Machine Firmware update - September 2020 (WorkSeries 400)

Machine Firmware update - September 2020 (WorkSeries 400)

Check Current Firmware Version

This update is for Duet Firmware version 3.1.1. Please only upgrade if your current version is less than 3.1.1. To check the current version of firmware on your machine follow the applicable instructions below:
Via Touchscreen:
  1. navigate to the "Console" tab at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Tap the keyboard icon in the top right corner.
  3. Enter M115
  4. Press the enter key. (located in the bottom right corner of the keyboard)
Via Web Interface:
  1. Navigate to the machine web interface. (using the IP address displayed on the machine)
  2. Login to the web interface. (if equipped with a password)
  3. Enter M115 in the text box at the top of the web interface.
  4. Press the enter key on your computer's keyboard.

Firmware update summary

The firmware on the WorkSeries lines of machines has been updated.  These changes are designed to simplify the configuration of the machine by providing common profiles, as well as adding additional safety features to help prevent machine crashes.  More comprehensive update notes are listed at the bottom of this page.

Installation instructions



The update command in the instructions must be entered twice in a row for all items to update fully

Configuration video



Slicer script updates

Slicer start and end scripts must be updated to ensure prints start correctly.  Review information below to update scripts

As the firmware print process has changed slightly, it may be necessary to update your slicer scripts accordingly.  Scripts can be found in Simplify 3D by opening Process Settings, and locating the Scripts tab of the interface.  It is no longer necessary to have a M98 command in the starting script, so it's simplified considerably.  Consider using G28 in the starting script to home the machine on print start, as this will ensure everything is started correctly and prevent errors.  Additionally, any purge commands can be added here as well, although using skirt or brim on the print is normally sufficient to get material flowing.  A default purge command can be activated by adding a purge command as in the below example, this should only be used at the beginning of the print.

Example new starting script, please add to your slicer configuration
  1. G28   ; Home all axes
  2. M98 P"0:/sys/purge.g" ; run default purge command (use only at start)                             

A new ending script is provided as well, which should be added to the ending script.  You can use the example below, or define your own.  Note that if you define your own you will need to ensure all heaters are turned off and the machine is in a safe state after a print.  Using the default is recommended unless you have specific needs for more advanced functionality.

New slicer ending script, please add to your slicer configuration.
  1. M98 P"0:/sys/end.g" ; homes the extruder, turns off all tools, heaters, and fans.

Simplify3D:

Change your script by selecting  Edit Process Settings  from the  Processes  area in the main window.  Then, select the  Scripts  tab.  Both the starting and ending scripts are located in this area:


Cura:

Change Cura scripts by clicking  Settings  in the top menu, then  Printers , then  Manage Printers.  Select  Machine Settings , then look for  Start G-code   and  End G-code  sections:



Tool offsets and the Height-map will be cleared as a result of the firmware update. It is recommended to perform the machine calibration process after updating the firmware to dial in these values. You can find the machine calibration process here: https://support.3dplatform.com/portal/en/kb/articles/workseries-calibration-video-14-6-2018

FAQ / Problems

  1. My printer is displaying "Error: G0/G1: Insufficient axes homed" on print start or when moving the axes.

    This error will display if the machine axes have not been homed after starting up.  This is due to a safety feature to prevent machine crashes from over-travel.  To get rid of this error, you can manually home all axes before attempting to print.  You may also add a  G28  command to your slicer starting script so it homes automatically before each print.  Additionally, check the slicer ending script and remove any  M84  commands, as these will cause the axes to become 'not homed' and the message may re-appear.

  2. My machine no longer purges at the start of a print.

    The automatic purge was removed from print start as it could interfere with other functions, and most users preferred to control it themselves.  A purge command can be added to the slicer start script, or the system scripts can be modified manually by advanced users.

  3. My heaters are not performing properly / not stable.

    We have updated the base heater control values as well as the thermistor values for better temperature tracking.  Due to variation in individual components, they may require additional tuning. If you are not getting proper heater stability, please run a PID auto-tune.

  4. My machine is no longer connected to my Wi-Fi network.

    This update will includes the Wi-Fi programming to improve performance and reliability, however in some case the saved networks can be lost.  If this happens, simply re-program the Wi-Fi network into the system using the touch screen.
    There are a few additional network settings (netmask, gateway) in the /sys/config.g file.  These settings may be changed depending on the network, please consult with your IT department.

  5. My macros are missing

    Macros have been retained, they are now sorted into folders by function.  There are separate folders for macros relating to filament, bed probe, motion profile, and system.  You can also add macros as needed for custom functionality.

  6. My travel limits have changed

    Due to differences in individual setups, the default travel limits have been decreased slightly to more conservative values, this change has been done to prevent machine damage to any customers upgrading machines.  If you need to print very large parts and require changed limits, please contact support and we can help you make the change safely without causing machine damage.

Detailed update notes

  1. Unified firmware all WorkSeries machines: 200, 300, & 400
  2. Configuration done in /sys/config.g to between extruder configurations
  3. Machine now requires homing on startup to prevent over-travel
  4. Max travel limits slightly reduced to conservative values to prevent over-travel.  Contact support if build requirements are larger
  5. Probe function improved, helper macros added to clear errors if probe is flashing red.  Probe now auto-sets height at center of bed before probing
  6. Start / end script updated, purge removed as well as bug which caused axes to lose home position on print end in some cases.  These changes may require slicer script updates detailed above.
  7. Web interface updated:
    1. New UI
    2. Updated file manager
    3. Various bugfixes for networking bugs

    • Related Articles

    • Machine Firmware update - September 2020 (WorkSeries 200 & 300)

      Check Current Firmware Version This update is for Duet Firmware version 3.1.1. Please only upgrade if your current version is less than 3.1.1. To check the current version of firmware on your machine follow the applicable instructions below: Via ...
    • Touchscreen Firmware Update - September 2020 (WorkSeries 400)

      Check Current Firmware Version This update is for touchscreen firmware Version 1.23.2+3. Please only upgrade if your current version is less than this version. To check the current version of firmware on your touchscreen follow the instructions ...
    • Touchscreen Firmware Update - September 2020 (WorkSeries 200 & 300)

      Check Current Firmware Version This update is for touchscreen firmware Version 1.23.2+3. Please only upgrade if your current version is less than this version. To check the current version of firmware on your touchscreen follow the instructions ...
    • Firmware Update Process - October 2017 (WorkSeries 100)

      Index Supplies Arduino software installation and setup Driver installation Firmware selection COM port identification Final preparation and flashing firmware Troubleshooting and common errors Downloads and attachments 1. Supplies needed Computer with ...
    • Firmware Update Process - October 2016 (3DP1000)

      `Index Supplies Arduino software installation and setup Driver installation Firmware selection COM port identification Final preparation and flashing firmware Troubleshooting and common errors Downloads and attachments 1. Supplies needed Computer ...