Installing and using software with Gigabot

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Install 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

Here are the most up to date Simplify3D profiles for your Gigabot

  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 and GB3+

GB3 XL and GB3+ XL

GB3 XLT and GB3+ XLT

GB2

GB2 XL

Experimental 0.8mm nozzle

GB3 and GB3+ 0.8mm Nozzle

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/

Dual Extrusion Settings

Firmware 4.1.5 and above (Azteeg X3-PRO control board)

Simplify3D .factory file for 4.1.5 Dual extruder calibration 4.1.5


Firmware 4.1.3 and below (Azteeg X3 control board)

Simplify3D .factory file for 4.1.3 Dual extruder calibration 4.1.3

Exact distance between the extruders must be set in either the firmware (firmware 4.1.5) or in Simplify3D (firmware 4.1.3). By default the distance from the centerline of E0 to E1 is set as:

X = 55mm Y = 0mm

The exact distance can be found by performing a test print using the above .factory file to print a 40mm box. The first 10mm of height will be with the left extruder and the second 10mm of height with the right extruder. Measuring any offset and then adjusting the above offset values using the Viki controller interface (4.1.5) or Simplify3D (4.1.3)

Alt text
Alt text

Firmware 4.1.5

Measure the offset (if any) between the first and second 10mm of height in both the X and Y axis.
Adjusting the offset in the Viki controller:
Press center button of the Viki
Scroll down and select “Control”
Scroll down and select “Motion”
Scroll down and select “T1X”
If the top 10mm was shifted to the right (+X direction) then increase the value by the amount of the shift and click the center button
Scroll up and select the “up one level icon”
Scroll down and select “T1Y”
If the top 10mm was shifted to the back(+Y direction) then increase the value by the amount of the shift and click the center button
Scroll up and select the “up one level icon”
Scroll down and select “Store Memory” two times.
Turn off power and turn on power.
Check the T1X and T1Y values are changed
Run the above gcode file and verify there is no shift between the bottom 10mm and the top 10mm

Firmware 4.1.3

Measure the offset (if any) between the first and second 10mm of height in both the X and Y axis.
Adjust the "Toolhead offsets" for tool 1 under the G-Code tab in the .fff settings.
Alt text

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