Firmware

Before our brand new printer can print anything the electronics needs firmware.

There are numerous different firmwares, each with there own advantages and disadvantages. At the moment there are 2 main contenders when it comes to firmware for RAMPS; Sprinter and Marlin.

Sprinter has been out longer and is a little easier to configure and get up and running, so I'll start with Sprinter.


Step 1. Arduino Software

In order to install the firmware we need to be able to talk to the electronics.
To do this we need to use the Arduino software which can be downloaded here.

Uncompress the download and run the program.
Now the programming is running we need to make sure the settings are correct for the electronics.

The Board option needs to be set to the Arduino chip being used, for RAMPS this is Mega or Mega 2560 (2560 if you using the newer board).
The Serial Port also needs to be correct, as a rule of thumb its the last one of the list.

At this point if you want to quickly test RAMPS copy and paste the code from here into the sketch window then hit upload
All the motors should cycle (turn both directions, one after the other) and the heaters will turn on and off.


Step 2. Configuring Sprinter

Download Sprinter from here and uncompress the file.

Ignore the message in the centre,
simply click either of the links in the red box

In the Sprinter folder there is a file called Configuration.h open it using notepad or a similar program (eg notepad++).


Line 17

#define MOTHERBOARD 3

Change the number to suit your electronics, in the case of RAMPS 1.4 its 33.

#define MOTHERBOARD 33

Line 26 and 27

#define THERMISTORHEATER 1
#define THERMISTORBED 1

Change the number to suit the thermistor your using.


Line 31

float axis_steps_per_unit[] = {80, 80, 3200/1.25,700}; 

If your using 1/8 microstepping stepper drivers half all numbers. If just one of the motors is using 1/8 microstepping just half the relevant number.


Line 51

#define SDSUPPORT

If your not using a SD attachment you can comment this line out, like so
//#define SDSUPPORT


Line 74

const bool INVERT_Y_DIR = false;

If your using the standard prusa setup with the motor at the front this line needs to be changed otherwise your prints will be mirrored.
const bool INVERT_Y_DIR = true;


Save the file and now its time to upload Sprinter.

In the Arduino software, File -> Open
Select sprinter.pde

Click upload.

Congratulations you've installed Sprinter firmware on your electronics.