which software?

hello all!
I (I try to) build a Prusa i3
I have an Arduino, RAMPS 1.4 Control Board complete.
my question is what software should I use ? And from where?
I want to test only the board and the motors(if it is possible???)
(maybe also other software for that ?) Also and from...... where?

sorry for my bad language/writing!
friendly greetings from Netherlands!
Rob.

Marlin is my preferred firmware for normal printing operation.

If you just want to test things, you can use this test code in a simple sketch.

.
thanks cdru,
I am a novice with virtually everything here.
(hope this is not a stupid question?) can I stop the sketch in: Arduino 1.0.6?

thanks and greetings
Rob.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/24/2015 05:59PM by 3D rob.

Quote
3D rob
can I stop the sketch in: Arduino 1.0.6?

No, not as written. It is designed to run indefinitely and based on different intervals turn on or off, or change direction, various components. If you want to stop it, turn off the power to the Arduino board or flash it with a different (or blank) sketch.

different software packages have different benefits, if you are talking about host software. i would start out using repetier host, because it has an easy to understand jog menu. after your printer test is complete and you've done a few prints give cura a try.

as for ide and use of serial monitor in arduino serial, it is too easy to mistype characters. so cut and paste them to assure commands are sent properly.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/25/2015 10:25AM by jamesdanielv.

Take a look at Repetier firmware. They have an online "configuration.h" editor which is very easy to use.
If you down load their default settings, it will run your board.

I use Repetier Host and Craftware slicer.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/25/2015 10:29AM by billober33974.

Quote
cdru

Quote
3D rob
can I stop the sketch in: Arduino 1.0.6?

No, not as written. It is designed to run indefinitely and based on different intervals turn on or off, or change direction, various components. If you want to stop it, turn off the power to the Arduino board or flash it with a different (or blank) sketch.

sorry I have made a translation mistake here! the word STOP is wrong! (STOP = Dutch)
i meant: put it in.
.
I now have Repetier host v1.0.6 downloaded and stand on my PC now.(must look how it works now)
with this software, I hope it is posible to test run the motor???

I want all of you to thank you for your help!
and again sorry for the bad translation!
greetings from Netherlands / Rotterdam
Rob.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/25/2015 12:42PM by 3D rob.

If you are using the referenced test software, you do not need or use any host. Just upload the test software with the arduino IDE. It causes the stepper motors to move back and forth - so make sure you start with everything at about the center of the axis.

If you want to test functionality with repetier or pronterface or whatever host you end up using, just flash on the actual firmware you will be using. Most host programs five you SOME capability to enter commands directly to the printer to allow you to verify correct operation.

.
hello all!
cdru the test software worked! (thanks!)
Thank you all for the help!
thank you all of course
litle short, tis a bit late (must go to bed!)
[www.mijnalbum.nl]
Greetings from here!
Rob.

.
so, back again!
once again thank you for your nice INFO.
Of course now I see the motors that move with test software,
but can I wiht: repetier host do this also?
can I also move the motors?

am slowly working on building:
[www.mijnalbum.nl]
[www.mijnalbum.nl]

this is the test of the controlboard PC and stepper motors:
[www.youtube.com]

I hope you like it!?
yes with some Dutch spoken by me! (I say nothing special there!)

Greetings from here again!
and again sorry for the bad translation!
Rob.

Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 02/28/2015 07:09AM by 3D rob.