Ha Nate, I ended up building a new computer for the reprap, new everything except for the os, I used a new full version of win xp pro, might install win 7 later on. Ok, now I am at the stage I think I will need your help. I have downloaded all the software I think I need, a total of 7 programs. Do you have winzip or what did you use to unzip printrun, which I am guessing is ponterface? :D Could you give me a run down of what was installed starting with ponterface, are they all installed to the same directory on top of ponterface, thanks.:D

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 28th, 2011, 07:23 PM

Ha Nate, I ended up building a new computer for the reprap, new everything except for the os, I used a new full version of win xp pro, might install win 7 later on. Ok, now I am at the stage I think I will need your help. I have downloaded all the software I think I need, a total of 7 programs. Do you have winzip or what did you use to unzip printrun, which I am guessing is ponterface? :D Could you give me a run down of what was installed starting with ponterface, are they all installed to the same directory on top of ponterface, thanks.:D

I just use the built in zip thing in XP.   Printrun is more of a package of software which includes pronterface.  You for sure need to install Python and the other programs before you can run pronterface.  I believe I installed the python programs in there default locations, will have to check.  I have my pronterface folder sort of unorganized in a reprap folder and run it from a short cut on my desktop.  Sfact I know has to be in a folder named skeinforge inside the pronterface folder.  The python programs are really the key to making it all work.  Windows don't recognize pronterface with out it.  If I remember right python is installed on the root in its own folder on mine.  Will need to check for sure, been a week since I looked at it.  The arduino program can run out of any folder i think.  
I downloaded Ubuntu and burned it to CD.  You can run it directly from the disc to try it out.  I may give that a try on my new printer PC after looking at it.  Makes sense to run open source with open source. :P

Nate

Quote from firepinto on October 28th, 2011, 08:32 PM

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 28th, 2011, 07:23 PM

Ha Nate, I ended up building a new computer for the reprap, new everything except for the os, I used a new full version of win xp pro, might install win 7 later on. Ok, now I am at the stage I think I will need your help. I have downloaded all the software I think I need, a total of 7 programs. Do you have winzip or what did you use to unzip printrun, which I am guessing is ponterface? :D Could you give me a run down of what was installed starting with ponterface, are they all installed to the same directory on top of ponterface, thanks.:D

I just use the built in zip thing in XP.   Printrun is more of a package of software which includes pronterface.  You for sure need to install Python and the other programs before you can run pronterface.  I believe I installed the python programs in there default locations, will have to check.  I have my pronterface folder sort of unorganized in a reprap folder and run it from a short cut on my desktop.  Sfact I know has to be in a folder named skeinforge inside the pronterface folder.  The python programs are really the key to making it all work.  Windows don't recognize pronterface with out it.  If I remember right python is installed on the root in its own folder on mine.  Will need to check for sure, been a week since I looked at it.  The arduino program can run out of any folder i think.  
I downloaded Ubuntu and burned it to CD.  You can run it directly from the disc to try it out.  I may give that a try on my new printer PC after looking at it.  Makes sense to run open source with open source. :P

Nate

Nate need more help, I just downloaded the Arduino software followed the arduino software installation page, tried to blink the led on the duino board, saw nothing, no orange flashing led, then I selected 2560 board and com3, then the duino and ramps board started to blink the led's, green for the ramps and red for the duino, is this right or wrong?

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 29th, 2011, 02:24 PM

Quote from firepinto on October 28th, 2011, 08:32 PM

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 28th, 2011, 07:23 PM

Ha Nate, I ended up building a new computer for the reprap, new everything except for the os, I used a new full version of win xp pro, might install win 7 later on. Ok, now I am at the stage I think I will need your help. I have downloaded all the software I think I need, a total of 7 programs. Do you have winzip or what did you use to unzip printrun, which I am guessing is ponterface? :D Could you give me a run down of what was installed starting with ponterface, are they all installed to the same directory on top of ponterface, thanks.:D

I just use the built in zip thing in XP.   Printrun is more of a package of software which includes pronterface.  You for sure need to install Python and the other programs before you can run pronterface.  I believe I installed the python programs in there default locations, will have to check.  I have my pronterface folder sort of unorganized in a reprap folder and run it from a short cut on my desktop.  Sfact I know has to be in a folder named skeinforge inside the pronterface folder.  The python programs are really the key to making it all work.  Windows don't recognize pronterface with out it.  If I remember right python is installed on the root in its own folder on mine.  Will need to check for sure, been a week since I looked at it.  The arduino program can run out of any folder i think.  
I downloaded Ubuntu and burned it to CD.  You can run it directly from the disc to try it out.  I may give that a try on my new printer PC after looking at it.  Makes sense to run open source with open source. :P

Nate

Nate need more help, I just downloaded the Arduino software followed the arduino software installation page, tried to blink the led on the duino board, saw nothing, no orange flashing led, then I selected 2560 board and com3, then the duino and ramps board started to blink the led's, green for the ramps and red for the duino, is this right or wrong?

