Introduction
If you have inputs to this guide, feel free to edit it directly, or add comments at the appropriate steps.
Parts
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Gigabot is fully compatible with open source programming tools supported by the RepRap community. We encourage you to become an active participant in this thriving community!
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In this guide, you will:
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Download the Virtual Communications Port Driver. The VCP talks to your USB port in a way Gigabot understands.
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Download Slic3r. This program allows you to take 3D geometry (.STL files) and convert them into code that communicates with Gigabot.
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Download Printrun (Pronterface). This program is the interface you will use to communicate with Gigabot.
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Download the Virtual Communications Port Driver for your operating system.
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You may need administrator rights, or need to right click and "Run as Administrator".
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This installation happens quickly, and if you aren't sure if it successfully completed, there is no harm in making a second attempt.
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You can skip this step, unless you're downloading firmware for Gigabot.
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Download the latest (Ver. KS3.1) firmware here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/swq88e15t8apb6...
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The version of firmware that ships with your Gigabot speaks with the Viki LCD. To use Gigabot without the Viki LCD, new firmware must be uploaded with code pertaining to the display commented out.
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Run Arduino, open preferences, and specify your Sketchbook location.
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Libraries must be put in the sketchbook under a directory called "libraries". The library itself must be in its own directory under this.
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Download a desired firmware suite.
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Download Slic3r and save to applications.
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This program allows you to take 3D geometry (.STL files) and convert them into code that communicates with Gigabot.
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Open the application. Go to printer settings. Replace the contents of the "Start G-Code" box with a copy of the g-code lines below. (Please note it should be 1 g-code per line. Everything after the semicolon is a comment; see g-code image for example)
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Download Printrun (Pronterface).
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This program is the interface you will use to communicate with Gigabot. This can be done by loading the gcode file onto a micro SD card and putting it into the printer or feeding it through a feeder program.
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Run Pronterface and Slic3r separately.
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To get started using the software, we're going to use a Calibration Cube to optimize the Gigabot set-up. Below are two options to work with.
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.STL : Download the .stl Calibration Cube from the re:3D wiki.
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The .stl file needs to be processed in Slic3r (see next step) and exported as G-Code.
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G-Code : If desired, Download the G-code of the Calibration Cube from the re:3D wiki.
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This is G-Code generated by re:3D. (This assumes a general calibration number for X, Y, Z, and Extruder steps per mm)
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Open Slic3r and load the .ini file from above. This will load an acceptable set of defaults for the Gigabot.
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Click "Add..." and load the .STL file for the calibration cube.
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Click "Export G-code..." and save the file, to be opened later in Pronterface. (see screenshot)
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Watch the status along the bottom of the screen as your calibration cube is (quickly) sliced.
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Connect Button : Once you plug in USB connection from your Gigabot, open Pronterface, choose the appropriate comm port (usually the last), select 250000 for the speed, and click "Connect".
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Confirm that you are connected, by witnessing feedback from Gigabot in the status window on the right, ending with the status of the SD card.
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Load Button : Choose your G-Code file and upload it into Pronterface. You should see a representation of the first layer of your object on the plater.
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To view the layers that were generated by the G-Code, click on the Grid and scroll.
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More visualization options, including a 3D mode, are available via the Preferences menu.
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After powering up Gigabot and connecting the USB port to your computer, open Printrun, select the proper comm port, and use 250000 for the speed. Click connect.
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