Mac Version of Repetier-Host with M301
Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 8:46 am
Hi all,
(Thanks for setting up this forum specifically for the M301, Charlie.)
I recently built my M301 (still waiting for some parts to start printing for real) and was having a problem getting my Mac to play nice with it. I finally found the solution, which I have posted elsewhere, and thought I would share it here. BTW, this also applies to Octoprint.
The Windows and Mac version of Repetier send slightly different homing commands. While the Mac version sends G28 X0 Y0 Z0, the Windows version only sends G28. Apparently the firmware provides an unnecessary function to home the individual towers and this causes big problems in a delta printer, especially at low heights which crashes the head into a tower. Even when the homing works at higher heights the printer is returning the tower heights (300mm) as the coordinates which completely messes up subsequent operations in Repetier and made it look like nothing was working.
The solution could be implemented in either place. The firmware could ignore the XYZ flags or Repetier could send just G28 without the flags as it does in the Windows version. I think Repetier server has the same issue.
For now, the workaround is for me to only home the printer with its LCD controller. It's a minor nuisance but not anywhere near as bad as having to run Parallels every time I need to print.
Edit: A better workaround is to send the G28 homing command from the host program, especially making use of whatever scripting feature is included.
Looking forward to working with others on this very promising product.
--Dave
(Thanks for setting up this forum specifically for the M301, Charlie.)
I recently built my M301 (still waiting for some parts to start printing for real) and was having a problem getting my Mac to play nice with it. I finally found the solution, which I have posted elsewhere, and thought I would share it here. BTW, this also applies to Octoprint.
The Windows and Mac version of Repetier send slightly different homing commands. While the Mac version sends G28 X0 Y0 Z0, the Windows version only sends G28. Apparently the firmware provides an unnecessary function to home the individual towers and this causes big problems in a delta printer, especially at low heights which crashes the head into a tower. Even when the homing works at higher heights the printer is returning the tower heights (300mm) as the coordinates which completely messes up subsequent operations in Repetier and made it look like nothing was working.
The solution could be implemented in either place. The firmware could ignore the XYZ flags or Repetier could send just G28 without the flags as it does in the Windows version. I think Repetier server has the same issue.
For now, the workaround is for me to only home the printer with its LCD controller. It's a minor nuisance but not anywhere near as bad as having to run Parallels every time I need to print.
Edit: A better workaround is to send the G28 homing command from the host program, especially making use of whatever scripting feature is included.
Looking forward to working with others on this very promising product.
--Dave