Sounds like you just needed to select the correct board and com port #.  I haven't done that test myself.  To be honest I just uploaded Sprinter into the arduino via the arduino software right away.  You'll want to make changes in the configuration.h tab before you upload though.  Stuff like selecting board types and thermistor values.  I'll get a screenshot of my configuration.h settings tomorrow for ya.  There are two LED's that blink together on RAMPS and the Mega, that sounds about right.  Arduino's usually have one LED showing an output pin status that blinks on start up.  Sounds like your very close! :cool:

Nate

Quote from firepinto on October 29th, 2011, 04:47 PM

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 29th, 2011, 02:24 PM

Quote from firepinto on October 28th, 2011, 08:32 PM

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 28th, 2011, 07:23 PM

Ha Nate, I ended up building a new computer for the reprap, new everything except for the os, I used a new full version of win xp pro, might install win 7 later on. Ok, now I am at the stage I think I will need your help. I have downloaded all the software I think I need, a total of 7 programs. Do you have winzip or what did you use to unzip printrun, which I am guessing is ponterface? :D Could you give me a run down of what was installed starting with ponterface, are they all installed to the same directory on top of ponterface, thanks.:D

I just use the built in zip thing in XP.   Printrun is more of a package of software which includes pronterface.  You for sure need to install Python and the other programs before you can run pronterface.  I believe I installed the python programs in there default locations, will have to check.  I have my pronterface folder sort of unorganized in a reprap folder and run it from a short cut on my desktop.  Sfact I know has to be in a folder named skeinforge inside the pronterface folder.  The python programs are really the key to making it all work.  Windows don't recognize pronterface with out it.  If I remember right python is installed on the root in its own folder on mine.  Will need to check for sure, been a week since I looked at it.  The arduino program can run out of any folder i think.  
I downloaded Ubuntu and burned it to CD.  You can run it directly from the disc to try it out.  I may give that a try on my new printer PC after looking at it.  Makes sense to run open source with open source. :P

Nate

Nate need more help, I just downloaded the Arduino software followed the arduino software installation page, tried to blink the led on the duino board, saw nothing, no orange flashing led, then I selected 2560 board and com3, then the duino and ramps board started to blink the led's, green for the ramps and red for the duino, is this right or wrong?

Sounds like you just needed to select the correct board and com port #.  I haven't done that test myself.  To be honest I just uploaded Sprinter into the arduino via the arduino software right away.  You'll want to make changes in the configuration.h tab before you upload though.  Stuff like selecting board types and thermistor values.  I'll get a screenshot of my configuration.h settings tomorrow for ya.  There are two LED's that blink together on RAMPS and the Mega, that sounds about right.  Arduino's usually have one LED showing an output pin status that blinks on start up.  Sounds like your very close! :cool:

Nate

Hi Nate, so the red flashing led on the arduino mega board is the same as yours? Red to me means stop or something is not right. Should the red led be flashing another color? I do see the arduino in the device manager, under ports, so I'm guessing I have it right?:huh: Now on sprinter how is that to be installed? I don't  see a setup or install feature for it? I wish there were an instruction manual for the installation of all the software from start to finish, sure would make things much easier. Oh, here are the photo's I promised for temp control I sent you, my temp control is mounted in a panel with the front of it stating what all the buttons and led's are for, so this should help in building yours up.
Now that I am looking at the program I installed on the arduino , it's not sprinter , it's called arduino alpha 0022, downloaded from the arduino web site, is this what you used first and then sprinter, or just sprinter? Thanks.

Ok Nate, I have done more research and found out that the arduino software is correct that I have installed, just don't know about the red flashing led on the arduino mega board, so what I need to do now is install sprinter in it, I guess,  I can't find anything that tells me how that is done, could you shed some light on the red led and the sprinter software installation, thanks.

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 30th, 2011, 05:45 PM

Ok Nate, I have done more research and found out that the arduino software is correct that I have installed, just don't know about the red flashing led on the arduino mega board, so what I need to do now is install sprinter in it, I guess,  I can't find anything that tells me how that is done, could you shed some light on the red led and the sprinter software installation, thanks.

