Updating the firmware for your electronics is a crucial step in getting your machine fully operational. It is important that both your motherboard/arduino and your extruder controller are both running the same level of firmware. Firmware 3.0 for your motherboard means firmware 3.0 for your extruder controller, as an example.

If you’re having trouble updating the firmware for your boards, the first thing you want to do is make sure that your computer is recognizing that the board is connected to your machine. Both the motherboard and extruder controller should show up as devices in your operating system, whether you’re using Windows, Mac OS, or Linux.

If your boards aren’t showing up in ReplicatorG, make sure you have the proper drivers installed for your operating system. Further documentation can be found right here: wiki.makerbot.com/thingomatic-doc:software-installation

If ReplicatorG is seeing that your board(s) is connected, take note of the com port, and the try updating the firmware via the update process. When updating the firmware for the motherboard, make sure the USB is plugged into the arduino, and press the reset button on the motherboard just before hitting ‘update’ in ReplicatorG.

The extruder controller is a little bit simpler in its update process, as no reset of the board is required. Simply make sure you have your USB cable plugged directly into the extruder controller and click update, but make sure you’re trying to update through the proper COM port! It may also help to power your extruder controller during the update process - plug in one of the molex connectors into your extruder controller and power on your bot. Make sure the motherboard is plugged into the power supply as well otherwise your machine won't turn on.