Firmware: how to upload to Creatr (XL)?

Modified on: Wed, 11 Mar, 2020 at 8:49 AM

Download the Correct Firmware

Please see solution article for getting the correct firmware: Which Firmware Version do I Need for My Creatr Printer?

Downloading Arduino 1.0.6

Before uploading the firmware, you will need to download the Arduino software. More specifically, you MUST use an older version of Arduino (version 1.0.6.).

Because this has been such a problem with customers not reading this article carefully, we've tried to limit confusion by providing the following links to the download locations only for Arduino 1.0.6. Please click one of the following links based on the PC's operating system:

Windows - Installer (.EXE file) - Arduino 1.0.6

Windows - ZIP for non admin install - Arduino 1.0.6

MacOS - Arduino 1.0.6

Linux - 32-bits - Arduino 1.0.6

Linux - 64 bits - Arduino 1.0.6

If the links fails (since the links are controlled by Arduino's website), you can access Arduino's page that contains these links here:

https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/OldSoftwareReleases#previous

Again, if you DO have to visit this site, PLEASE remember to only use 1.0.6 links:

(This image might become outdated if Arduino changes their website format. The point is to only download version 1.0.6.)

Setting Up Arduino

1) Start by connecting the printer to the computer through USB.

2) Then open the Arduino software.

3) Next, you will have to choose the correct Serial Port number for the printer. This COM port varies depend on the OS; the correct number for the serial port is the highest number you find available. So if you have for example COM 1 and COM 45 the correct one is COM 45.

4) Choose "Arduino Mega 2560 or Mega ADK" under the Board sub-menu:

5) Choose the "AVRISP mkII" under the Programmer sub-menu:

Opening the Firmware and Setting Your Current X and Y Offsets

1) Go to the sub-menu FILE -> OPEN and search for the firmware folder. In that folder, select the file called: {YOUR_FIRMWARE-NAME}.ino or {YOUR_FIRMWARE-NAME}.pde.

In the example below, the correct file has the name: Creatr_SW_V1_00.ino:

2) When the firmware opens, choose the "Configuration.h" tab, and scroll down until you see the defining of EXTRA_X_OFFSET and EXTRA_Y_OFFSET:

The default values for the X and Y offset for any Creatr printer are X33.0 Y0.0. The offset tells the printer what necessary values to calculate for YOUR SPECIFIC printer so that one extruder will print directly on top of the other extruder's layer when printing with dual extruders. IF you have a single extruder printer, you do not need to do the next step; you can leave the default values.

To enter the values, find the sticker (usually located on the bottom of the printer near the front):

(NOTE: The picture above has a random value; please do not input this value in your printer. Input the values written on the sticker found under your printer.)

Replace the default offsets in Arduino with the values written on YOUR printer's sticker.

If you cannot find the sticker, just keep the default values for now. However, after completing this process, please follow the link below and see how to adjust the offset values:

How to Calibrate the Offset for Your Creatr Dual Hot Ends

Uploading and Testing the Firmware

1) Flash the firmware by press the Upload button, and the firmware should start flashing (uploading) onto the motherboard:

You will see a message telling you the the upload was complete (near the bottom of that same window).

2) Finally, try to connect to your 3D slicing software's printer controls and test the functionality of the printer:

Home All
Preheat both extruders and the bed
Move the X, Y, and Z individually
(Once preheated) Extrude some filament from both extruders (even if you do not have filament loaded, you're still just testing the motors on the filament drive units)

Contact Leapfrog Technical Support via the ticketing system if you have questions or difficulty regarding this process.

We thank you for checking out our Leapfrog 3D Printer technical support solutions online! If you were unable to fine a solution in our database, please feel free to open a new support ticket by clicking the following link: I want to open a new support ticket.

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Part 1 of 3: Unpacking your Creatr

In this clip, you will be guided through the unpacking of a brand new Creatr. The unboxing along with the location of tie wraps which need to be removed are shown, as well as the process of a connecting the cables to the printer and computer.

Part 2 of 3: Software and configuration

In this clip, we will show you how to install the required software. The first step is to download and install the Arduino software to make it possible for your computer to connect with the printer. The next step is to download and install the Repetier Host Leapfrog software or that controlls your 3D printer. We have tried to make this as simple as possible and also provided direct downloading links per operating system.

SIMPLIFY 3D SOFTWARE
If you are using the new Simplify 3D software you can follow all the steps except for the Repetier-Host Leapfrog installation and using explanation. Simply download the software via the purchase link and before first use a pop-up will appear showing you the Simplify 3D Quick start guide. You can also download the Quick start guide or access it from the software via help –> Quick start guide. The quick start guide will briefly explain the functions of the software so that you can start your first print.

Please select you operating system and follow the descriptions in the movie.

Operating systemWindows

The first step is to download and install the Arduino software to make it possible for your computer to connect with the printer. The next step is to download and install the newest version of the Repetier Host Leapfrog software as shown in the clip. This software allows you to convert your 3D software file [STL for example] to a printable file [G-Code] and allows you to control your printer. The Repetier Host Leapfrog software contains standard Creatr Print Profiles. Just select the extruder, the filament material as well as the color and Repetier will automatically select the ideal print temperature providing you the best print quality possible. There is also a Leapfrog support button implemented in the software. A Mac version will be available soon.

If you have followed the installation procedure, but you can’t control your Leapfrog Creatr and the “6 commands waiting” message in Repetier-Host Leapfrog won’t disappear, you have to install the 2.8.28 drivers. Please see Solution can’t connect 6 commands waiting in Repetier-Host Leapfrog how to do so.

For a more thorough description of Slic3s settings please check this guide!

Windows 8
To install the Arduino drivers on a computer with Windows 8 follow these steps after downloading the Arduino software.

- Save unsaved work and write the instructions down
[your computer will reboot into startup options screen]
- Press the Windows Key and the ‘R’ key simultaneously
- Copy the command inside the brackets
–>[ shutdown.exe /r /o /f /t 00 ] – Select ‘Troubleshoot’
- Select ‘Advanced options’
- Select ‘Startup Settings’
- Select ‘Disable Driver Signature Enforcement’
- Install driver as usual via device manager

Mac

In this clip, we will explain you how you can generate a STL file using Sketchup. We show you what to download and how to export your design in STL.

Part 3 of 3: Making your first print!

In this final clip, the process of creating your first print will be explained. This starts with removing the callibration print that is already on the print bed. How to insert the filament and operate the Repetier Host Leapfrog software is also shown, which should culminate in your first 3D Print on the Creatr!

Google sketchupHow to export STL files from Sketchup

The first step is to download and install the Arduino software to make it possible for your computer to connect with the printer. You will then need to in stall this driver for OSX to recognize the hardware.

The next step is to download the Repetier software as shown in the clip. This software allows you to convert your 3D software file [STL for example] to a printable file [G-Code] and allows you to control your printer. We have developed standard print profiles for the Creatr. Please follow the instructions below to install the print profiles for Mac [not yet included in the video]:

- Download This file
- Go to your Home Folder on Mac and select “Go to Folder” from the Go Menu en type “Library/Application Support/Slic3r/” - Unzip the file you just downloaded and dump the contents in the Slic3r folder, it will replace your existing settings. If you want to keep your current settings as well, take the contents from each folder and put this in the same folder in the Home/Libaray/App../Slic3r folder.

Download instructions by Deepak Dinesh Mehta For a more thorough description of Slic3s settings please check this guide!

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