Installing and using software with Gigabot

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Simplify3D software

Gigabot is fully compatible with open source programming tools supported by the RepRap community (http://reprap.org/).

Download and install:

  1. Simplify3D
  2. USB to serial driver

Simplify3D FFF Profiles


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

GB3+ with firmware 4.2.0 and above

Base Profile - Used for single material prints
GB3+
GB3+ XL
GB3+ XLT
Support Profile (Using separate material for support structures)
GB3+
GB3+ XL
GB3+ XLT
Polycarbonate (PC) Profile
GB3+
GB3+ XL
GB3+ XLT

For GB3 and GB3+ firmware 4.1.3 to 4.1.5

GB3 and GB3+
GB3 XL and GB3+ XL
GB3 XLT and GB3+ XLT

For Terabot V1 with firmware 4.2.0 and above

0.4 nozzles
Mondo 0.8 nozzles
Mondo 0.4 left, 0.8 right
Mondo 1.2 nozzles

For OpenGB

OpenGB

For GB2

GB2
GB2 XL
GB2 with All Metal Hot End

For Gigabot X

Gigabot X 0.8mm Nozzle
Gigabot X 1.75mm Nozzle

Mondo Hot End 0.8mm nozzles

GB3+
GB3+

Youtube Video

Setup and running Simplify3D


As seen in the above video:
Three steps to choosing your settings:
  1. Alt text
  2. Alt text
  3. Alt text
Gigabot Model for Simplify3D File:Gigabot Frame.stl

More Resources

http://www.simplify3d.com/support/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQP0KuWKndRvvTbLVYWZXnQ
Helpful tutorials: http://www.simplify3d.com/support/tutorials/


USB to serial driver

If you are not able to connect the computer to Gigabot you may need to install a driver. The Virtual Communications Port driver is a piece of software that allows your computer to communicate with your Gigabot using USB.

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".

Slic3r

If you are not using Simplify3D to prepare your 3D model for printing you can use 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 to your local computer.:
GB2.
GB3 Single.
GB3 Dual.
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.

Pronterface.jpg


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