Machine is complete, but what software?

Right, this is the machine I have built,

[www.youtube.com]

[rappronz.blogspot.co.nz]

It's 90% completed mechanically just the software and firmware side of things I don't really know what direction to head in.

The machine has:

Arduino Mega 1280 with Ramps 1.4 board wired to Gecko G251 stepper motor drivers
Nema 23 3A Stepper motors on X,Y,Z and E axes
Approx travels 200x200x150
Bed is heated from 4x 400W 240V elements from the output of the Ramps Board thru a 24V contactor.

I have an IBM thinkpad laptop to use with the machine which I think should be adequate.

I have managed to upload a test program to the Arduino that cycles all axes simultaneously back and forward.

What I'm confused about is what software and what firmware is the best to be running for my machine. There's so many options and doesn't appear to be a very clear choice between them? I've tried installing Skeinforge but just get a flash of a black screen when I try load the python file.

If someone could clearly describe what software and firmware etc and a bit of a 'how-to' would be best for my application would be very appreciated. Currently the machine is just sitting there waiting on the software.


Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Nigel.

Ok, I have Skeinforge working, I think I had a too new version of Python. I've installed the 2.7 release aswell and Skeinforge seems to load OK.

I have ReplicatorG as well, is this a good program to be using?

Where do I set things like travel limits, machine feed rates, distance travelled per step, +/- directions, etc? And I can't find anywhere relating to the AT MEGA 1280 controller board I have?




Cheers.

You will need to download a firmware such as sprinter or Marlin and upload it to the Arduino via the Arduino IDE . When you open whichever firmware you choose within the Arduino interface, go to the tab that says "configuration.h" you'll find feedrates, travel rates and everything else within the configuration.h file. Look up calibration on the RepRap Wiki and follow the directions there, they will outline the proper way to adjust all of the different variables. Also I would suggest looking for Pronterface and Slic3r, I found them to be the simplest toolchain as far as software goes.

Hi, thanks for the reply. I've installed Sprinter firmware onto the Arduino board, and Pronterface onto the laptop. I got it to the point where I was mucking around with settings, calibrating the axes to more accurately, working through the other settings as I go.

Unfortunately I was working on setting up the limit switches which I was getting no response from, I thought mabye the wiring was at fault so I setup a test switch and cable for the X axis but I managed to connect between the + and - pins of the board, blowing a couple of components on the Arduino board. I've ordered another board so should be back into it tomorrow.

Can you (or someone) please confirm what the correct wiring is for mechanical end switches? I currently have them wired between the + and S pins on the Ramps 1.4 board but am getting no response and the machine is running into the hard stops when I move it around manually, and can't home it at all.


Cheers,

Nigel.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/23/2012 05:31AM by Nigel_NZ.

just my 2 cents, I started with sprinter and wasnt happy with my circles and a few other things. I switched to marlin which was a pain but my results greatly improved. It runs smoother and quieter now. I will be posting some pictures tonight to update my site. I wished when I started that I went Marlin first. The benefit of going sprinter is at least for me I had it up and running in a very short time. Marlin took me a few days to get it to even move correctly.

My config:
Marlin
Pronterface
Slic3r
123d CAD & GoogleSketchup

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Ryan
Quality Engineer & Hobbyist
thingsandtrains.blogspot.com

Hi, thanks for that information. I've changed to the Marlin firmware, you're right it is a bit more difficult to configure but provides a lot more options which is better for my application. I'm having a bit of trouble with homing procedures but I'll start another thread for that. Cheers.