Hey Jeff,
Sorry I ddint get back to you sooner.  I don't think the LEDs will flash like mine until Sprinter is loaded.  I think what your seeing is telling you there is nothing for it to run.  I took a screenshot of my Sprinter settings.  The steps below are how I uploaded Sprinter to my Mega:  

Open the Arduino software.
 Click on File, then Open...
 Browse to where you unzipped your Sprinter folder.
 Select Sprinter.pde
 A new Window will open with tabs across the top with the different sections of Sprinter.
 Click on the Configuration.h tab.
 Make changes to basic settings: select your board type, thermistor type, axis scaling, and endstop configuration.
 Make sure your COM port is set correctly, then press Upload at the top (arrow button that points right).
 The arduino program will compile the Sprinter code, then  will upload it to the Mega board after compiling is complete.
 You can save the changes, and exit the arduino program after upload is complete.  You will see some Tx Rx LEDs flicker while it is uploading.

You will have to get in there again and repeat the process for your calibrations once you get pronterface online with the printer.  Make sure you click the disconnect button on pronterface before you try to upload with the arduino software.  The COM port needs to be open or you get an error.

I'm making some progress with some "Alpha" testing printing VIC bobbins.  Took 5+ hours to print.   I still have problems with my Y axis, go figure. lol  I might change my rods out for stainless, or build a new bed with PLA bushings.  I had the motor skip some steps and screw up a print or two.  Had to work out the corrosion on the rods where it was binding up.  

Nate

[attachment=409]
 

Quote from firepinto on October 30th, 2011, 07:18 PM

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 30th, 2011, 05:45 PM

Ok Nate, I have done more research and found out that the arduino software is correct that I have installed, just don't know about the red flashing led on the arduino mega board, so what I need to do now is install sprinter in it, I guess,  I can't find anything that tells me how that is done, could you shed some light on the red led and the sprinter software installation, thanks.

Hey Jeff,
Sorry I ddint get back to you sooner.  I don't think the LEDs will flash like mine until Sprinter is loaded.  I think what your seeing is telling you there is nothing for it to run.  I took a screenshot of my Sprinter settings.  The steps below are how I uploaded Sprinter to my Mega:  

Open the Arduino software.
 Click on File, then Open...
 Browse to where you unzipped your Sprinter folder.
 Select Sprinter.pde
 A new Window will open with tabs across the top with the different sections of Sprinter.
 Click on the Configuration.h tab.
 Make changes to basic settings: select your board type, thermistor type, axis scaling, and endstop configuration.
 Make sure your COM port is set correctly, then press Upload at the top (arrow button that points right).
 The arduino program will compile the Sprinter code, then  will upload it to the Mega board after compiling is complete.
 You can save the changes, and exit the arduino program after upload is complete.  You will see some Tx Rx LEDs flicker while it is uploading.

You will have to get in there again and repeat the process for your calibrations once you get pronterface online with the printer.  Make sure you click the disconnect button on pronterface before you try to upload with the arduino software.  The COM port needs to be open or you get an error.

I'm making some progress with some "Alpha" testing printing VIC bobbins.  Took 5+ hours to print.   I still have problems with my Y axis, go figure. lol  I might change my rods out for stainless, or build a new bed with PLA bushings.  I had the motor skip some steps and screw up a print or two.  Had to work out the corrosion on the rods where it was binding up.  

Nate

Ha Nate thanks, this is about what I thought, I have downloaded sprinter 3 times and every time I open it there is no pde file, so I'll try again from the wiki site and see what happens, I have found allot on Ubuntu and about a month ago I had downloaded a copy and also found where you could run it from a sd card or flash drive [2 gig] on win xp to run the reprap :cool:, I might try that later on. Well tomorrow I am going to have allot of fun [not] like I did this evening, had to drink about two quarts of nasty tasting stuff :huh::@ and again tomorrow then at 12:30 have a colonoscopy done, fun fun fun, It always takes me two days to recover from that, so I should have some time to do some software installs:D, thanks again Nate.

Nate good morning, I just received " that a boy " from Jo Prusa himself, made me feel much better about today. Here he tells how to build a heated plate.  https://www.youtube.com/user/prusajr?email=subscription_create#p/a/u/0/X9rGvW3ZjZQ :D.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgAd0gREvC8  :cool:

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 31st, 2011, 06:07 AM

Nate good morning, I just received " that a boy " from Jo Prusa himself, made me feel much better about today. Here he tells how to build a heated plate.  https://www.youtube.com/user/prusajr?email=subscription_create#p/a/u/0/X9rGvW3ZjZQ :D.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgAd0gREvC8  :cool:

Very cool Jeff, your printer is sharp looking, people are noticing.:cool:  I'll have to look into some PET tape.  Kind of wished he explained how to make the ABS acetone mix though.  Good luck with your super fun procedure :P  I don't want those days to come for myself. lol  

I'll check into where I got the Sprinter from.  Seems to me I might have had a similar problem.  The brain cells dont work like they used too.:s  I'm away from my printer for another week, otherwise I could attach a zip of my copy here.  

