Bundled firmware for Anycubic Chiron in Cura 4.10 breaks machines

[ChiefSwiftnick 1]

There are 2 types of TFT panel fitted to the Chiron that require different versions of firmware they are not interchangeable.

The original machines have a white/blue colour scheme on the panel and must use Anycubic firmware v1.3.0 

More recent machines have a blue/yellow theme on the panel and must use Anycubic firmware v1.3.5

The version in Cura and on the Anycubic website is v1.3.0, you can only get v1.3.5 on request.

 

Alternatively you can build official Marlin 2.0.7.1 onwards using the Anycubic Chiron config files.
I wrote in support for both types of panel.

It may be safer for now to remove the Chiron firmware from the build.
 

Edited October 8, 2021 by ChiefSwiftnick
added info

[Smithy 1,146]

You are talking about that Cura has a firmware bundled for the Anycubic printer?

If so, I hardly believe that it is bundled with the official Ultimaker Cura version, or is it really?

[GregValiant 1,409]

@ChiefSwiftnick - EDIT:  Comment deleted because I was wrong.

 

Edited October 8, 2021 by GregValiant

[tinkergnome 927]

1 hour ago, Smithy said:

I hardly believe that it is bundled with the official Ultimaker Cura version, or is it really?

 

It actually is... (a version from 2019):

https://github.com/Ultimaker/cura-binary-data/commit/a061ffec6ae516a202e0a7aba2ffb2f5c7353f77

 

I guess that's what @ChiefSwiftnick is talking about.

 

[GregValiant 1,409]

I'm very surprised by that.  Perplexed as well.  Time to use the strike through font and my apologies to all.

[ChiefSwiftnick 1]

5 hours ago, tinkergnome said:

 

It actually is... (a version from 2019):

https://github.com/Ultimaker/cura-binary-data/commit/a061ffec6ae516a202e0a7aba2ffb2f5c7353f77

 

I guess that's what @ChiefSwiftnick is talking about.

 

Yes it is bundled in the official version.
The firmware is fine for older machines, but recent machines have a different front panel that uses a slightly different firmware. Lesser experienced users have seen the upgrade firmware button in Cura and just pressed it not knowing what is actually being installed. As a result the front panel stops working, rendering their machine unusable.

Firmware for both versions is available and Marlin builds from 2.0.7 will detect and work with both panels. This is not official Anycubic firmware though.

So I guess the options are:

1) Remove the hex file

2) Add machine profiles for new and old Chirons (with the corresponding Hex file)

3) Add a later version of Marlin that supports both panel types. (I can do a PR with a new Hex file)

4) Add a warning to check machine build before upgrading

Just my 2p's worth!

Nick