This document outlines additional changes that could be made to improve v1/v2 clarity in the getting-started guide. These are NOT implemented, but recommended for future review.
**Windows users:** You'll need to install [Windows Drivers](windows-drivers) for the board to show up properly.
If you're on Windows, go install the [Windows drivers](windows-drivers) now. Linux and Mac have drivers built in.
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<versioned orientation="horizontal">
<v1>
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**Windows users:** Install [USB drivers (CH340/CP2102)](/windows-drivers) for the board to show up properly. Linux and Mac have drivers built-in.
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</v1>
<v2>
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**Windows users:** V2 uses native USB and typically works without drivers on Windows 10+. If the board doesn't appear, see [Windows Drivers](/windows-drivers). Linux and Mac have full support built-in.
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</v2>
</versioned>
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/windows-drivers - Clarify it’s for V1 chips/windows-drivers-v2 - V2 native USB information- **[Smoopi](smoopi)** - Recommended, runs on Raspberry Pi with touchscreen
- **[Pronterface](pronterface)** - Popular for 3D printers, simple and reliable
- **[Octoprint](octoprint)** - Web-based 3D printer control, very nice
- **[bCNC](bcnc)** - Good for CNC mills
See [Software](software) for the full list.
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<versioned orientation="vertical">
<v1>
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You need software on your computer to talk to the board. Pick one:
- **[Smoopi](smoopi)** - Recommended, runs on Raspberry Pi with touchscreen
- **[Pronterface](pronterface)** - Popular for 3D printers, simple and reliable
- **[Octoprint](octoprint)** - Web-based 3D printer control, very nice
- **[bCNC](bcnc)** - Good for CNC mills
See [Software](software) for the full list.
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</v1>
<v2>
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You need software on your computer (or network) to talk to the board. V2 supports both USB and Ethernet:
- **[SmoothieV2 WebUI](smoothiev2-webui)** - Purpose-built for V2, web-based, recommended
- **[bCNC](bcnc)** - Excellent for CNC mills, network-compatible
- **[Pronterface](pronterface)** - Classic tool, works with V2 over USB
- Network-aware tools are recommended (V2 supports Ethernet)
See [Software](software) for V2-compatible tool list.
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</v2>
</versioned>
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/software - Add V2-compatible tool listConnect the USB cable from your computer to the Smoothieboard. The board should power on (you'll see LEDs light up).
Your computer should recognize it as:
- A USB serial device
- A USB mass storage device (the SD card shows up like a USB stick)
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<versioned>
<v1>
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Connect the USB cable. The board should power on (green LED lights up).
Your computer recognizes it as:
- A USB serial device (via CH340/CP2102 chip)
- A USB mass storage device (SD card shows as USB stick)
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</v1>
<v2>
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Connect the USB cable. The board should power on (LEDs light up).
Your computer recognizes it as:
- A USB composite device (native USB)
- A USB mass storage device (SD card shows as USB stick)
Windows 10+ may take a moment to recognize the device.
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</v2>
</versioned>
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**Board not recognized**
- Windows: Install [Windows drivers](windows-drivers)
- Try different USB cable
- Try different USB port
- Check for LED activity on board
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<versioned orientation="vertical">
<v1>
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**Board not recognized**
- Windows: Install [USB drivers (CH340/CP2102)](/windows-drivers)
- Try different USB cable (defective cables are common)
- Try different USB port
- Check for LED activity on board (green LED = power)
- Check Device Manager for unrecognized USB devices
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</v1>
<v2>
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**Board not recognized**
- Windows: Should work on Windows 10+ without drivers
- Check for LED activity on board (white/green LED = power)
- Try a different USB cable (defective cables are common)
- Try a different USB port
- Wait a moment (first connection may be slow)
- See [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting) for more
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</v2>
</versioned>
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/v2-troubleshooting - V2-specific connection troubleshooting**Time estimate:**
- Software setup: 15-30 minutes
- Wiring everything: 1-2 hours
- Configuration: 1-2 hours
- Testing and calibration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
**Time estimate:**
- Software setup: 15-30 minutes
- Wiring everything: 1-2 hours
- Configuration: 1-2 hours (V2 may be faster if familiar with INI format)
- Testing and calibration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Total: 2-4 hours for experienced users, 4-6 hours for first-time users
Mentions various follow-up docs but no V2-specific resources.
Add at end of “What’s next” section:
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<versioned orientation="vertical">
<v1>
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You've got the basics! To unlock more power:
- [Motion Control](motion-control) - Fine-tune acceleration and speeds
- [Advanced G-codes](supported-g-codes) - All 70+ G-code commands
- [Console Commands](console-commands) - Scripting and automation
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</v1>
<v2>
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You've got the basics! V2 has additional capabilities:
- [Network Configuration](/network) - Set up Ethernet (faster than USB)
- [Configuration Options](/configuration-options) - Advanced features and settings
- [Motion Control](motion-control) - Fine-tune acceleration and motion
- [Advanced G-codes](supported-g-codes) - All supported G-code commands
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</v2>
</versioned>
{:/nomarkdown}
| Section | Priority | Complexity | Files Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows drivers | High | Low | windows-drivers, windows-drivers-v2 |
| Host software | High | Medium | software (update), smoothiev2-webui (new) |
| First connection | Medium | Low | None (informational only) |
| USB troubleshooting | High | Medium | v2-troubleshooting (new) |
| Time estimates | Low | Low | None (inline note) |
| What’s next section | Medium | Low | None (expand existing) |
Note: These recommendations are for future review. The two review blocks already in the file (getting-started:download-config and getting-started:config-setup) cover the most critical configuration differences.