November 21, 2022
3 min read

Who's Ready for Software Updates?

HeyKickstarterbackers,

We've been quite busy in the lab, especially on the software side. After weeks of hard work, we're excited to share what's getting updated in the latest versions of the AnkerMake firmware,app, and Slicer. We've also got more of your models to show off!

New Firmware and Software

Youcan now download new versions of the AnkerMake firmwareandAndroidapp (iOS this week),and slicer.

Check out the upgraded features here:

Firmware Upgrade

Device local file update added.

Cameracalibration. This happens after M5 is used for the first time, including after factory resets. This helps improveAI recognition.

Display added forAI accuracy.

First-layer detection added.

Homing fan and print speed adjustmentadded to the touch screen.

New interfaces/protocols added to support control modules onthe AnkerMakeApp and AnkerMake Slicer, including extrusion and preheating.

Fixed some bugs.

How to Update

You can upgrade after connecting your M5 to Wi-Fi throughOTA. The firmware takes several minutes to finish downloading. Wait until you see a red dot in the right corner. An update window willpop up. Click update to complete.

We recommend keeping your M5 firmware up to date for the best experience!

App Upgrade

Extrusion and Z-axis compensationadded to the control module.

Several other features added, including preheating, anAI accuracy display, and fan speed adjustment.

Bugs fixed.

How to Update

Get the new version from the Google Play Store. Next week, a new version foriOS will be available on theApp Store.

Slicer Upgrade

Added programming instructions to the G-Code for first-layer detection features.

You'll receive new notifications to understand the causes of software errors and identify solutions clearly. For example, users who experienced performance issues will now get anotification of "Current OpenGL Version Too Low."

Issues Addressed
1. Fixed login window links jumping to unknown web pages.
2. Solved remote printing failures with Macs.
3. Prints will no longer instantly show as "finished" when printing with Macs.
4. Copy rewritten to address grammar and ease of understanding.
5. You can now log in with your computer after logging in from yourapp after a password change.
6. Fixed the OBJ file import and export function error.
7. We also addressed some performance issues that led to crashes.

How to Update

Download the new version to your computer from https://www.ankermake.com/software

Important:For the best experience, upgrade the firmware,app, and slicer at the same time.

Note: After installing the new AnkerMake Slicer, the old slicer version AnkerSlicer will still exist on your computer. To ensure your old data is synced (including customized parameters), open the AnkerMake Slicer and check the custom parameters. Go to the top menu bar, and then Setting > Parameters.

If AnkerMake does not automatically synchronizeyour data after startup, you cantry this method:

1. Reinstall the new beta AnkerMake Slicer and start the program again.

2. Export the parameter group file from the old AnkerSlicer and import it to the new beta AnkerMake Slicer. Go to the top menu bar, and then Settings > Parameters > Import/Export.

We See Your Models, Here's Some of Ours

Wow! We can't believe all of the awesome prints we saw on Benchy 🤯 So, we came up with a few of our own ideas. Some practical, others fun. They're available with the firmware update.

Check out some of our favorites here, and we've got several more for you to explore. They're available with the firmware update.

CES® 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree

We're happy to announce that M5 is aCES® 2023 Innovation Awards honoree in the robotics category. We're proud to make the world a better place with3D printing, and we're committed to bringing you advanced 3D printing to make your ideas become reality.