Connecting to your Gigabot via USB

In this article we will go over the steps to connect your Gigabot to your computer via the USB cable.

Connecting to Simplify3D:

1. Open Simplify3D, and click on the gear icon in the bottom right of the screen to open the "Machine Control Panel"
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2. Set your baud rate to 250000 bits/sec.
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3. Turn on your Gigabot, and then plug the USB cable into the computer
4. The "Connect" button (seen in the above image) will turn green when the Gigabot is successfully connected.
5. If the Gigabot does not automatically connect, press the "Connect" button.

6. If it fails to connect, you may need to install a driver. The Virtual Communications Port driver is a piece of software that allows your computer to communicate with your Gigabot using USB.

   1. Download and install the VCP driver for your specific operating system.

      • Windows version setup executable
      • All operating systems

      You may need administrator rights, or need to right-click and "Run as Administrator."

7. After downloading this software, unplug your Gigabot's USB cable, and close and reopen Simplify3D.
8. Open the machine control panel, set the baud rate to 250000, and plug in the Gigabot's USB cable. If it does not connect again, restart your computer and reattempt the connection process
9. If you are still having trouble, try using a different computer, and then try using a different USB cable. Reach out to [e-mail] if the problem persists and our Support Team will help you further.

Connecting to Printrun (Pronterface):

1. Download and install Printrun for Windows or Mac. 
2. Open Pronterface and go to Settings -> Options.
3. Under the "Printer Settings" tab, change:
   
   • Baud rate to 250000
   • Bed temp for PLA to 65
   • Extruder temp for PLA to 195
   • X and Y manual feed rate to 6000
   • Z manual feed rate to 200
   • E manual feed rate to 100
   • Width, Depth, and Height to 600
4. Click OK, then restart Pronterface for the changes to take effect.
5. Power on your Gigabot and plug the USB cable into your computer.
6. Open Pronterface and click on the "Connect" button at the top left of the main screen.
7. Once connected, the dialog box on the right side of the screen should say "Printer now online".

8. If it fails to connect, you may need to install a driver. The Virtual Communications Port driver is a piece of software that allows your computer to communicate with your Gigabot using USB.

   1. Download and install the VCP driver for your specific operating system.

      • Windows version setup executable
      • All operating systems

      You may need administrator rights, or need to right-click and "Run as Administrator."

9. After downloading this software, unplug your Gigabot's USB cable, and close and reopen Pronterface.
10. Power on your Gigabot and plug the USB cable into your computer.
11. Open Pronterface and click on the "Connect" button at the top left of the main screen.
12. Once connected, the dialog box on the right side of the screen should say "Printer now online".
13. On the left side of the screen near the "Check Temperature" button, activate the "Watch" check box to monitor communications.
14. If you are having trouble connecting, try using a different computer, and then try using a different USB cable. Reach out to [e-mail] if the problem persists and our Support Team will help you further.