To connect your 3D printer to Simplify3D, select “Tools > Machine Control Panel” from the top menu.
![Simplify3D - Machine Control Panel](http://prototype.build/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Simplify3D-Machine-Control-Panel1.png)
If you see an error that says “Permission error connecting to port… Error opening selected port.”
![Simplify3D - Printer Connection Error](http://prototype.build/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Simplify3D-Machine-Control-Panel-Dialog.png)
Be sure to stop the background service if you have MakerWare installed.
![MakerWare - Stop Background Service](http://prototype.build/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/MakerWare-Stop-Background-Service.png)
Check that you have connected to the correct COM port and Baud Rate.
1) Open Device Manager and double-click the port for the printer (be sure to connect and turn on the printer… duh…)
![Device Manager](http://prototype.build/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Device-Manager1.png)
2) Set the Baud Rate (11,600 worked for me). Slower Baud Rate such as 9,600 does not seem to work well.
![Device Manager - MightyBoard](http://prototype.build/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Device-Manager-MightyBoard.png)
3) Set the same Baud Rate in Simplify3D and connect.
![Simplify3D - Machine Control Panel - Connected](http://prototype.build/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Simplify3D-Machine-Control-Panel-Connected.png)
Good luck & happy printing!