Software
From SumpodUserWiki
The Sumpod requires a couple software applications to run. Software is what is actually used to send commands to your Sumpod. This shouldn't be confused with firmware which is loaded directly to the Arduino portion of your RAMPS electronics.
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ReplicatorG
ReplicatorG is the basic program that "runs" the Sumpod. ReplicatorG takes either an .STL file (3D model - check out www.thingiverse.com for samples) or Gcode as inputs and it outputs the necessary signals to create your part. ReplicatorG runs on the Arduino environment. Currently, it is recommended that you create the Gcode for an STL file in Skeinforge first, then open that Gcode in ReplicatorG. ReplicatorG is also used by many other 3D printers including various RepRap machines and the MakerBot printers
Installation Instructions:
1. Download the latest version of ReplicatorG from http://replicat.org/download (For Sprinter, it is suggested that you download v29, which you can get from http://code.google.com/p/replicatorg/downloads/list)
2. The rest of the steps for installation can be found on the ReplicatorG Website
3. The Suggested Machine Type to use is 'Teacup'
Skeinforge
Skeinforge is a program that can be used to convert a 3D model (.stl, .dwg, etc.) to Gcode. Gcode is the code language that the Sumpod RAMPS understands and translates into a physical part. The Gcode can be fed into ReplicatorG (above) and it handles sending the information to the Sumpod. The Skeinforge software is created from Python scripts, so python must be installed to use it.
Installation Instructions:
1. First Download Python. This is needed in order to run Skeinforge. It can be found at the python site. http://www.python.org/download/
2. Download Skeinforge from http://fabmetheus.crsndoo.com/
3. Unzip Skeinforge to a folder in your c:\ drive (i.e. c:\skeinforge\)
4. Locate and run "skeinforge.py".
5. Extra tweaking and settings for Skeinforge can be found at the Sumpod Forum.
NOTE: If you get errors while converting a file using the newest Skeinforge release, try a previous release - like Skeinforge Version 40.
SFACT
SFACT is a more accessible and userfriendly version of Skeinforge and is installed exactely the same way.
The current version runs on Python 2.7 and can be downloaded here.
This is the SFACT developer's website.
The RepRap Wiki has other useful information about configuring SFACT.
Currently, there are no SumPod specific settings and tweaks available.
Slic3r
Slic3r is an alternative slicing tool next to Skeinforge and SFACT. Its main advantage is a very fast slicing process, compared to other tools. On the other hand, it is a lot simpler and therefore not as customizable as either Skeinforge or SFACT.
The current version can be downloaded from http://slic3r.org/
There is a very detailed and brand new instruction about proper Slic3r configuration called "Slic3r is Nicer" written by RichRap, to be found as Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. The instruction is also highly recommended for configuration of other slicing tools.
Currently, there are no SumPod specific settings and tweaks available.
Other Software
Printrun
Printrun (Pronterface) is an alternative program to ReplicatorG. Instead of an embedded slicer (e.g. Skeinforge hardwired into ReplicatorG), any slicing tool like Skeinforge, SFACT, Slic3r, etc. can be hooked up with Printrun. Configuration and Slicing is done in Printrun. More info about it can be found Here
Repsnapper
Repsnapper is another alternative program to ReplicatorG. Info about it is Here
Repsnapper is the better program for testing the motors when setting up the SumPod for the first time. It seems less fussy for testing motors.
First Print
MAKE YOUR FIRST PRINT WITH THIS FILE FROM AIRTRIPPER: (thanks mate :)
http://sumpod.com/sites/default/files/forum_files/11t17p_export.20111228_015510.gcode_.txt
As it is fully configured, you just need to copy & paste it in your replicatorg.
Maybe you have to adapt the heigt or travelrate of your Z axis by adding a higher value to the Z Command in G92.
In my case it was Z2.4 to get the printplatform about 0,4mm from the nozzle-MAYBE YOU HAVE TO RE-ADJUST! Beginn with Z0 as it will stop before hits the nozzle (IN MY CASE)! BEWARE OF CRASHES AND KEEP ONE HAND BESIDES THE OFF SWITCH!!!
