Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

INTERFACE CNC Touch Controller

Discussion in 'Other Builds' started by OpenBuilds, Dec 15, 2020.

  1. fathmi

    fathmi New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2016
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    8
    Thank. Have you or anyone tried 'over the internet' file transfer to INTERFACE so far? @Peter Van Der Walt Is it something we can do? If so, please suggest.
     
  2. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,749
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    Not the internet, but over the local LAN yes

    1) Follow docs:interface:wifi-setup [OpenBuilds Documentation] to get Interface on to your network

    2) On the LCD it shows the IP address

    upload_2021-2-4_15-9-14.png

    3) Type that into a web browser and use the big "Upload a GCODE file" button to select the file you want to send. Depending on the file size, walking over and fetching the USB drive may be faster

    upload_2021-2-4_15-10-9.png
     
    fathmi and sharmstr like this.
  3. fathmi

    fathmi New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2016
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    8
    I will definitely try this.. Thanks for the instruction.
     
  4. ADW_01

    ADW_01 New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2018
    Messages:
    16
    Likes Received:
    11
    Just putting this out there and maybe save some people trouble. I have a 2.2kw air cooled spindle and VFD running at 220v, Black Box and Interface. The amount of EMI was through the roof. Once the spindle got past 6k rpms interface would not respond, same thing when connected via laptop to the BB. I purchased 20 feet of “VFD cable” from McMaster-Carr. I used 18 as the amp rating is still within my setup specs, going to 16 gauge makes for a thick cable to try to router through the Lead1010. You have to connect ground wire at the spindle and you must connect the ground wire together WITH the braided metal shielding of the cable to the ground screw on the VFD. I also used 5 feet of vfd cable as the power cable to power on the VFD, also grounding the metal braiding together with ground at the vfd. I purchased a relatively cheap metal enclosure for the VFD on Amazon and a big plastic enclosure for the power supply, BB, contactor breaker and power switch. I used a simple shielded cable(used in video surveillance) for BB to VFD signal cable. I put two ferrite chokes on each side of the Interfce cable and bought a shielded usb cable. It now works great! No more EMI. You have to use quality shielded cables or your spindle bearings won’t last.

    Only issue now is my Interface and the usb port. Seems like I have to wiggle the thumb drive around to get it to detect it.
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  5. fathmi

    fathmi New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2016
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    8
    @Peter Van Der Walt This is all I've got while trying to connect to INTERFACE remotely within the same WIFI network. What I am doing wrong? The interface is powered on and running...
     

    Attached Files:

  6. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2018
    Messages:
    2,030
    Likes Received:
    1,428
    Do you have the latest Interface firmware installed?
     
  7. fathmi

    fathmi New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2016
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    8
    I have 1.24 installed, but not the latest.
     
  8. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2018
    Messages:
    2,030
    Likes Received:
    1,428
    1.24 is the factory version which doesnt include wifi upload of gcode files. Update.

    You MUST update via Control for this update. Dont use the supplied USB cable. You need a data cable. Do make sure you are on the latest version of Control. Read the steps carefully especially the ones outlined in 3.3.1.4 docs:interface:firmware-update-control [OpenBuilds Documentation]
     
    #158 sharmstr, Feb 5, 2021
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2021
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  9. sitoru

    sitoru New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2014
    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    8
    im still stuck on this, doesn't connect. should the usb light be on when it's updating the firmware?
     

    Attached Files:

  10. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,749
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    The screenshot it tightly cropped so hard to see for sure, but the font face reminds me of MacOS? If so:
    Did you see the note at the top of docs:interface:firmware-update-control [OpenBuilds Documentation] (below the download button)
     
  11. sitoru

    sitoru New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2014
    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    8
    nope, missed that. guess i'll wait until i have access to a pc.
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  12. Banjopete

    Banjopete New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2020
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    30
    Question around the usb files (profile/probing folders) that get added in when preparing a usb for the interface. Do those files/folders need to remain on the usb in order to use the probing functions and for it to know the machine profile? It's a minor thing but in order to run programs off the interface and usb I first have to scroll past all those folders and hidden files instead of first seeing the program names. Based on the screenshots in the docs I think the answer is yes those items need to remain there but I'm curious.
     
