screen should say 'Printer now online'
• On the left side of the screen near the "Check Temperature" button activate the "Watch" check box

Testing the X, Y, and Z limit switches

Open Pronterface

In the lower-right corner, type the G-code command "M119" to check the limit switches. All switches should return "OPEN".

Using your finger, individually depress each limit switch lightly until it clicks. Hold this position and resend the "M119" command.

X_MIN will change to "Triggered"

Y_MAX will change to "Triggered"

Z_MIN will change to "Triggered"

Moving the X and Y and Z axis

In the Pronterface control panel click on the +x 10 button to move the print head to the right 10mm.

Note: Calibrate the bed using the Calibrating your Gigabot instructions before homing the Z axis

Using your finger, depress the Z-limit switch lightly until it clicks. Hold this position and resend the "M119" command via Pronterface.