Prusa Mini only sees new g-code files that are generated with a different printer selected in Prusa Slicer
TLDR: I accidentally discovered that my Prusa Mini isn't recognizing g-code files that were generated with the Prusa Mini selected in the Prusa Slicer, but it does recognize g-code files when they're generated with another printer selected. Has anyone else had this issue?
After not using my mini (built in 2020) for about a year, I went to print something that I sliced on a recently downloaded Prusa Slicer on a new Windows 11 machine. I saw that the printer wasn't seeing new g-code files I've exported to the USB. I've tried exporting from the Prusa Slicer, saving the g-code to my computer and copying into the USB (saw this worked for somebody), and reformatting the USB. I was careful about USB ejection and verified the g-code file I wanted was indeed on the USB. I also tried generated a g-code on another computer. Same issue. However, my printer was able to see and print an old file that had been on the USB for a couple years just fine. Furthermore, it dawned on me that I accidentally had the wrong printer selected on my slicer the first time I sliced this new model. My Mini threw an error over this, so initially I ignored the file since I don't know what printer was selected, but it did see the g-code file. After I ran out of troubleshooting ideas, I decided to let it try to print the file sliced for the wrong printer. Not sure how well it will turn out, but it does appear to be working. I've seen other people around the web with the same USB problem, but I didn't see anyone else linking that issue to printer selection in the slicer. Any Ideas?
RE: Prusa Mini only sees new g-code files that are generated with a different printer selected in Prusa Slicer
The prusa mini firmware was updated to use bgcode and not gcode files. Bgcode is Binary Gcode. All the current mini profiles in prusa slicer are configured to output a bgcode file now. If your mini is using older firmware it wont know anything about bgode and so wont recognise them.
You can either update your mini firmware OR you can alter the profiles in Prusa Slicer to disable bgcode. Fortunately there's a setting in preferences that allows you to disable it without changing every single profile.
RE: Prusa Mini only sees new g-code files that are generated with a different printer selected in Prusa Slicer
Thanks, this problem had crossed my mind since it's an older printer and the newest slicer. I'll give this a shot.