4.6.1 Firmware for Original Prusa MK4  

4.6.1 Firmware for Original Prusa MK4

Summary

• MK3 G-code compatibility
• New Home screen
• Homing improvements
• Changes to Live Adjust Z
• Footer Items settings improved
• Prusa Connect and PrusaLink improvements
• Improvements to the Factory Reset feature
• Calibrations and Tests on improvements
• Tool changer usage statistics
• Bugfixes

This is the final release of firmware 4.6.1 focused on fixes and optimizations. Kudos to the community for reporting the issues!

Please note this bug fix release does not include the Input shaper. It will be part of the upcoming firmware release.

Unless specified in the title, the changes described below are valid both for MK4 and XL.

MK3/MK3S/MK3S+ G-code compatibility (MK4)

Starting this release you can print your old MK3/S/+ G-codes on the MK4 without issues. Once the user starts the print, firmware scans through the G-code and replaces MK3-specific commands for MK4.

New Home Screen and Print preview screen

Due to upcoming improvements, the logo was removed from the home screen, and the space was used to increase the size of icons. Similar adjustments were made to the print preview screen.

Homing improvements

Homing algorithm has been improved in several ways.

• The precision of homing in the X&Y axes was improved compared to the previous release.
• Homing in the Z-axis is now more sensitive, fixing occasional firmer nozzle touches.
• Failed homing does not result in a red screen
• The Stallguard is now used when homing in Z for extra safety
• The printer bumps the right edge on the XL to align the tool changer pins.

Changes to Live Adjust Z

The Nextruder is equipped with loadcell technology and the vast majority of the first layers will be handled automatically by the internal algorithm. However, in some edge cases, you might have a reason to adjust the offset between the nozzle and sheet surface manually.

While the first layer is printed, press and hold the knob for a few seconds. The screen will change to Live Adjust Z. The value will remain saved until the end of print, then it will be reset back to zero.

Footer Items settings

The footer can be adjusted by the user and default values can be changed with multiple others (fan speeds, temperatures, filament sensor status, …). This release brings a small improvement and the user can now scroll through the list using the knob, previously it was necessary to press the knob to go through the list.

Prusa Connect and PrusaLink improvements

Developers have optimized file transfers between Prusa Connect and the printer resulting in higher transfer speed. PrusaLink and Prusa Connect are now also informing the user about the installed nozzle. Note that the nozzle diameter has to be set correctly by the user in the settings menu of the printer.

Improvements to the Factory Reset feature

This release splits the traditional “Factory reset” into two options:

• Reset Settings & Calibrations - this option deletes all changes done by the user and reverts the system to its original state. For most of the cases, this is a sufficient method. Technically speaking only the EEPROM with user stored data is deleted. Once, the reset is done, the printer will boot to language selection, followed by the calibration wizard.
• Hard reset (USB with FW needed) - due to the complex partition layout, the firmware is storing its settings not only in the EEPROM but also on the XFLASH. In some edge cases, it might be necessary to delete both of these. Once this reset is done, the user has to insert a USB drive with firmware as some parts of the XFLASH have to be created again from scratch. Please note that in this version, you need to reflash it with the same firmware version - 4.6.1

Calibrations and Tests on improvements (XL multitool)

The firmware team is currently polishing the features for the tool changer version of the XL based on the feedback from the ongoing testing.

• The “Kennel” was renamed to “Dock”
• Time estimates are now shown for longer calibrations.
• The calibration now works even when started without any tool.
• There are new images for the Dock Calibration.
• Z-Align now hits the top of the Z axis.

Tool changer usage statistics (XL multitool)

The Statistics screen now tracks additional information on XL’s tool changer usage.

Bug fixes

Filament sensor fixes (XL multitool)

The developers have fixed reported issues with filament sensors on the XL with multiple tool heads. Their calibration is now improved and simplified. The autoload is triggered by the correct filament sensor and runout is triggered by both of the sensors.

Bed position improved (MK4)

In the previous release 4.5.4, the heatbed remained parked all the way in the front, if the x-axis test failed and as a result partly covered access to the LCD screen. This is now fixed.

Power Panic fixes

In some cases, the Power Panic procedure could end in a red screen while returning to print. This code is now optimized to prevent such behavior.