Monoprice Mini v2: Can't connect to printer

[MMDeveloper]

I'm new to 3D printing and I've been transitioning through a few different slicer programs. First I used Cura, then I went to Repetier Host, then I went to Slic3r, and now Simplify3D. Cura, Repetier, and Slic3r all communicate with my printer over usb with no problem. Simplify3D however refuses to connect to the printer. I've tried on both Linux and Windows.

When I point the software to the USB device/port and plug in the baud rate, it goes through the process of trying all the communication methods (plain text, etc) but ultimately fails. On both OSs I've tried all possible baud rates with no success. It would be really cool to be able to use Simplify3D for the slicing AND printing instead of having to slice in one program and transfer the gcode file to Repetier for printing .

Is there something else I need to do for it to work or do these two devices just not talk to each other (and if that's the case, why would the other programs talk to the printer just fine?)

[hijackgmh]

MMDeveloper, I did this step:

Click Tools from the menu bar.
Firmware Configuration from the Tools drop-down.
Switch to the Communication tab
Locate the Communication Settings section.
Uncheck ▢ Wait for startup command.
Click Save and a warning dialog box will appear.
Read the warning message and click Okay.

and I loaded the FFF and FRM file as cited in the wiki (https://www.mpminidelta.com/slicers/s3d). Before I did this, I had gotten the same results you described.

After loading these two files and , I can get the printer to connect (in the Communications window it says printer connected and it shows:
SENT: T0
SENT: M105
SENT: M105
SENT: M105
SENT: M105
SENT: M105
SENT: M105
SENT: M105
SENT: M105
SENT: M105
SENT: M105
SENT: M105
SENT: M105)

However, that is all I can get Simplify3D to do! None of the other controls seem to make the printer respond? The Jog controls don't do anything, I can't make the print head or heated bed warm up, etc.

Not sure if there is something else that must be done, besides the steps listed above?

[MatthewUpp]

@hijackgmh Based off the steps you said you followed it looks like you are using macOS correct?

[hijackgmh]

Sorry, yes. IMac

[MatthewUpp]

@hijackgmh unfortunately it is unlikely that you will get any further than that. That is as close as I could get it to connect. I provided the instructions on the wiki to get that far in hopes someone else can figure something out.

I contacted Simplify3D support about connecting the MP Mini Delta via USB with macOS and didn't get anywhere. The MP Mini Delta and MP Select Mini V2 use the same microcontroller unit on the mainboard and their Motion Controller firmware is the same except for some minor differences because one is a Delta and the other a Cartesian.

This is what they wrote back with so maybe it can help you. I had already replaced the driver and I had no luck.

Hello Matthew,

Thank you for your email. I'm happy to assist you. The MP select mini required a 3rd party driver for connection to work on the Macbook Pro's we use in our office. The Delta likely uses the same USB serial chip, so I would not be surprised if this 3rd party USB driver for your mac is also required.

We've not yet received our own MP Mini Delta for testing. I'd suggest contacting Mono Price directly for help with USB connections on Mac with that printer specifically.

Here is the link to the driver we've tested with Mac OSX for the Select Mini. http://3dprinterwiki.info/ch340x-driver-information/

Regards,

~Simplify3D Support

[symonty]

Having same issue, I even have the CH340 library installed correctly ( as I use it for ESP8266 Development ).

I have tried directly connecting to the device via serial ( ZTERM ) and I can send commands ( i use G28 , home and G29 Level ) and they work fine I just get nothing back from the Mini Delta.

I would suggest this may be an issue with the Mini Delta and Mac OS.

I am going to chase up Monoprice support and see what they say next.

[toH3llWithGA]

I have a similar problem when trying to connect to my MP Delta. The only way I can connect with Simplify 3D is to first connect then disconnect via pronsole (http://www.pronterface.com/). I actually came here to figure out why....

[TheMightyCasper]

I just received my MP Mini Delta yesterday and am having the same communications issue via USB tethering. Following all of the steps that I've found online, I can replicate the same instances previously mentioned in this thread (able to temporarily send but not receive info, times out/hangs, becomes entirely unresponsive, etc.) - but haven't made any other progress through changing seemingly pertinent settings. Repetier-Host will connect instantly to the MPMD and works great on the same MacBook Pro - so I imagine that should indicate it's not a driver issue with the computer itself. OctoPi (running on an old Pi) will also connect and control the MPMD just fine as well.

As far as I remember, I haven't had any issues with USB tethering Simplify3D to my MP Mini Select V1 but I can verify that as well just to make sure if it would help determine a solution.