Firmware issues- Can't update beyond 1.4.0

[perez_...@svvsd.org]

Hey all, I have a Makerbot Replicator 5th Gen and it's been nothing but problems... I replaced the extruder for the "smart" version but I can't print from the Makerbot Print application [v2.6 on Mac Mini running OS X El Capitan] The Print software simply replies, "Print Failed" [SO GLAD that it doesn't specify why.....] I tried to update the firmware from 1.4 to 2.6, but received "Error 1030: File transfer timeout" [WTF, though, since it's hardwired to the computer I'm updating from] Thought it might be a too recent version of the firmware or something, so I downloaded V2.1 and I'm getting the same issue. I reattempted the steps above with the Ethernet connected, just in case, but to no avail.

I've two LULZBOT machines that I've been using for 500+ hours, and those are basically plug-n-play, so I keep wondering why I come back to troubleshoot this POS Makerbot... 

Regardless, any suggestions would be appreciated because I'm at my wit's end with this ridiculous and sloppy piece of hardware, firmware, and software.

[perez_...@svvsd.org]

After several frustrating hours, I ended up installing the OLD MakerBot software- "Makerbot Desktop" and after connecting the printer to *this* software, I was able to update to the latest firmware- hope this helps someone else out there having similar issues.

[TobyCWood]

Just wait till you start printing...

[Daniel Newman]

On 09/08/2017 8:45 AM, perez_...@svvsd.org wrote:
> Hey all, I have a Makerbot Replicator 5th Gen and it's been nothing but problems... I replaced the extruder for the "smart" version but I can't print from the Makerbot Print application [v2.6 on Mac Mini running OS X El Capitan] The Print software simply replies, "Print Failed" [SO GLAD that it doesn't specify why.....] I tried to update the firmware from 1.4 to 2.6, but received "Error 1030: File transfer timeout" [WTF, though, since it's hardwired to the computer I'm updating from] Thought it might be a too recent version of the firmware or something, so I downloaded V2.1 and I'm getting the same issue. I reattempted the steps above with the Ethernet connected, just in case, but to no avail.

Is this perhaps a MakerBot Mini? (And not a Mini+) I ask since as far as I can tell,
they're basically unsupported now by MakerBot. When they came out with the new MakerBot
Print application, there was no support for the Mini. (I loved it when they initially told
people to have MakerBot Print write the print to SD card and then use that with the Mini.
Issue being, the Mini doesn't have SD card support.)

We have a Mini at the office. I think I've seen it manage, albeit not to completion, two
prints. All the other attempts were "Print Failed". And we're a 3D printing hardware &
software company. Several of us having had used MakerBot 3D printers since 2009.

My advice: if this is a MakerBot Mini, put it in a dark corner and spend your time
on something else.