Good Luck Jeff!  Maybe I'll have a VIC model for ya to print by the end of the week.

Nate

Thanks Nate, I still do not see a pde file when I open sprinter from the arduino software, any ideas. The vic print would be very cool :cool:.

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 31st, 2011, 08:46 AM

Thanks Nate, I still do not see a pde file when I open sprinter from the arduino software, any ideas. The vic print would be very cool :cool:.

Hey Jeff,
Just checked your attachment and I can see the .pde file just fine.  You might want to check your windows settings to see that your not hiding system files or something.  At the top of windows explorer click on tools, then Folder options... then the view tab.  Uncheck anything that says Hide files or folders.


[attachment=411]

Quote from firepinto on October 31st, 2011, 08:55 AM

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 31st, 2011, 08:46 AM

Thanks Nate, I still do not see a pde file when I open sprinter from the arduino software, any ideas. The vic print would be very cool :cool:.

Hey Jeff,
Just checked your attachment and I can see the .pde file just fine.  You might want to check your windows settings to see that your not hiding system files or something.  At the top of windows explorer click on tools, then Folder options... then the view tab.  Uncheck anything that says Hide files or folders.

Thanks Nate I'll try it when I get home, if I am awake.

Ok, I have sprinter installed :D:D:D:D:D, just not sure how to configure the end stops, :(   they are high when the axes hits home led off. I made it through another procedure :D.

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 31st, 2011, 06:17 PM

Ok, I have sprinter installed :D:D:D:D:D, just not sure how to configure the end stops, :(   they are high when the axes hits home led off. I made it through another procedure :D.

Awesome Jeff:cool:
You will know if you need to change the Endstops Inverting from false to true in Sprinter if you can only run the motors in one direction when the opto is blocked.  That is what happened to me, and I had to change it.  I think yours can stay as the default setting of false.   You will also need to "comment out" the "# define ENDSTOPPULLUPS"  section with the //'s like they describe.   In my screen capture you can see that text is grey since it is commented out.  This just disables internal resistors on the Mega board used for when you have Microswitches instead of optos.  

Glad you made it through to RepRap another day. :)  I'm trying to tackle the tedious job of revamping the VIC bobbin sketchup.  It might be easier to start over. lol


I just remembered something I want to change on my next printer.  I mounted the Y  axis opto on the back side on my first one.  Now that I've thought about it, it should really go on the front side.  Every time my print finishes it homes to the back of the printer, and would make more sense to home to the front so the parts are right there to be removed.  This I think is also the reason I had to flip the connector for my Y axis motor.  For this printer I might try adding a second opto for the Y axis home and use the one already installed for a saftey stop opto (I think RAMPS can do that).  I hit the wrong button plenty of times and send the bed crashing into the frame. :p


Nate

Quote from firepinto on October 31st, 2011, 07:26 PM

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 31st, 2011, 06:17 PM

Ok, I have sprinter installed :D:D:D:D:D, just not sure how to configure the end stops, :(   they are high when the axes hits home led off. I made it through another procedure :D.

Awesome Jeff:cool:
You will know if you need to change the Endstops Inverting from false to true in Sprinter if you can only run the motors in one direction when the opto is blocked.  That is what happened to me, and I had to change it.  I think yours can stay as the default setting of false.   You will also need to "comment out" the "# define ENDSTOPPULLUPS"  section with the //'s like they describe.   In my screen capture you can see that text is grey since it is commented out.  This just disables internal resistors on the Mega board used for when you have Microswitches instead of optos.  

Glad you made it through to RepRap another day. :)  I'm trying to tackle the tedious job of revamping the VIC bobbin sketchup.  It might be easier to start over. lol


I just remembered something I want to change on my next printer.  I mounted the Y  axis opto on the back side on my first one.  Now that I've thought about it, it should really go on the front side.  Every time my print finishes it homes to the back of the printer, and would make more sense to home to the front so the parts are right there to be removed.  This I think is also the reason I had to flip the connector for my Y axis motor.  For this printer I might try adding a second opto for the Y axis home and use the one already installed for a saftey stop opto (I think RAMPS can do that).  I hit the wrong button plenty of times and send the bed crashing into the frame. :p


Nate
[/q
 
Thanks Nate, I had seen another printer with the y axes end stop mounted on the front, it made good since to me as well, I think I will change mine also. Here is a link to the flash drive for Ubuntu I had talked about,  http://reprap.org/wiki/Portable_USB_Ubuntu_RepRap_Host :cool:. I'll install all the other programs tomorrow and see if I can move the steppers and get the hotend to work. Did you check the amp draw on your steppers and adjust the pots on the driver boards? I will need to do this on mine, they are all two amp steppers. Also I had done some research on the arduino mega and found where if you power it from the usb cable you would not have to use the barrel plug, it auto selects which one is being used, that could be why in your video that the motors moved and you had to unplug the barrel plug. Link http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardMega2560 , just a thought. Well , I'll see how it goes tomorrow.

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 31st, 2011, 08:38 PM

Quote from firepinto on October 31st, 2011, 07:26 PM

Quote from Jeff Nading on October 31st, 2011, 06:17 PM

Ok, I have sprinter installed :D:D:D:D:D, just not sure how to configure the end stops, :(   they are high when the axes hits home led off. I made it through another procedure :D.

Awesome Jeff:cool:
You will know if you need to change the Endstops Inverting from false to true in Sprinter if you can only run the motors in one direction when the opto is blocked.  That is what happened to me, and I had to change it.  I think yours can stay as the default setting of false.   You will also need to "comment out" the "# define ENDSTOPPULLUPS"  section with the //'s like they describe.   In my screen capture you can see that text is grey since it is commented out.  This just disables internal resistors on the Mega board used for when you have Microswitches instead of optos.  

Glad you made it through to RepRap another day. :)  I'm trying to tackle the tedious job of revamping the VIC bobbin sketchup.  It might be easier to start over. lol


I just remembered something I want to change on my next printer.  I mounted the Y  axis opto on the back side on my first one.  Now that I've thought about it, it should really go on the front side.  Every time my print finishes it homes to the back of the printer, and would make more sense to home to the front so the parts are right there to be removed.  This I think is also the reason I had to flip the connector for my Y axis motor.  For this printer I might try adding a second opto for the Y axis home and use the one already installed for a saftey stop opto (I think RAMPS can do that).  I hit the wrong button plenty of times and send the bed crashing into the frame. :p


Nate
[/q
 
Thanks Nate, I had seen another printer with the y axes end stop mounted on the front, it made good since to me as well, I think I will change mine also. Here is a link to the flash drive for Ubuntu I had talked about,  http://reprap.org/wiki/Portable_USB_Ubuntu_RepRap_Host :cool:. I'll install all the other programs tomorrow and see if I can move the steppers and get the hotend to work. Did you check the amp draw on your steppers and adjust the pots on the driver boards? I will need to do this on mine, they are all two amp steppers. Also I had done some research on the arduino mega and found where if you power it from the usb cable you would not have to use the barrel plug, it auto selects which one is being used, that could be why in your video that the motors moved and you had to unplug the barrel plug. Link http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardMega2560 , just a thought. Well , I'll see how it goes tomorrow.

I didn't test current draw with a meter, but I turned the pots down to zero and increased them untill everything started to move smoothly.  I think my bed has too much drag and could be improved to reduce some current.

Nate

Again having problems Nate, :blush: ok, I have printrun, all the python dependencies and sfacts. Does printrun have an exe file to install it ? What happens next, how would you install printrun? The github and the youtube video don't really cut it for me, also have gone to the IRC, no one really wants to explain it to me, I am sorry to be such a pain,:blush: I have never been to school for most of what I know, all self taught, ya, I can build a computer, but I am not an IT guy, so I have to admit this is a little over my head, I did not have this much trouble when I built my CNC plasma cutting machine. So, I guess what I am asking is if you would be willing to give me step by step instructions to install all of this software :blush::blush::blush:, Sorry Nate, thanks :D

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 1st, 2011, 09:06 AM

Again having problems Nate, :blush: ok, I have printrun, all the python dependencies and sfacts. Does printrun have an exe file to install it ? What happens next, how would you install printrun? The github and the youtube video don't really cut it for me, also have gone to the IRC, no one really wants to explain it to me, I am sorry to be such a pain,:blush: I have never been to school for most of what I know, all self taught, ya, I can build a computer, but I am not an IT guy, so I have to admit this is a little over my head, I did not have this much trouble when I built my CNC plasma cutting machine. So, I guess what I am asking is if you would be willing to give me step by step instructions to install all of this software :blush::blush::blush:, Sorry Nate, thanks :D

Hey Jeff,
No problem at all.  I'm all self taught too.  I found the irc has good times and bad times, and its like stan said it seems like you have to ask the right questions.  The way I understand pronterface(printrun is the whole package) and python work is kind of like how Java programs work.  To run pronterface you have to click on pronterface.py which I don't know if its considered a script or what.  When you have pronterface running you will notice that the program name actually running in taskmanager  is python.exe.  
You also should put the folder contents of the sfact version you want to use in the skienforge folder that is in the folder with pronterface.py.(Clear out or move the old files to a backup folder)  Pronterface integrates with sfact so it has to be in the folder pronterface looks to.  I think that is probably all your missing, but I can do a step by step when I get back to my laptop tonight.

