We've received and assembled one of the new Gen 4 Interface Boards from Makerbot.
This interface board is essentially a Control unit for your Makerbot that lets you print without needing to ever connect a computer to the machine.
You can build your file (or list of files) to the SD card using RepG on any computer and then take the SD card, plug it into the machine and control the whole process using the Interface board.
In addition it offers real time status information while the machine is printing.
Here are some pics of the kit and opening up the box. We don't document the assembly as assembly Instructions can be found under Gen 4 Interface Board on the Makerbot Wiki
Gen4 Interface Kit Electronic parts by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
Gen4 Interface Kit Contents by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
Gen4 Interface Kit laser cut wood by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
We're very pleased with it. It makes it a lot easier to operate the machine and we can leave it in a separate room while printing. Makerbots can get quite noisy.
We'd like to leave one word though for those who are more distracted: if your Interface board shows a blank screen, check that your firmware is up to date!
Yes we've been running a Makerbot on a daily basis and we know the ins and outs but it took us quite a bit to realize the obvious! We first went through reviewing all the hardware and soldering and connections.... until finally remembered: firmware!
Regards
Pedro
Statistics: Posted by PedroR — Mon May 23, 2011 5:59 pm
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