Anet A8, Update to skynet firmware via macmini osx.

Hi all.

I did search forums, google. Arduino website ect. Also skynet Facebook etc..

To begin with. Im new to this type of work.
I previously updated the original firmware. But had to find a old, slow windows laptop. (successfully, with the normal windows port trouble)
Since everything I run. Is apple. I want to get it to work on my Mac.

So I have downloaded ArduinoIDE for Mac.
Did find som description how to do it. Seems fairly straight forward.
But, Cant find anything connected to the USB port.
Found on Arduino site that one might have to restart ide, while board is connected.
Tried several times.
Cant find nothing..

Im sure I'm missing something here. But instructions I find says nothing more.
I know I'm a noob...

Also have bought a Raberry pi 3b to play with.. Also new to me. Plan is to have octoprint or astroprint running.
Haven't worked with linux for 10 years. redhat something..very early.. Forgot it all..

Ok. plz help!

You need to find the Mac equivalent of the Windows CH340G driver. The Anet is configured for serial communication via the USB at 115200 Baud.

I did find that that for OS X.
Installed and rebooted. but nothing changed.
On the laptop I used arvdudess to reset the firmware before loading the update.
But haven't seen other use that. Im a bit confused..

I suggest that you go back to the hated Windows PC, and check that the printer will operate correctly with that. If the firmware changes didn't complete OK then it may not be operating the coms correctly. I have stayed with the original firmware on the basis of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", also because there is always a small risk of bricking the board. Some users have experienced problems with the skynet firmware.

Seriously though, I would go back to standard and make sure the printer is operating correctly thoughout. Then introduce one change at a time, so that problems can only arise from the thing that you are changing. When too many changes are made at once it makes tracking down problems far more complicated.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/05/2017 07:01PM by Supermec.

To clerify.
It is working ok. Though the autoleveling sucks. Even with the latest "L" firmware.
So I was thinking to let Skynet have a go. Since most who upgrades use that firmware.
Have a E3D v6 bowden modifikation comming. Where I cant see how to alter the config
in the original firmware. Octoprint would be a great way to print. Instead of using sd card.

My old laptop is really slooowww..
And I dont hate PC or Windows. Just think OSX in general just works with no fuss.

Ok.
Have to investigate further.
My Anet software doesn't allow me in to change settings in eprom via the menu.
So, Im taking the good advice not to change the firmware at the moment. I haven't so far. Cause of the
reason as you say. Don't change wats not broken.
Not for now anyway. I too need to fine tune settings abit. but no hurry.
I will fiddle with octoprint, while I wait for the rest of the parts to arrive.

Ok. Have progress!

Had to update Arduino ide with support for sanguino etc..
Ok, past that. (finally!!)

Ok have more noob problems.
When compiling skynet 2.3.1. (What I understand is a version of marlin RC8. so hopefully someone here can help?) I get a error saying:

I have no clue to what to do. But its interesting.. Learning this to. Eventually..

Arduino:1.8.1 (Mac OS X), Kort:"Sanguino, ATmega1284 or ATmega1284P (8 MHz)"

In file included from sketch/MarlinSerial.cpp:33:0:
sketch/stepper.h: In static member function 'static short unsigned int Stepper::calc_timer(short unsigned int)':
stepper.h:304: error: 'speed_lookuptable_fast' was not declared in this scope
unsigned short table_address = (unsigned short)&speed_lookuptable_fast[(unsigned char)(step_rate >> 8)][0];
^
stepper.h:311: error: 'speed_lookuptable_slow' was not declared in this scope
unsigned short table_address = (unsigned short)&speed_lookuptable_slow[0][0];
^
exit status 1
'speed_lookuptable_fast' was not declared in this scope

This report would have more information with
"Show verbose output during compilation"
option enabled in File -> Preferences.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/10/2017 07:57PM by SatorCodex.

And if I select 16mhz board. Veryfining goes ok.

But I get this when compile/uploading..



Arduino:1.8.1 (Mac OS X), Kort:"Sanguino, ATmega1284 or ATmega1284P (16 MHz)"

Sketch uses 116124 bytes (89%) of program storage space. Maximum is 130048 bytes.
Global variables use 4508 bytes (27%) of dynamic memory, leaving 11876 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 16384 bytes.
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 1 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x73
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 2 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x74
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 3 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x61
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 4 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x72
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 5 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x74
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 6 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x0d
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 7 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x0a
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 8 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x49
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 9 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x6e
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 10 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x66
An error occurred while uploading the sketch

This report would have more information with
"Show verbose output during compilation"
option enabled in File -> Preferences.

Intresting is that when I updated the original "L" firmware.

That software was different than Arduino.
In repiter Host. The board was Mega 2560.. Wtf??

This makes no sense to me at all..

Ok, gave up..
don't understand the problem at all..
OSX is unix based as is Linux. Stuff like this just usually works..

Any..
Fired up the old and painfully slow pc.
It did work well.
Skynet is preconfigured with Arduino ect.

But of coarse I still got problems..
Cant get in to the under menus with the buttons.
I can get in to the main menu. Then I can't "right click"

any ideas?

Ok..

Feel stupid. But hey ho, lets go!

Got a comment on thingiverse.. "use middle button"
DUH!!

Glad you got it sorted. I haven't offered much advice as I'm not expert at re-compiling firmware. Just for your future information though, the Anet V1.0 board carries a 16MHz crystal for the ATMega1284p.

I will try to remember that.

Still wondering why upload didn't work . Did finally connect to printer via OS X.

Well, now it works anyway.
(havet set it up yet. need to change some things. offset for e3d etc..

Another challenge.