  13. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,749
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    They only need to be there if you intend using them, if not, you can delete. Its only 2 folders though, not a lot of scrolling :)
     
  14. Banjopete

    Banjopete New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2020
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    30
    Great thanks for the super fast answer Peter.
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  15. pilotjunky

    Builder

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2015
    Messages:
    12
    Likes Received:
    12
    The INTERFACE is a great little device.

    I used it extensively over the weekend and what I like the most is the "instant on" capability. Just turn on the machine and away you go... no waiting for a laptop to boot up. For the price I think it's a great little device and over time I think it will just get better. There are a few quirks and wish list items but for the most part it has greatly improved my work flow and I appreciate the effort that must have gone in to getting this little device just right. Hardware is a tough business so great job getting this to the Maker market.

    FWIW - Created some end caps. I didn't like the way the wires dangled on the one end, and since it was the same size I printed a cover for the USB end to keep the dust out.

    Just sharing some thoughts.

    Rich.

    upload_2021-2-8_12-13-35.png upload_2021-2-8_12-8-4.png
     
  16. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,749
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    Awesome man! We really appreciate the comments

    I was also playing with some 3D printed caps over the weekend

    upload_2021-2-8_22-30-45.png

    But I love your cable strain relief features, if you don't mind may I borrow them :)
     
    Mark Carew likes this.
  17. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2013
    Messages:
    2,742
    Likes Received:
    2,407
    Hi Rich thanks for sharing! BTW lol We were just talkin about this the other day. How nice it is now to walk up to the machine turn it on and jstart a project in no time!

    Nice work on the endcaps! if you do not mind sharing them I think they could make a great Resource
    We thank you for the kind words
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  18. pilotjunky

    Builder

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2015
    Messages:
    12
    Likes Received:
    12
    Attached are the STL files... they are hack jobs but did the trick for my needs. The holes are to use the existing screws, but friction seems fine on the USB end.

    I think the "instant on" behavior should be on your list of "sell" features. A real time saver.

    I use a Wifi power bar to manage the power to the device(s) when I just want to upload something remotely, I found that helps save time also.

    Thanks.
    Rich.
     

    Attached Files:

  19. fathmi

    fathmi New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2016
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    8
    @Peter Van Der Walt @OpenBuilds Any idea why I am getting this error on INTERFACE. Happened 3 times today that ruined my projects and workpieces. Ran same program before with CONTROL without any issue. I have latest firmware installed. I coud even do the pass through to transfer files to the usb.
     

    Attached Files:

  20. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,749
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    We are investigating a bug possibly related to the error: see OpenBuilds Interface: Err 25
     
  21. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2013
    Messages:
    2,742
    Likes Received:
    2,407
    Good point! Thank you for sharing the files
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  22. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,749
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    Fixed in Firmware version v1.46

    Changelog: v1.46
    - Make jogspeed buttons single-press for precision (Per @JSuster and @grnch in INTERFACE CNC Touch Controller)
    - Changed pause procedure to react to Grbl Feedback (Enhancement for future feature)
    - Fixed CR/LF bug (As per @Leedan and @fathmi in OpenBuilds Interface: Err 25)

    Complete Changelog: OpenBuilds/firmware
    Update Documentation: docs:interface:firmware-update [OpenBuilds Documentation]
     
    #172 Peter Van Der Walt, Feb 9, 2021
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2021
    JSuster likes this.
  23. grnch

    grnch New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2020
    Messages:
    11
    Likes Received:
    4
    @Peter Van Der Walt I updated to the latest firmware this afternoon and since I've been having some issues. 3 separate ones to be exact.
    One issue was a blank screen which happened after clearing an alarm.
    The 2nd came after i paused from the computer and also resumed from it. After that the pause window persisted on the Interface. And I wasn't able to escape it. A reset was needed to clear this.
    Lastly now my internet is down at home( not sure if it's related) but the interface sits at the connecting to Wifi progress and doesn't go past. I've been sitting here for the past 20min or so waiting for it to push through.

