I've got the Octoprint Upgrade, but I wanted to print directly from Simplify3D which would make it much easier (and faster) to try some different settings (temperatures for example) for the prints. How could I setup the big box within Simplify3D to be able to control the printer directly and "upload" the printing objects? Thanks for any help!
I didn't connect my printer with Simplify3D so far, but my guess is as follows: 1. Connect the rumba board via an USB connector with your pc (that's the one connector you now use for the Octoprint connection). 2. Startup Simplify3D and open the Machine control panel (the right toolbar, gearwheel icon). 3. Choose the Port (my guess is somewhere between \\.\COM2 or 5), it's a pull down menu. 4. The baudrate 230400 (at least, this is the setting in Octoprint) 5. Press Connect.
Well, thanks, but I actually wanted to find a solution without any wiring changes. Isn't there a possibility to connect Simplify3D via Ethernet to the printer?
I did a quick search, but it looks like this is not possible. Although it would indeed be nice to have both.
So really you're not connecting directly over USB, you want to be able to control it while connected to a remote network host (The Pi). Can any slicer do this?
I will be building the ability to swap USB connections into my BB just to give that extra flexibility.
Yes, its already been done by someone on the forum. I'll find the link later. But, USB is a simple serial connection and could be switched with a simple rotary switch or even a two pole changeover switch.
Rather than adding switches I was going to simply build a little switching module which detected the 5V USB bus power on the external USB port (meaning there is a PC attached at the other end) to switch the Rumba input from the Pi to the External port. I posted a link to a simple method using a 5V relay in one of the other threads...for myself I intend to do this with solid state switching but the relay method would work fine and saves adding extra switches. Another way is to use one of the spare outputs on the Rumba to do it and have a couple of saved gcode files on the SD card (usb_off and usb_on)
Actually it's even easier than I thought to do in solid-state. I was thinking of using some of the 74 series like a 4066, but it turns out there is a dedicated IC to do exactly this. I'll put something up when I can find a source in the UK for small orders. https://www.fairchildsemi.com/datasheets/FS/FSUSB42.pdf
That looks ideal and with a simple auto detect system as you indicated previously, that will fulfil the requirement; in fact, looking at the data sheet, powering it from the Rumba USB and switching the device with the USB power from the PC will do the trick as you said. With it permanently enabled and just a pull-down resistor on the SEL to ensure starting direction is always set until the PC is connected, job done. There are other CMOS switches but I've been away from it too long to remember.
Yup exactly that, almost a 2 component circuit I found a seller so ordered some. Though I hope to have the distraction of my BB arriving at almost the same time as these so it's likely to go on the back burner until the printer is working
That would be very good. Email me at mhu@hotmail.co.uk, my junk address, and I'll get back to you. Like you, I'm still waiting for the big delivery!
I have a wireless usb on one of my other printers. Only problem is its slow. It is possible but not super easy, I have to run a script everytime to make it wireless and at times it bugs out.
@Mike Kelly, it might be useful to have a subsection under the modifications topics for Pi and USB, can that be arranged?
There are a lot of us who have gone for the Pi add on or will want to incorporate it later. At the moment, doing a general search is not helpful unless you already have some knowledge and know what to ask. Yes, there's a few really knowledgeable guys out there who will answer queries but if you miss an answer it's a pain to search.
