3D Printer connection issues

[mariusraaths]

I bought a used Migbot I3 printer from a private person who has no knowledge of how it works so I can't go back and ask questions there. The printer starts up fine and all the temp settings and xyz axis works fine. I've downloaded Cura editing software and it looks fairly easy to use. My problem is that although my laptop (win10) see the printer (because of the tone when I plug in the usb cable) the Cura software says "not connected to a printer". Might this be a win10 issue? How do I fix it? Another problem which might diagnose the issue better is if I save a file to a memory card and insert it to the printer the display says "memory card inserted" but it's not accessible in the display menu. Does this maybe indicate that the problem is rather with the pc board on the printer itself? Where can I take it to for technical assistance? Maybe someone who can set it up and test it for me. Also where do one buy the filament in the East Rans area or Midrand? Any assitance is greatly appreciated.

 

[saor]

The printer starts up fine and all the temp settings and xyz axis works fine. I've downloaded Cura editing software and it looks fairly easy to use. My problem is that although my laptop (win10) see the printer (because of the tone when I plug in the usb cable) the Cura software says "not connected to a printer".

Cura only allows direct USB/wifi connection to supported printers, and even then it's finicky. I don't think it supports connection to a Migbot. Would suggest you slice the .gcode files to flash/usb and insert that into your printer.

Another problem which might diagnose the issue better is if I save a file to a memory card and insert it to the printer the display says "memory card inserted" but it's not accessible in the display menu.

The card might need to be formatted & also make sure it doesn't have any write-protection switches enabled on it. Failing that I'd try another card before paying someone to look at it.

Also where do one buy the filament in the East Rans area or Midrand? Any assitance is greatly appreciated.

http://www.buildvolume.co.za/
http://www.takealot.com/computers/3d-printing-10782
http://www.3dprintingstore.co.za/

Google around and see who offers the best shipping rates to you.

 

[Beachless]

Looks like it's just a commercial version of the Prusa i3 so there's a lot of help out there.

Soar also covered most of it. The first thing to try is format the SD card to fat32 load a test gcode file and try that. The SD card reader on the reprapdiscount screen can sometimes be a little finicky on which SD cards it works so if you have more than one try them all. SD card printing is the best way to print so hopefully that works and your sorted.

Next thing to try is something like pronterface this will take some configuration so follow an online guide then try load a gcode file and print over USB.