This appendix will cover two basic controller designs that are common for RepRap-based printers:
Arduino Mega 2560 is based on the ATmega2560 microchip (the older ATmega 1280 may also be used on older machines)
Sanguinololu is based on the ATMEGA644P microchip
If this is the first time you have tried to upload some firmware, you'll discover that there is a need to install the drivers that are specific to the controller.
For the Arduino Mega, you'll need to follow these steps:
Plug the board in using the USB connection. Windows will attempt to find a device driver for the board and will most likely fail.
Open Device Manager in your system. Locate the yellow exclamation mark labeled Arduino Mega 2560 under Ports or Other Devices.
Choose the "Browse my computer for driver software" option. Locate the
driversfolder in theArduinofolder. Select thedriversfolder and then click on Next to install. The Arduino Mega should now be recognized and assigned with a port number. Take note of this number.
If you plug in a controller and it's not recognized at all, you'll need to install a Virtual COM Port driver. You can download this from http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm. Extract all the folders and install the driver.