Project Dashboard Accessories and Upgrades Graphical LCD Smart Controller Installation LulzBot TAZ 1 Workflow

1 Before Beginning

The Graphical LCD Controller (GLCD) is an optional add-on for the LulzBot TAZ 3D printer. This add-on allows for printing without being connected to a computer using its integrated SD card reader. You can also monitor your prints progress and view live information about temperatures, settings and modify some settings on the fly, without having to reflash the firmware.

Graphical LCD Controller (GLCD)

2 Items Needed

Tools:

  • 4 mm Allen Driver
  • 2 mm Allen Driver
  • 1/16 Allen Driver

Available from LulzBot.com:

Additional materials needed from other vendors:

  • 4x M2.5 12mm screws (used to mount the GLCD into the back panel).
  • 4x M2.5 washers
  • 4x M3 12mm screws (used to secure the front panel).
Graphical LCD Controller (GLCD)
GLCD Harness
GLCD Enclosure

3 Assemble Graphical LCD Case

  • Install optional, printable LCD spacer between the circuit boards and drop a M2.5x12 Socket Head Cap screw with M2.5 washer through it.

  • Do this in all 4 corners of the board.

  • Set the LCD with screws down into the LCD case and tighten the screws down. If you decide not to use a spacer in each corner, do not over-tighten.

  • Install the knob onto the LCD with the set screw aligned with the flat.

  • The knob will go all the way down to a step on the shaft.

  • Tighten the set screw down using the 1-16 driver.

Components
LCD Spacer Location
Knob aligned with flat portion of shaft

4 Remove Frame Corner

This next step is best performed with the Y axis assembly removed and with the main frame of the printer laying down.

  • Remove the triangular frame connector from the top left hand corner of the frame.

5 Install Graphical LCD Case

  • Keep the two M5 tee-nuts in place on the printer frame and use the existing screws to secure the Graphical LCD controller enclosure onto the printer frame.

  • Once secured, install the Y axis assembly back into the printer frame.

6 Install Graphical LCD Case Cover

  • Use the 4 M3 12mm screws to secure the front panel onto the Graphical LCD controller.

7 Connect the GLCD Harness

To identify the connectors on the wiring harness, follow the large black connector.

  • The connector EXP 1 has the majority of it's wiring going to the larger black connector.

  • The connector EXP2 has wiring leading to both the large and small connector.

  • Connect EXP 1 to the left hand connector socket (when looking at the rear of the GLCD enclosure).

  • Connect EXP 2 to the right hand connector socket.

8 Plug In Cable

  • Plug in the large connector to the connector on the RAMBo electronics labelled EXT-2.

  • The red wire on the large black connector should be oriented so that it's close to the silver USB port.

  • The smaller connector is plugged into the connection labeled SP1. The connector is marked with a triangle to designate pin 1. SP1 is labeled with a small 1 to indicate orientation.

  • On each black connector match the black triangle to the Pin one locations noted on the board and in the image below.

Pin 1 Locations

9 Getting Prepared to Upgrade Firmware

Before beginning, make sure you download and save the following files to your desktop or other memorable location.

If you have any questions or require assistance contact us at support@lulzbot.com.

Files Needed:

Recommended Software Tools:

10 Extract The Files

Extract the files to a memorable location.We recommend a new folder on your Desktop, or a new folder in your Home folder.

  • Extract the Firmware archive. Once extracted, you should have the following folders:

    • Marlin
    • ArduinoAddons

  • If your firmware archive does not contain ArduinoAddons the file is available HERE.

  • Open the folder ArduinoAddons and leave the window open.

11 Install The Arduino IDE

  • Windows:

    • Open the folder containing the file arduino-1.0.5-windows.exe.
    • Launch the installer by double clicking.
    • During the program installation process, make sure to note the installation directory. We'll open this directory in the next step.

  • Linux:

    • Open the folder containing the .tgz archive.
    • Extract the contents of the archive and note the destination location.

  • Mac:

    • Open the folder containing the file arduino-1.0.5-macosx.zip.
    • Drag and drop the Arduino-1.0.5.app file into the Application tray or the App menu

12 Open Arduino Installation Location

  • Windows:

    • Open the Arduino installation location. Most users will find this at C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino
    • Leave the window open and off to the side.

  • Linux

    • Open the Arduino file location

  • Mac

    • Open the following location: My Documents\Arduino

13 Merge the Folders

  • In the ArduinoAddons folder from the earlier step, open the Arduino_1_xx folder then select and drag the contents of the libraries folder and any other folders within this directory to the libraries folder from the previous step.

  • You may be promped to verify the action, if given a choice, select Merge.

  • If prompted again, select Overwrite or Replace.

  • Once the copy/transfer finishes, Open the Arduino IDE.

If you have having difficulties, a Windows modification guide can be found here

14 Open Marlin in the Arduino IDE

  • Open the Arduino IDE.

  • Select File > Open .

  • Navigate to the folder containing the Marlin folder you previously extracted.

  • Open the file titled Marlin.ino or Marlin.

  • Once opened, you should see multiple tabs across the top of the Arduino IDE window.

15 Edit Configuration.h

  • Locate and select the tab titled: Configuration.h

  • In the menu, select Edit > Find.

  • Search for the following text:

    DEFAULT_AXIS_STEPS_PER_UNIT

16 Update Steps Per Unit

This figure can be found in your paperwork, on the Test Acceptance Record labeled: E0.

  • In the Arduino IDE, on the Configuration.h tab, update the information found in:

    DEFAULT_AXIS_STEPS_PER_UNIT

  • You will need to update the last 800 number with the Estep value found earlier. If you do not have the Esteps information you will need to update the last 800 number with a temporary Estep value of 840. You will need to perform extruder calibration after verifying printer operations. A guide on doing so can be found here.

  • Once changed save the modifications by pressing CTRL & S or by selecting in the menu File > Save.

17 Upload the Firmware

  • Power on the printer and connect the TAZ to your computer with the supplied USB cable.

  • Once connected, in the Arduino IDE menu, select:

    • Tools > Board and select Arduino Mega 2560 or Mega ADK.
    • Tools > Serial Port and select your local active serial port.

  • Upload the firmware to the TAZ 3D printer by selecting File > Upload Sketch or by pressing Ctrl & U.

  • The firmware will now compile, then will upload to the board. Once finished, the Arduino IDE will display a completion message.

  • Disconnect the TAZ from your computer.

18 Verify Operation

  • Power on the printer.
  • The Graphical LCD controller should show an image when booting, followed by the status/information screen. If nothing shows, power off the printer and reinstall the connectors.
  • Power on the printer to verify.

19 Install Electronics Enclosure Lid

  • Install the electronics enclosure lid using the 4 M3 screws.

  • Enjoy using your new Graphical LCD Controller!

Done! Take me home