Nate

Quote from firepinto on November 1st, 2011, 10:49 AM

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 1st, 2011, 09:06 AM

Again having problems Nate, :blush: ok, I have printrun, all the python dependencies and sfacts. Does printrun have an exe file to install it ? What happens next, how would you install printrun? The github and the youtube video don't really cut it for me, also have gone to the IRC, no one really wants to explain it to me, I am sorry to be such a pain,:blush: I have never been to school for most of what I know, all self taught, ya, I can build a computer, but I am not an IT guy, so I have to admit this is a little over my head, I did not have this much trouble when I built my CNC plasma cutting machine. So, I guess what I am asking is if you would be willing to give me step by step instructions to install all of this software :blush::blush::blush:, Sorry Nate, thanks :D

Hey Jeff,
No problem at all.  I'm all self taught too.  I found the irc has good times and bad times, and its like stan said it seems like you have to ask the right questions.  The way I understand pronterface(printrun is the whole package) and python work is kind of like how Java programs work.  To run pronterface you have to click on pronterface.py which I don't know if its considered a script or what.  When you have pronterface running you will notice that the program name actually running in taskmanager  is python.exe.  
You also should put the folder contents of the sfact version you want to use in the skienforge folder that is in the folder with pronterface.py.(Clear out or move the old files to a backup folder)  Pronterface integrates with sfact so it has to be in the folder pronterface looks to.  I think that is probably all your missing, but I can do a step by step when I get back to my laptop tonight.

Nate

Well, I have Pronterface running, had to open python and then open Pronterface.py, so I think something is not quite right on the install, I will have to do an uninstall then  reinstall the programs correctly, with your help :blush:  :(  my extruder motor pulses about every two seconds, cannot stop it.:(  I have a hotend and all the steppers move to home,:D of course the Y  endstop I will have to move to the front, my endstops work great :D :P.     So I am :D and :(  at the same time.:huh:  Thanks Nate.

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 1st, 2011, 12:33 PM

Quote from firepinto on November 1st, 2011, 10:49 AM

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 1st, 2011, 09:06 AM

Again having problems Nate, :blush: ok, I have printrun, all the python dependencies and sfacts. Does printrun have an exe file to install it ? What happens next, how would you install printrun? The github and the youtube video don't really cut it for me, also have gone to the IRC, no one really wants to explain it to me, I am sorry to be such a pain,:blush: I have never been to school for most of what I know, all self taught, ya, I can build a computer, but I am not an IT guy, so I have to admit this is a little over my head, I did not have this much trouble when I built my CNC plasma cutting machine. So, I guess what I am asking is if you would be willing to give me step by step instructions to install all of this software :blush::blush::blush:, Sorry Nate, thanks :D

Hey Jeff,
No problem at all.  I'm all self taught too.  I found the irc has good times and bad times, and its like stan said it seems like you have to ask the right questions.  The way I understand pronterface(printrun is the whole package) and python work is kind of like how Java programs work.  To run pronterface you have to click on pronterface.py which I don't know if its considered a script or what.  When you have pronterface running you will notice that the program name actually running in taskmanager  is python.exe.  
You also should put the folder contents of the sfact version you want to use in the skienforge folder that is in the folder with pronterface.py.(Clear out or move the old files to a backup folder)  Pronterface integrates with sfact so it has to be in the folder pronterface looks to.  I think that is probably all your missing, but I can do a step by step when I get back to my laptop tonight.

Nate

Well, I have Pronterface running, had to open python and then open Pronterface.py, so I think something is not quite right on the install, I will have to do an uninstall then  reinstall the programs correctly, with your help :blush:  :(  my extruder motor pulses about every two seconds, cannot stop it.:(  I have a hotend and all the steppers move to home,:D of course the Y  endstop I will have to move to the front, my endstops work great :D :P.     So I am :D and :(  at the same time.:huh:  Thanks Nate.

I think you just need to associate the .py file extension with python.exe.  Right click on Pronterface.py and select Open with.., then click choose program.., then find python.exe in the list.  If it is not in the list click the browse button to go to where phyton is installed.  Then check always use this program to open this file.

Your extruder sounds like the same thing that was happening to my X axis motor, I think that means the POT is turned up too high on the stepper driver.  When the printer is sitting still the motors are "on" but in a braking mode.  You can click the turn off motors button on pronterface to let them freewheel.
Your almost there!

