Firmware Flashing / Setup

Hello,
I'm a newbie at all of this. I've been printing for a bit but never really understood how to "flash" and upload firmware.
I just ordered a RAMBo 1.2 PCB and I'm using it on a Velleman Machine. I have no idea what to do to set it up. Can anyone lead me in the right direction ? I've done some basic G-gode stuff but I'm green with all of this.
Thanks again.
Waynester

I've not used a RAMBo board before, but a quick google says its the same as most.
Download, extract and run the Arduino IDE.
Download and extract the Marlin firmware.
In the Arduino IDE set the board to Mega 2560 (RAMBo if you added it).
Open the Configuration.h file in the firmware folder/location in the Arduino IDE and read through the file changing the settings to match your printer setup.
Once done save the file and select upload.

If you want to make use of the more advanced things the RAMBo offers you need to add it as a board in the IDE (how to can be found here).

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/13/2014 04:18AM by JoeDaStudd.

---

My Reprap blog

jds-reprap.blogspot.com

???

I did a google to your Rambo -----

[ultimachine.com]

[airwolf3d.com]

--- Who did you buy your board from? Do they have instructions?

There are many tutorials -- and videos -----

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/13/2014 03:13PM by bstott.

Hello,
Thanks for the links and tips.
I bought my RAMBo 1.2 from ultimachine.
It didn't come with any instructions. But I'm looking around for videos etc.
The wire harness that connects the motors is slightly different from the connectors on my printer
so I have to "crimp" all the wires with a new connector. I just ordered a new crimping tool from Newark electronics.
This should be a great learning experience.
Looking forward to the whole thing.
Thanks again and If you think of any other tips please send along.
WayneSter

a few things to mention rambo requires either marlin / repetier firmware, and in advanced settings in marlin the power level of steppers as well as stepper division need to be set. rambo is different from ramps in that power and stepper configuration are done in software.

Hello Again,
I was able to download and run Arduino and communicate with Rambo board.
But when I try to copy the configuration.h file into Arduino and hit upload it says it has to be a .ion or other file type.
What part of the puzzle am I missing ?
Also, when I try to connect with Repetier it says "connected" but "1 command running"
Any Help.
w.

You won't be able to connect to your printer host (Repetier ) until you flash the board. The firmware consists of several files. Configuration.h is the primary file to edit but you need to compile and load Marlin.ino into your Rambo. You can open Marlin.ino in the Arduino environment and Configuration.h will be in one of the tabs in the window able for you to edit. No need to be concerned about the advanced features yet. Edit the Configuration.h file with the proper parameters, verify it then compile/load it and you should be able to connect to your machine.

.ino is used for after version 1 written firmware files. before version 1 they were .pde

firmware should be extracted.

Hello Out there,
I got it !!! After you install Arduino chose File Open and you have to Go to the Marlin Folder (where you downloaded the Marlin Software) and find the (PDE) file. Once that is opened you will see tabs across the top. These represent all the files that you are about to "upload" to your circuit board. This is the firmware that is converted to (HEX) .....Before you choose the "upload" command open the "configuration.h" file (its one of the tabs at the top) . This is where you edit different info that matches your board and printer etc.
Good Luck
W.