Solidoodle

How To Install Software

Before you can use your Solidoodle, you will need to install some software on your computer. It’s easy and takes just a few minutes. Solidoodle uses open source 3D printing programs, but we have consolidated them for easy download and applied default settings that will have you printing in no time.

Repetier Host
NEW: We are releasing our beta test for the Repetier host all in one installer. This is a far easier program to use for some, please enjoy using it! We will post more comprehensive guides very soon. The installer (for windows only at the moment) can be found here: Windows Installer For Repetier Host.

Please note: If you have a Solidoodle 3, you must use the Repetier package above. You cannot use Pronterface for the moment.

Mac & Linux: Repetier Installation Instructions

Pronterface
For Macintosh users the installation instructions reside here

For Linux users the installation instructions reside here

For Windows users:

Note: Solidoodle has come out with an all in one installer package. Simply install a suitable version of Python, then use the install.exe file provided below.

Python – NB: It is vital that you download a 32-bit version of Python. Python 2.7.3 is a good choice.

Solidoodle All in One

If you need assistance, please email us at support ‘at” solidoodle [dot} com.

To install the Solidoodle software package step by step, please try these steps:

Step 1: Install the Drivers
The Solidoodle runs on open source electronics, so you’ll need to install  drivers.

1. Plug the Solidoodle USB cable into a USB port on your computer. Windows Update should automatically find and install the drivers. You’re done with installing the drivers!

Note: In some cases the drivers will not install on their own. In this case the drivers should be installed from  here.
If the driver was not automatically installed, you may see this screen:

In this case,

a. Click “Change Settings…”
b. Select “Install driver software from Windows Update”.

c. Click “Save Changes”. The Arduino drivers should now install successfully.

If Windows is still unable to install the drivers, take a look at the Arduino guide to installation.  If that does not work, send an email to support ‘at” solidoodle [dot} com

Step 2: Install Python

Python is the programming environment which you’ll need before you can run Skeinforge and Pronterface, the two key programs necessary for printing with the Solidoodle.

To download and install Python:

1. Open the link http://www.python.org/download/
2. Select the latest version for your operating system.
   We recommend Python 2.7.3 Windows Installer.
   This is the 32 bit version. The 64 bit has not worked on some machines.
3. Open the installation file, in this case called python-2.7.2.msi, and click “Run”.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions for installing Python, using the default settings. Installation is complete when you see this screen:
5. Click “Finish” to complete the installation.

Step 3: Install Pyserial
Pyserial is a Python plugin that allows Python to communicate via USB.
Visit http://pypi.python.org/packages/any/p/pyserial/pyserial-2.5.win32.exe in your web  browser. Download and run the installation file, following the onscreen instructions.
Installation is complete when you see this screen:

Click “Finish” to complete the installation.

Step 4: Install unicode support
Visit http://downloads.sourceforge.net/wxpython/wxPython2.8-win32-unicode-2.8.12.0-py27.exe in your web browser. Download and run the installation file, choosing default settings.

You will see the compiling process in this screen: When it finishes exit out of the screen.

Step 5: Install Pronterface & Skeinforge
Skeinforge converts the universal 3D STL files that you will download from the internet into G-code, a language that your printer can interpret in making prints.

Pronterface is the program that you will use to manage your prints and control the actions of the printer.  Pronterface sends this G-code to your printer.

We’ve combined working versions of both programs into one package.

1. Download the Solidoodle v4.2 software package
2. Copy this zip file to a convenient directory (such as your Documents or Program Files folder) and unzip into a convenient directory.

Now you are ready to move on to our How to Print section