Nate

Quote from firepinto on November 1st, 2011, 01:15 PM

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 1st, 2011, 12:33 PM

Quote from firepinto on November 1st, 2011, 10:49 AM

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 1st, 2011, 09:06 AM

Again having problems Nate, :blush: ok, I have printrun, all the python dependencies and sfacts. Does printrun have an exe file to install it ? What happens next, how would you install printrun? The github and the youtube video don't really cut it for me, also have gone to the IRC, no one really wants to explain it to me, I am sorry to be such a pain,:blush: I have never been to school for most of what I know, all self taught, ya, I can build a computer, but I am not an IT guy, so I have to admit this is a little over my head, I did not have this much trouble when I built my CNC plasma cutting machine. So, I guess what I am asking is if you would be willing to give me step by step instructions to install all of this software :blush::blush::blush:, Sorry Nate, thanks :D

Hey Jeff,
No problem at all.  I'm all self taught too.  I found the irc has good times and bad times, and its like stan said it seems like you have to ask the right questions.  The way I understand pronterface(printrun is the whole package) and python work is kind of like how Java programs work.  To run pronterface you have to click on pronterface.py which I don't know if its considered a script or what.  When you have pronterface running you will notice that the program name actually running in taskmanager  is python.exe.  
You also should put the folder contents of the sfact version you want to use in the skienforge folder that is in the folder with pronterface.py.(Clear out or move the old files to a backup folder)  Pronterface integrates with sfact so it has to be in the folder pronterface looks to.  I think that is probably all your missing, but I can do a step by step when I get back to my laptop tonight.

Nate

Well, I have Pronterface running, had to open python and then open Pronterface.py, so I think something is not quite right on the install, I will have to do an uninstall then  reinstall the programs correctly, with your help :blush:  :(  my extruder motor pulses about every two seconds, cannot stop it.:(  I have a hotend and all the steppers move to home,:D of course the Y  endstop I will have to move to the front, my endstops work great :D :P.     So I am :D and :(  at the same time.:huh:  Thanks Nate.

I think you just need to associate the .py file extension with python.exe.  Right click on Pronterface.py and select Open with.., then click choose program.., then find python.exe in the list.  If it is not in the list click the browse button to go to where phyton is installed.  Then check always use this program to open this file.

Your extruder sounds like the same thing that was happening to my X axis motor, I think that means the POT is turned up too high on the stepper driver.  When the printer is sitting still the motors are "on" but in a braking mode.  You can click the turn off motors button on pronterface to let them freewheel.
Your almost there!

Nate

Alright Nate, pronterface is up and running, just did what you said and bingo it works,:D :cool: I can move all the steppers,:D hotend works,:D :P I did move the Y axes home opto to the front right Y rail, would not fit on the left the stepper was in the way, the wires were long enough to make it work. I cleaned up all the wires hanging out of the power supply, will also have to cut the hobbed bolt a little deeper and I think I am going to put a heatsink on the top of the hot end with a fan. My X, Y and E stepper drivers are getting warm, :(   I mounted a fan over the ramps board to keep them cool but I need to adjust the amperage on them to help on this. When you had this problem did your stepper pulse? Mine do, hope when I adjust the amperage and calibrate all the movements the pulsing stops. Well I'll try again tomorrow, but something like work keeps getting in the way, thanks Nate.:D:D:D

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 1st, 2011, 07:14 PM

Quote from firepinto on November 1st, 2011, 01:15 PM

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 1st, 2011, 12:33 PM

Quote from firepinto on November 1st, 2011, 10:49 AM

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 1st, 2011, 09:06 AM

Again having problems Nate, :blush: ok, I have printrun, all the python dependencies and sfacts. Does printrun have an exe file to install it ? What happens next, how would you install printrun? The github and the youtube video don't really cut it for me, also have gone to the IRC, no one really wants to explain it to me, I am sorry to be such a pain,:blush: I have never been to school for most of what I know, all self taught, ya, I can build a computer, but I am not an IT guy, so I have to admit this is a little over my head, I did not have this much trouble when I built my CNC plasma cutting machine. So, I guess what I am asking is if you would be willing to give me step by step instructions to install all of this software :blush::blush::blush:, Sorry Nate, thanks :D

Hey Jeff,
No problem at all.  I'm all self taught too.  I found the irc has good times and bad times, and its like stan said it seems like you have to ask the right questions.  The way I understand pronterface(printrun is the whole package) and python work is kind of like how Java programs work.  To run pronterface you have to click on pronterface.py which I don't know if its considered a script or what.  When you have pronterface running you will notice that the program name actually running in taskmanager  is python.exe.  
You also should put the folder contents of the sfact version you want to use in the skienforge folder that is in the folder with pronterface.py.(Clear out or move the old files to a backup folder)  Pronterface integrates with sfact so it has to be in the folder pronterface looks to.  I think that is probably all your missing, but I can do a step by step when I get back to my laptop tonight.

