Best firmware for RAMPS 1.4 to manually control printer

Hi,
I am building my own 3D printer from scratch. (Why? Because I can. :-)
I have a MEGA 2560 with a RAMPS 1.4 and 4x20 LCD with rotary switch. I have successfully configured and loaded the Marlin REPRAP firmware but the display panel controls do nothing.
I have seen (but cannot remember which) a firmware version that allows the control panel to control the printer manually (move the head, set the temperature etc).
Can anyone please suggest which firmware is best for manual control of the printer?
Thanks in advance
Bryon

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/14/2017 06:30AM by brbaker.

Sorry folks. My bad. I found the additional options in configuration.h in the LCD and SD Support. Don't know how I missed them before.
Unfortunately I can't delete the post. Sorry for wasting your time.
Bryon

It would still be interesting, if there is a firmware that has better manual movement than Marlin? I really hate using the LCD for that purpose and connect pronterface or Octopi instead.

Some weeks ago I had an Idea I have to rethink and maybe build some day:

Fact is: Using the USB-Connection of the Arduino you can send G-Codes.

So what if:
-) I take a raspberry pi (or similar)
-) connect it to the Aruino USB
-) Connect 3 Rotary encoders to the raspberry
-) Do a small Software on the raspberry which does send Movement G-Codes to the Arduino as I am Turning the Rotary Encoders.

That would give me Jogging wheels for all three Axis. Maybe a 4th one for the Extruder.

Maybe additional Buttons for Preheat and Home....

But: I've never done programming on a raspberry before - so might take some month till I start with this Project.

I've also seen a joystick on LCD panels instead of encoder, that's more natural for X & Y than encoders. For Z, an encoder would do.

There is a mobile phone app. that can connect via USB OTG cable that can do similar. GCode simulator. I had a quick play but it didn't want to work for me.

A plug in box with jog wheels may be neat (big brass dials for you steampunk fans)

Ed

I'm having the same problem what did you do? Please help!

Hi,

Refer to my second post. Look in configuration.h for the section

//=============================================================================
//============================= LCD and SD support ============================
//=============================================================================

There are lots of settings in there. Specifically this one will be key:

//
// Marlin supports a wide variety of controllers.
// Enable one of the following options to specify your controller.
//

Basically I can't stress enough how important it is to take the time to read through configuration.h and try and understand all the options.

Bryon

Byron I have and Ive watched youtube videos and followed them why i config. it still has a blue screen.

Here is my Marlin config file with setting with out my LCD I can not home and set my axis up right.

Hi,
I am not sure what file this is but it is not Configuration.h

This is the one I use.

I used to use Marlin with my Arduino mega 2560/Ramps 1.4 but it was hard work going through lines and lines of code and typing commands in.

I have since changed to Repetier firmware which has an online configuration tool.

[www.repetier.com]

It couldn't be easier to change settings in the firmware.
I also use Repetier Host for the actual printing with Slic3r slicer built in.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/09/2017 07:45AM by dave3d.