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Use MKS_Robin_WIFI on Robin Nano

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MKS-Sean edited this page Feb 23, 2021 · 1 revision

MKS Robin Wifi

MKS Robin Wifi is a wifi module intergated the ESP8266 chip which has been used widely on IoT application. Mks made this module for adapting Robin series boards, for example, Robin Nano V1.2/V2/V3. Robin Nano V1.2 can runs with Mks Robin Nano firmware and marlin2.0, Robin Nano V2.0 and V3.0 can only runs with marlin2.0(because we mainly promote marlin2.0). Actually, Mks Nano firmware has supported wifi module for a long time, and Marlin V2.0 need quite large transplant work, but we make it recently. So this wiki is mainly about Robin Wifi module runs with Marlin V2.0 firmware(both Nano V1.2/V2.0 and V3.0).

How to buy

Hardware connection

Robin Nano V1.2/V2/V3 has the wifi socket on board, just insert the MKS robin WiFi on it.

Update Wifi firmware

The wifi module has the factory firmware burned by default. You can check whether the firmware version is the latest from MKS Github. If not, you can download the latest version of the bin file on github, copy it to the TF card, insert it into the robin nano V1.2/V2 motherboard, and restart the motherboard , The wifi module will automatically update the firmware.

Update Robin Nano V1.2/V2/V3 firmware

Update the latest firmware: https://github.com/makerbase-mks/Mks-Robin-Nano-Marlin2.0-Firmware (The current official marlin Nano V3 version still does not contain this part of the function, but we will submit it as soon as possible.)

Enable Robin Wifi

Open the config option "#define MKS_WIFI_MODULE" on the file of "configuration.h", the wifi function will be enabled(Actually it is enable by default).Currently only LVGL_UI supports MKS Wifi function.

Config the network

If it is the first time you use the wifi module( or you change the network environment), you should config your router information first. There are 3 methods to config:

  1. Using auto-search function from the touch screen to config(Most easily method). Power on the robin nano, enter the menu: Settings -> Wifi, the wifi module will automatically search for nearby hotspots and return. Choose the hotspot you want, enter the password and wait for connect.

  2. Directly enter information on touch screen. Power on the robin nano, enter the menu: Settings -> Config -> Adavance settings ->Wi-Fi parameter settings, then enter the router information using the touch screen.

  3. Using browser to access wifi module to config. Using this method, you should make sure two points:

    • The wifi has connected to a router and get its IP, or the wifi is on the AP mode. Actually, when you use the module at the first time, the wifi will automatically make itself to be AP mode, namely "mkswifixxxx", and its IP is 192.168.4.1.
    • The browser of device(Your mobile phone or PC) should be at the same LAN with the wifi module(if the wifi is on AP mode, just connect your device to the AP).

    Just access the wifi module using the IP address of the module, and you will see the config page, enter the router information and wait for finish.

Applications

After config, you can use the following applications of the wifi module:

  • Under local area network(LAN), using RepetierHost/pronterface,etc.

As long as the IP and port of the wifi module are connected to the host computer, controling the printer can be realized without using a USB cable.

  • Under local area network(LAN), using Cura slicer.

Makerbase has developed the Cura plug-in——MKS Plugin, which can be used to transfer files and control printers after being installed on Cura. Since then, after slicing on Cura, the gcode file can be directly transmitted to the printer wirelessly, and the transmission speed is normally 100kBytes/s, which is very convenient.

  • Control and monitor the printer through the MKS Cloud

Makerbase has specially developed cloud services for 3D printers and relative mobile apps, which not only provide model storage functions, but also support MKS WIFI link functions in the background. Users can upload model files to the server for free, or directly use the above model files. Using the mobile APP (MKS CLOUD), users can transfer the cloud model to the SD card or USB on the printer, and remotely control and monitor the printer.

Use ESP3D firmware on MKS Robin WIFI

Thanks to Luc, ESP3D firmware has added support with MKS Robin WIFI and MKS TFT WIFI, on the ESP3D V3.0 Branch. ESP3D firmware is a well known firmware allows not only to have a cheap bridge between Wifi and serial, but also to have a web UI to configure wifi, to monitor 3D printer and even control it, and to make things easy, UI is fully customizable without reflashing FW. You can use it on MKS Robin WIFI as follows:

Get the wifi firmware

MKS Wifi supports on ESP3D is on V3.0 branch, the lastest developing branch, so you can download the source from https://github.com/luc-github/ESP3D/tree/3.0, and please follow Luc’s advice:Do not use it for production, in alpha stage - breaking changes can happen anytime - just be aware of that, but feel free to test it and feedback

Config and Compile

Board: Generic ESP8266 Module
Flash Mode: DOUT
Flash Frequency: 40Mhz
Flash Size: 4M (3M SPIFFS)
CPU Frequency: 160Mhz Debug Port: Disabled
Debug Level: None
Reset Method: CK
Upload Speed: 115200

  • Config the MKS uart mode on file of "Configuration.h"

#define COMMUNICATION_PROTOCOL MKS_SERIAL

  • Compile the source, and export the binary file using: Sketch->Export Compiled Binary

Update the ESP3D firmware to MKS Robin WIFI

  • Find the binary file on the Sketch folder, and rename it to be "MksWifi.bin"
  • Copy "MksWifi.bin" to the TF card, insert to the mainboard and reboot, it will update automatically

Connect to the wifi

  • After the firmware update successfully, it will generate an AP hotpot named "ESP3D" and using the password as "12345678". Use your PC or mobile phone to connect to the hotpot
  • Visit the IP address of "192.168.0.1" in the browser, you will see a simple Web page of ESP3D
  • If it is the first time you update the ESP3D on the module, you should update the webUI on the web page. And the webUI can be downloaded from: https://github.com/luc-github/ESP3D-WEBUI/tree/3.0/dist/printer/production
  • After that , you can config the module to your router and control your 3d printer now
  • Select the "Target firmware" to be Marlin on the web page: Settings ->features->System->Target firmware, otherwise the dashboard button will not be displayed.

More details you can refer to Luc's wiki.

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