Nate

Well, I have Pronterface running, had to open python and then open Pronterface.py, so I think something is not quite right on the install, I will have to do an uninstall then  reinstall the programs correctly, with your help :blush:  :(  my extruder motor pulses about every two seconds, cannot stop it.:(  I have a hotend and all the steppers move to home,:D of course the Y  endstop I will have to move to the front, my endstops work great :D :P.     So I am :D and :(  at the same time.:huh:  Thanks Nate.

I think you just need to associate the .py file extension with python.exe.  Right click on Pronterface.py and select Open with.., then click choose program.., then find python.exe in the list.  If it is not in the list click the browse button to go to where phyton is installed.  Then check always use this program to open this file.

Your extruder sounds like the same thing that was happening to my X axis motor, I think that means the POT is turned up too high on the stepper driver.  When the printer is sitting still the motors are "on" but in a braking mode.  You can click the turn off motors button on pronterface to let them freewheel.
Your almost there!

Nate

Alright Nate, pronterface is up and running, just did what you said and bingo it works,:D :cool: I can move all the steppers,:D hotend works,:D :P I did move the Y axes home opto to the front right Y rail, would not fit on the left the stepper was in the way, the wires were long enough to make it work. I cleaned up all the wires hanging out of the power supply, will also have to cut the hobbed bolt a little deeper and I think I am going to put a heatsink on the top of the hot end with a fan. My X, Y and E stepper drivers are getting warm, :(   I mounted a fan over the ramps board to keep them cool but I need to adjust the amperage on them to help on this. When you had this problem did your stepper pulse? Mine do, hope when I adjust the amperage and calibrate all the movements the pulsing stops. Well I'll try again tomorrow, but something like work keeps getting in the way, thanks Nate.:D:D:D

Yeah it had a definite pulse that started to get louder just after it powered up.  I would turn the POT down on that motor to the point where it lacks power to work properly, see if it stops pulsing, then slowly increase it to the point where the motor does the job it needs to do.  The motors will get hot if the POTs are turned up too high.  Glad to hear its coming together!
  This VIC bobbin design is kickin my butt.  I hope I can get it done this week.  I started on the hardest part, if I get that figured out I should be in good shape.  Google sketchup hates me i think, I don't get why it does what it does sometimes.  :dodgy:

Nate

Hi Nate, did you finish the vic bobbin?:cool: I am going to post a video of the progress I have made on my printer, got the stepper drivers adjusted, had to take the Z axes lead screws off and chase the threads, :(  lubed them to, they were hanging up, so I did that then readjusted everything again. Got all the movements moving smoothly, very quiet :D . Next thing calibration :D :cool: almost got it :D :P.  I want to thank you for all your help Nate, I really appreciate it very much. Oh, also I had one of the Wisconsin beers you like, starts with the letter L, can't remember the name, but it was sure good, just the kind of beer I like, well thanks again.:D

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 5th, 2011, 07:43 PM

Hi Nate, did you finish the vic bobbin?:cool: I am going to post a video of the progress I have made on my printer, got the stepper drivers adjusted, had to take the Z axes lead screws off and chase the threads, :(  lubed them to, they were hanging up, so I did that then readjusted everything again. Got all the movements moving smoothly, very quiet :D . Next thing calibration :D :cool: almost got it :D :P.  I want to thank you for all your help Nate, I really appreciate it very much. Oh, also I had one of the Wisconsin beers you like, starts with the letter L, can't remember the name, but it was sure good, just the kind of beer I like, well thanks again.:D

Hey Jeff, I didn't quite get it done yet.  It's taking me awhile to draw all those little supports in it.:-/  I may get the large bobbin done and tested tomorrow.  The little one is more tricky.  
Glad to hear ya getting closer!  I kept finding more areas that needed adjustment or smoothing out too.  Seems like lots of kinks to work out.  I have mine taken apart trying to get a new lower bed i printed installed.   I might have to change out my smooth rods, I got linear bearings that still ride ruff on the rods.  I was thinking about the stainless threaded rod, stainless doesn't like to slide on stainless.  Maybe some brass nuts would make a smoother action.  :huh:
Glad to help out :-) I think these printers will make our lives much easier.    I get new ideas every day of simple things i could print out.:cool:

Nate