Pronterface for Windows

When a printer needs a direct command or a print needs monitoring, Pronterface provides a graphical control window for the job. Select the printer’s serial port and baud rate, connect, then load G-code to start printing or send the file to the printer’s SD card.

Connecting and starting a print

Choose the printer’s port and baud rate in Pronterface, then connect. Load a G-code file to print it directly, or send it to the printer’s SD card. For an STL, configure a slicer such as Slic3r or Skeinforge and its command path in the settings; Pronterface can then invoke the slicer.

What does the printer monitor show?

Turn on the monitor function to have Pronterface check printer status at regular intervals. It reports temperature readings and SD print progress, giving a view of the job while it runs.

• The status check runs every three seconds when monitoring is enabled.
• The command box accepts Pronsole commands for interacting with the printer.

Commands and print control

Pronterface is the graphical host in the Printrun suite; Pronsole provides a command-line host with the same functionality. In Pronterface, commands can be entered in the command box alongside the graphical print controls. The command box does not offer tab completion.

The workflow centers on connecting to a printer, loading a file, and choosing direct printing or SD-card transfer. STL files need a slicer configured in the application before they can be processed.

Can Pronterface print G-code directly?

Yes. Connect to the printer, load a G-code file, and start a direct print, or send the file to the printer’s SD card.

Can Pronterface open STL files?

Yes, with a slicer such as Slic3r or Skeinforge configured in its settings.

What does the monitor function track?

It checks printer temperatures and SD print progress every three seconds while enabled.