RapManFirmwareDevelopment

Building the RapMan firmware might require a Microsoft Windows based setup. The following is tested in a Windows XP running through VirtualBox on Kubuntu.

Getting a working PIC32 development environment

• Install MPLAB.
  • Download MPLAB from here or zip
  • You don't need to install the HI TECH C.
• Get SVN tools or use a tarball (extract with 7-zip or similar software)
  • Download tortoise SVN (32 bit), other/newer versions
  • Alternatively use another tool that allows you to access the recent code from the repository.

Getting Erik's unofficial RapMan Development tree

• Check out this repository https://reprap.svn.sourceforge.net/../users/erik/OpenRapMan/EriksBranch/bfb-firmware-dev3. You can do this by creating a folder from windows explorer and right-clicking "Check out a repository". Put the aforementioned URL in the box and proceed with checking it out.
• Open the "bfb-firmware-dev.mcp" MPLAB Project file. This will start MPLAB.
• Before you change files, test if it compiles now.
  • Use: "Build all" to build the file. You can flash the firmware using the HIDBootLoader.exe included in the same folder. Browse to find the .hex file that has a recent modification timestamp. If the .hex file is older, something has gone wrong with your compilation process!

Modified firmware

If you have changes, send them (.diff files are best) to [email protected] for inclusion in this openRapMan branch.

Modifications

• Erik: Automatic homing can be skipped, manual homing is possible. Press the right key (X+) after opening a file. After releasing the key you are in manual home mode. Put the machine in the home position manually. Press the 'Esc' key to proceed with the print job. This is very useful

Proposed Modifications

• USB/Serial support
• Auto calibration (how much steps does it take to get back to the limit switch, self-determine backlash)
• Your modifications! Add the proposal, or better, add the features. Use the discussion feature to discuss proposals.
• Multi-Material support

Troubleshooting

It should compile. If it doesn't, check the includes: Projects -> Build Options... -> Project. Go to the tab "Directories". Choose: show directories for "Include search path". Check if these are indeed the path where these files can be found. "MPLAB C32" is not the same as "MPLAB C32 [bSuite[/b]". Microchip Inc. has changed the default installation paths apparently.

-- Erik de Bruijn