Preferred Software/Firmware

[fredini]

Hi All,
I have one of the original IndiGoGo kits and after upgrading and replacing some parts am just getting back to recalibrating and printing. I just wanted to check in about firmware versions and softwares people are using.

Firmware:
I see that the github (https://github.com/johnoly99/Marlin-for ... kmax-rambo) was updated a month ago for Rambo 1.1 boards. Do I want to update to this? How do I know what version of Rambo I have? I've also seen other people mentioning using Polygonhell's firmware- What is the difference and what version should I be using?

I should add that I have the LCD kit, but have not yet installed it. I hope to do so soon, so in that case I guess I would be using JohnOly's Marlin for LCD firmware? https://github.com/johnoly99/Marlin-for ... x-ramboLCD

Software:
I'm using Repetier (Max OSX) and Slicer. I see a lot of people are using other slicers like Kisslicer or Cura. What do people recommend?
Should I try the dev version of Repetier instead of the current release?
What slicer program do you think provides the best results?

Thanks!

[mhackney]

fredini, Polygonhell's branch of the Repetier firmware supports the LCD and HD card reader. I have not been able to get Marlin to support this. However, you will need to edit Polygonhell's branch to support 16 microstep version 1.1 RAMBo. That's easy and documented in my build thread.

I use Repetier Host on Mac OSX and either KISSlicer (using it more often recently) release candidate version or Slic3r (have been a long time user of it but KISS seems to work better for me now).

[MorbidSlowBurn]

Fredini- if you received one of the early kits, you are probably using an 8 step Rambo board. Polygonhell's firmware should work without needing to mod the micro-steps. Just get the latest firmware version. I think mhackney's build documents it well. Just remember the EEPROM is enabled by default, again it is document in mhackney's build on how to change.

Personally I started using Kisslicer. Each program has some pros and cons so no need to stick to one.

[fredini]

How do I tell what version of the Rambo Board I have?

And where do i find PolygonHell's firmware to download it? Can I run it before I install the LCD controller too? Or I have to install the controller first?

[mhackney]

The rev number is printed on the board and was on the instruction sheets that came with mine. Search polygonhell's posts and github and you'll find his firmware. You do not need to have the LCD installed.

[fredini]

Got it here:
https://github.com/polygonhell/Repetier-Firmware

Another Question- In another post Polygonhell is talking about downloading the dev branch of Repetier and that its better than the current release. If I try that, do I have to compile repetier to run it? I'm on a mac.

[Polygonhell]

Got it here:
https://github.com/polygonhell/Repetier-Firmware

Another Question- In another post Polygonhell is talking about downloading the dev branch of Repetier and that its better than the current release. If I try that, do I have to compile repetier to run it? I'm on a mac.

You should use the master branch not the developer branch currently, when I first set up repetier there was no released version with delta support, since then Repetier firmware did a release and all active development is in the master branch.

[[email protected]]

everytime i try to upload this software to my board it says error compiling
I installed my LCD screen now im trying to upload the software

[mhackney]

What version of the Arduino IDE are you using? Version 1.0.3 should compile it.

[[email protected]]

1.5.2

[mhackney]

That *might* be the problem. I haven't tried this update yet. I'll grab it and try it tonight.

[[email protected]]

ok thank you
i guess ill try and get the older version

[mhackney]

Ok, I got the 1.5.2 version for MacoSX and it compiles Pollygonhell's Repetier firmware branch with no problem. Can you copy and paste your compile errors here?

[[email protected]]

when i get out of class i will thank you

[[email protected]]

ok so it uploads now because i completely removed it and reinstalled everything
do i have to change the steps to 16 or is it already done in the software not sure if its updated or not
what all do i have to change in polygonhells firmware to get it to work on my rostock max
also my lcd screen just has white squares on it?

[[email protected]]

and when i upload the repetier firmware i just get a blue screen no white boxes?