Firmware Confusion 1.0.02 and 1.0.03

[winkste]

Hi.
I'm using a GeeTech I3 pro B since some month now and I'm very satisfied with it. Now, I would like to enable the system for auto bed leveling and therefore I have to update the firmware. But what is the version I should start from, and where do I get a copy of my existing WORKING firmware?
When I readout the M115 command, I get the following string as result:
Recv: FIRMWARE_NAME:V1.0.03 Sprinter/grbl mashup for gen6 FIRMWARE_URL:https://github.com/Ultimaker/Marlin PROTOCOL_VERSION:1.0 MACHINE_TYPE:I3proB EXTRUDER_COUNT:1 UUID:00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
In the firmware code downloaded from the GeeTech forum here I found:
#define MSG_M115_REPORT "FIRMWARE_NAME:Marlin V1.0.2; Sprinter/grbl mashup for gen6 FIRMWARE_URL:" FIRMWARE_URL " PROTOCOL_VERSION:" PROTOCOL_VERSION " MACHINE_TYPE:" MACHINE_NAME " EXTRUDER_COUNT:" STRINGIFY(EXTRUDERS) " UUID:" MACHINE_UUID "\n"

So it looks to me, my original Firmware is already newer than the one distributed here in the forum official (and in the wiki as well). Can someone explain me why this is the fact and how I should proceed? - If I don't get a good answer, I would continue with the latest released version from the Marlin gitHub location including the I3 pro B example configuration.

Upfront, thanks for your help.

[jzero42]

Hello,

I would recommend to go with the github Marlin 1.1.x and the example Geeetech I3 Pro B configuration, it worked well for me.

Note: make sure to check the configuration.h file, to see if you need to adjust anything, but most of it should be fine. It is long, but still, read and check it.
I did have to change a thing, the stepper motor driver board type, but just because I have changed my printer hardware.
Also, it's good to use a recent (1.8.x) Arduino IDE.

[winkste]

Hi jzero42.

Thanks for your fast response. Going forward with the Marlin latest release is definately my preferred way, but I thought having the source code of my current running firmware would reduce my fear in destroying everything... I think it is always a good solution to have a fallback plan in the backyard.
And yes, I will definately try my latest in use Arduino IDE with the latest Marlin.

But still I have the hope that someone can clarify the confusion on the different version branches and maybe someone has a link to the 1.0.03.

Regards

Stephan

[jzero42]

Don't worry, you won't destroy everything. Okay, of course you should try to have some backup.

The "official" old firmware is here on the forums in topic "Firmware for geeetech 3D printers": viewtopic.php?f=20&t=17046

The "worst" that could happen is that you need to buy a new board which is about 30 USD, but of course it will never come to that, because this is just a "simple" firmware upload, it will not break your board.
I have uploaded the official firmware (which needed Arduino 1.0.x) then I realized I would give the latest Marlin Firmware a go, and that worked great.

So don't worry.

[winkste]

Thanks again. I will for sure try the latest build.