Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

Controller firmware/OS delineation

Discussion in 'Controller Boards' started by Jeremiah, Jun 2, 2015.

  1. Jeremiah

    Jeremiah New
    Builder

    Joined:
    May 28, 2015
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    7
    For very new dummies like me, there is kind a Mac/PC, etc. delineation for Controller Boards and the firmware, software, or operating system that they will use, like Mac OS, Windows, etc.

    One, considered by many an upgrade, more precise or better operating in most cases is Mach3.

    Another, very common, used with Arduino, TinyG, etc. is GRBL.

    * correction: I now see that, at this time, TinyG sites the following for 'sending g-code' or effectively interface operating system. It's the method you are going to be able to use to have g-code operate your machine, via a TinyG controller, which is not Grbl.
    1. Sending Files with Chillipeppr (Web Application)
    2. Sending Files with CoolTerm
    3. Sending Files with tgFX - NO longer supported
    4. Sending Files programmatically

    Here's an article discussing a few of them.

    These are not statements of expertise. I'm probably putting it here so I can reference back to remember, myself. And, I think it is probably helpful information for some people who don't know, though it may not be an issue for everyone.

    Cheers.
     
    #1 Jeremiah, Jun 2, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 8, 2015
    Mark Carew likes this.
  2. Patrick Walls

    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2013
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    Jeremiah,
    I too, am new to the 3D, CNC world. I have been doing a lot of research on the Smoothieboard as a controller. I believe it is compatable with Mac, I hope so because that's what I have.
    Pat
     
  3. Jeremiah

    Jeremiah New
    Builder

    Joined:
    May 28, 2015
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    7
    It looks like a good upgrade, etc. Thanks
     
  4. Patrick Walls

    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2013
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    Your welcome. tough it does look like I will be doing bootcamp and running 7 on the other side. yuck. or buy a pos machine.
     
    Joe Santarsiero likes this.
  5. Jeremiah

    Jeremiah New
    Builder

    Joined:
    May 28, 2015
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    7
    I did not see anything about that. But what ever you have to do.
     
  6. David the swarfer

    David the swarfer OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2013
    Messages:
    3,238
    Likes Received:
    1,815
    GRBL accepts all its instructions via a USB cable and there are many options for sending those instructions since it is all 'just text'.
    GRBL-panel is nice for PC https://github.com/gerritv/Grbl-Panel
    Universal Gcode Sender will run on anything that supports Java https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender
    and there are many others (as always happens with open source).

    Mach3 is Windows only since it uses the parallel port, though there are some supported USB controllers IIRC.

    LinuxCNC also uses the parallel port, but is Linux based using the Gnome interface. I find it quite easy to set up and very easy to use, and is by far the best free controller around. You can even have it 'headless', ie no keyboard or monitor, and operate it remotely through the network from your Mac using standard SSH with X forwarding. (though you may need a keyboard and monitor for initial setup).

    and don't forget, Gcode generated by SketchUcam is universal and will run on all these platforms. The only thing that doesn't like it is Marlin, which is normally used for 3D printers not mills.
     

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