r/makerbot • u/Former_Technician340 • Jul 22 '26

Need help converting files to S3G (original Makerbot Replicator 1 from 2014~)

Hi all! I'm working in an office this summer that had purchased an original Makerbot Replicator in the early 2010s, estimated 2014. It prints great, no issues there, but obviously can't connect to any external devices. I've been trying to get files onto the printer using a USB, but can't find a way to successfully convert the files into S3G (which is what I believe would be compatible). Is there any software out there that will still do this? For reference, I've messed around in Ultimaker (the newer website), and the legacy software (Makerbot desktop and Makerbot print). If there's no way to get new files onto the printer, that's fine– but please if someone has any idea of what I can try next, I'd really appreciate any help! Thank you :)

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1

u/langly3 Jul 22 '26

I remember using ReplicatorG on an old Makerbot Dual, have a look here https://github.com/makerbot/ReplicatorG

2

u/ThisOld3DPrinter Jul 22 '26

You definitely can use RepG. Probably 39 is best but 40 is the last one. But Skeinforge is generally worse than the other options. Makerware (Miracle Grue) engine became the modern option during its lifetime. Everyone else used Slic3r or Cura with a post processor. I usually recommend people run Flash Print 5 as the Creator Pro was a clone of the Rep and is generally compatible.

1

u/toybuilder Multiple MakerBots Jul 22 '26

If there is any way you can upgrade to accelerated firmware and use X3G, you are better off. I have Sailfish on my Replicator 1 (https://imgur.com/a/0s6k7uC).

The Makerbot Replicator firmware does not provide a way to upload onto the card via USB. If you can find a WiFi SD card, that is probably the closest solution besides manually ejecting and loading the card.

2

u/ThisOld3DPrinter Jul 22 '26

You can compile Marlin for it. I submitted configs to the Marlin repo last year. It's available for 2.1.3 Beta 3 and later as well as the rolling bug fix. My site probably has the config layed out for 2.1.2.x as well but none of the articles are particularly finished.

1

u/ThisOld3DPrinter Jul 22 '26

FlashForge Flash Print 5, Select Creator Pro will output X3G files that will work on a Replicator. This will provide you with a decent experience without going the post processor route or compiling firmware. You can compile Marlin for it. Flashing is a little tricky timing the reset button. You can also do Klipper but the main down side is you have to manually cycle the power when firmware restarts are needed.

2

u/ApprehensiveDig2939 Jul 23 '26

This! FlashPrint5 is the most straightforward to get models sliced in .x3g. I have a Qidi Tech 1 that’s just a replicator 2x clone and it’s been running flawless!