New A30 owner, lost with Firmware

[ScienceofSpock]

So, I ordered an A30 recently. I originally ordered the "new" model but switched to the previous model because there were no new models in the USA factory and I would have to wait a lot longer. I also ordered the 3D touch sensor, which had to be shipped from China.

So I have been using the printer since I got it, and I love it so far, but I'm lost on the 3D touch sensor. I figured out how to install the sensor itself by watching some videos, but there are some options missing from the interface, and I can only guess I need to update the firmware, but there are like 3 or 4 different versions of the A30 in the downloads section, and I have NO IDEA which one mine is. The firmware in my machine says it's 1.36.57. I found a firmware in the A30 section with version 1.38.59, but one of the videos I watched on the installation pointed out 1.38.61 as the version number, but that doesn't show up anywhere. Also, have NO CLUE how I'm supposed to load this onto the printer. My sensor didn't come with any instructions at all, and I have seen at least 3 different methods for updating the firmware discussed online. How did you guys figure this stuff out?

What do I need to do to get my auto-leveling working?

[William]

Hi，What you need to install is 1.38.59 firmware. Install the m file first, then install the s file after the SD card is inserted, and then turn the printer back on to update. Your 3d touch needs to be installed on the adapter board.

[ScienceofSpock]

Hi, thanks for the reply, but HOW do I install the firmware? I got ZERO instructions with this thing. I assume it's like an arduino, and I need to use a laptop, but where is the software? This page only has the firmware toolkit for the Mac https://www.geeetech.com/download.html?download_id=40 and I don't own a Mac. I have a Windows laptop.

[ScienceofSpock]

smartto firmware is hosted on the geeetech github.
https://github.com/Geeetech3D

Sorry for the delay in replying, I have been on jury duty all week.

Thanks for the link, are there concise instructions anywhere? The Docs section contains an animated gif that shows what I assume is the process of pushing the upgrade button in the software, but not any actual instructions or, you know, documentation.

Is there a COM port driver that I need to install on my laptop first? I have to do that for arduinos, so I assume something similar needs to be installed here. Where is that driver?

William said "Install the m file first, then install the s file after the SD card is inserted." What does that mean? Is that a function of the firmware software? Most firmware updates are a single file that you update over USB. Why is this a 2 part procedure and do I need to update the LCD software too? I see that mentioned some places. Seriously, are there actual instructions for this process?

Which software do I use? Upgrador or Firmware tool? What is the motor tool?

[ScienceofSpock]

Also, just want to point out that the github page links to http://geeetech.com/firmware/ which is forbidden.

[ScienceofSpock]

So, I got the firmware updated, but when I turn on auto-level, all it does is disable manual leveling. In the videos I saw, when auto-level was enabled, it displayed new options on the screen. I am almost certain the 3D touch is installed properly, it actuates twice when the printer is powered on. What am I doing wrong?

[ScienceofSpock]

Any help here?

[William]

Hi,What are you referring to? Normal 3d touch will detect twice and then perform 9-point calibration. Before that, did you calibrate the 3d touch itself?

[ScienceofSpock]

Normal 3d touch will detect twice and then perform 9-point calibration. Before that, did you calibrate the 3d touch itself?

Ok, I'm trying to be really patient here, because obviously, I wasn't clear in my previous posts: I have NO INSTRUCTIONS. PERIOD. I have an A30 printer, and I received a 3D Touch sensor with no instructions on how to install it, and I've had to make some assumptions, because I'm not getting any clear answers, or instructions here.

1. I have connected the 3D touch sensor to some connectors on the print head assembly, because the connectors match. I had to ASSUME that was where I plug it in, because as I have mentioned, I HAVE NO INSTRUCTIONS. From watching videos and reading various forum posts, there appear to be several models of this printer, with different control boards, different connectors, some needing an "adapter board" and others not. I have *NO IDEA* which mine is, because I have NO INSTRUCTIONS. I assume it is connected properly because when I turn the printer on, it actuates the sensor twice.
2. If I turn on auto level, all that seems to do is disable the manual level functions, but does nothing else.
3. I did NOT calibrate the 3D Touch itself, because (Seriously, not trying to repeat myself here) I HAVE NO INSTRUCTIONS. I was unaware that I need to calibrate the 3D touch.
4. This is where I am. There is no 9-point calibration happening, I have not calibrated anything because I have no idea how to do that because I have received NO INSTRUCTIONS and the only clues I am getting are the tiny little bits of info you guys are typing here, and the random things I find with google searches, which I am unsure actually apply to *MY SPECIFIC* printer because there are like 50 different versions of this printer with all different hardware!

Sorry if I sound a bit flustered here, but this is REALLY FRUSTRATING. I cannot currently use my printer because I do not know if the bed is level because the 3D Touch sensor isn't doing anything because I have received ZERO INSTRUCTION OR DOCUMENTATION. PLEASE HELP.
WHERE ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THIS THING?

[ScienceofSpock]

So... am I going to get some help? Are there ANY directions for this thing?

Seriously, this is bordering on the ridiculous here. I have the sensor installed (I think). I have the firmware updated, but I'm not even sure I have the correct version. When I turn the printer on, the 3D Touch sensor clicks twice. If I turn on auto-level, all it does is disable the manual level button. There is no 9-point check or anything happening.

WHAT THE HELL DO I DO NOW? I WANT TO ACTUALLY USE MY PRINTER!