    Is this my own bad luck today?
     

    Attached Files:

  24. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,749
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    Pass through is a lower priority sideline, mainly Interface replaces the PC :)
    Grbl doesn't really make it easy to "sync" two hosts - so pick your host and stay with it


    Will check, thanks for the report


    Will investigate, there is a 60 second timeout on wifi connection during boot.
     
  25. grnch

    grnch New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2020
    Messages:
    11
    Likes Received:
    4
    Yeah the first 2 were mainly for reporting purposes but the wifi isn't timing out after 60 sec for some reason. Wifi at the home is up, however internet it down.
     
  26. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,749
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    Step 4/7 doesn't check for Internet access - it just connects to Wifi and gets an IP over DHCP.
    If you reset, does it go past or get stuck again?


    What was the Alarm? Or what lead up to it?
     
  27. grnch

    grnch New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2020
    Messages:
    11
    Likes Received:
    4

    After a reset it just goes and hangs at the same spot, connecting... I've been resetting for the past hour or so in hopes for a good boot.

    To be honest I believe the blank screen was after and idle error but I'm not 100% sure.
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  28. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,749
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    We can try making it forget the Wifi :)
    If you feel like some command line action:

    1) Download ESPtool (attached) and extract the zip somewhere you can reach from command prompt

    2) Connect the Interface to the Computer using a USB-C Cable, and Put the Interface in Bootloader mode (Follow only step 3.3.1.2 of docs:interface:firmware-update-control [OpenBuilds Documentation])

    3) Run
    Code:
    esptool --chip esp32 --port com3 erase_flash  
    to clear the EEPROM - will make it forget the Wifi details
    NB! Replace com3 with the correct port

    upload_2021-2-10_23-5-52.png

    5) Click the Reset button on the side of the interface - it will reboot but without firmware (black screen, nothing on it)

    6) Reinstall firmware using docs:interface:firmware-update-control [OpenBuilds Documentation] (don't forget to put it into bootloader again for this)

    upload_2021-2-10_23-7-6.png

    7) Once flashed, click Reset to boot up:

    upload_2021-2-10_23-7-51.png

    8) It should enter Wifi Setup Mode - so later you can do docs:interface:wifi-setup [OpenBuilds Documentation] again

    I'll look at why it gets stuck there soon, but for now that should get you moving [EDIT: New versions of the firmware doesn't hang up, it times out and moves on - thanks for the report]
     

    Attached Files:

  29. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,749
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    I couldn't find anything specific, but I did bring the Wifi Manager library up to date in v1.47 - you can give it a go and see if it helps
    I did add a menu item to Tools & Util > Interface Config > Wifi > RESET which makes it forget the Wifi network, reboots and put it back in Setup Mode
    1.47 should also fix your bug report on the blank DRO section, please do test that.


    Changelog for Firmware v1.47

    - Fixed HOME button bug
    - Fixed blank screen DRO issue
    - Increased DRO update frequency
    - Added Wifi Reset menu item in Interface Config (to forget Wifi Network)
    - Updated Wifi Manager Library
     
    grnch likes this.
  30. Netechsys

    Netechsys Journeyman
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2020
    Messages:
    149
    Likes Received:
    107
    No. Just Long.. It is all Alpha Numeric letters, Upper and Lower case. I changed the wifi settings in my house, and added a new SSID for the interface, with a different encryption, and all is working better now. I am not running a normal Home Wi-Fi setup in my house, it is a Business solution with multiple AP's running off of a central controller, so I have many choices for security. It is working with WPA2 Personal now, where it was working with WPA3 before.. All good at the moment, and will leave it this way for now.

    I wonder if it was having a problem with the new WiFi 6? The new SSID I created is only allowing AC/N/G where the other was set for AX/N/G.. Now I have to play more..
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice