connecting to 3d printer

[clint]

I have acquired a 3d systems actua 2100 3d printer, and I have been trying to figure out how to network it to my computer. I have the correct driver software (alegro), but I must be inept at windows nt, because I have been unable to connect. Does anyone out there have any experience with these machines, or might anyone know someone who does? 3d systems no longer provides support.

Clint

[hmdude]

Hi Clint,

Did you ever end up getting the printer up and running? I'm trying to get mine working over here...

[clint]

Sort of. I had it so that i could print out the test objects, but I never really got it hooked up to my computer correctly. I have been storing it for a few years until I can get a building permit so that I can build my workshop. In the meantime, I have a makerbot cupcake cnc, which has been serving me well for the last 7 months.

[hmdude]

Cool thanks for responding! Interesting, so do you actually have the allegro software?

[clint]

I think I do somewhere. I actually downloaded it from this (who knows, it might still be there):
"Hi Clint

I have attached the document that covers the installation of the software that you will use to submit jobs to the Actua printer from your workstation over a network connection. This is the software which I said I could get you and it can be downloaded from the following ftp site: ftp://ftp.3dsystems.com/customersupp...mssoftware/mjm. The name of the file is actua20.zip. This software is to be installed on a workstation on the network into which you install the printer. The network connection can be made via a crossover cable or a hub.

If the machine is not booting up so that you have a display on the LCD, this is where the product quickly becomes unsupportable on 3D Systems' part as we do not have any parts or the equipment to maintain the system. The machine does not utilize a driver in the same sense that a typical printer does. It actually has a self-contained pc on board running Windows NT 4.0 software and the control software for the machine. If the hard drive no longer runs or Windows NT is corrupt (no longer supported by Microsoft), there is not much we can do.

Sorry, I wish I had better news.

Dwayne Moore
Technical Support Engineer
3D Systems, Inc.
800 793-3669"

[hmdude]

Hmm, the link seems to be good, but I need a login and password to access their pdf. Is the zip file big? Let me know what the size is (if you still have it) and I can send a link if you would be so kind to share it. I would appreciate it immensely...

I am currently in the process of finding the source for parts for the machine and getting the software working. If you are interested I will share all the info I get on this project so you can get yours running too. As you probably have found out, these machines are completely unsupported, but hopefully we can dig up the old info. Thanks Clint. If you want to reach me directly you can at henry (dot) minden (at) gmail (dot) com

Cheers!

[clint]

It may be a while before I can dig up the software. I think I have it saved on a disk somewhere though, it may be at my parents house.

[hmdude]

Hey any luck finding the software? I'm about to recieve the printer, getting stoked

[hmdude]

or alternatively if you still have the login for the 3dsystems site. I think the link worked but I don't have the login or password to get on the ftp site. Thanks!

[firefox]

Gentlemen: I have been watching the dialog about actua 2100 3d printers.
have one in my garage, complete. software,and most info..need info on actua20.zip
have the allegro 2.0,and the update software. or some kind soul,with the info on
making the finale connection to the printer from a stand alone computer.
thanx in advance.....firefox

[clint]

Hello Firefox and welcome to the actua 2100 owners club! I finally have begun construction on my own garage, and hope to move my machine out of my parents garage where it has been since I started this thread in 2006. Of course, in the meantime, I think that I have misplaced my copy of the allegro software. If I can get a copy, then I will be going through the same thing myself. I was looking for it again today actually.

Clint

[firefox]

clint:
I made a slight misquote, in my first msg. correct as follows.......(in my friends garage.)
Joe Briere, is the actual owner of said actua 2100 3D printer. He just purchased it on an
auction site. it is in full working condition,with all the supplied software.I am kinda talking
in his stead. We, (joe) and I, have been working towards a fully working 3D printer,
( rapid prototype ) for awhile now. he has made (from scratch) two working CNC prototypes,the latest,fully productive,his parallel project is a larger,fully functional unit.
so.....that being said, realalizing that the 2100 is a stand alone printing device,we,(He)
and I, have looked to having a direct hookup to a desk,or laptop,computer.
the unit works thru the test mode fine. have a day or two to play with it, and can update the findings.(and the software) E'mail ?.......mine..hudsoncori@yahoo.com
hope I didn't start off on a bad note with this site. just in a hurry..this is a fun project.
regards....firefox