Getting started with Javascript Macros in CONTROL / Library of Macros created by the community

1) Open CONTROL, and press ctrl+Shift+I (or cmd+shift+i i think its on Mac)
Notice the little bit of Help thats provided for you to see some of the more popular pieces of data to access and some of the popular commands



2) But you are not limited to just that of course, you can use ANY JS, you can inject html into the DOM, you can manipulate CSS, you can use all the functions in the existing code (anything from OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL, lots of little functions that exist in the existing code, like, stupid example, if you want your Macro to print to the serial log, use the printLog function from here OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL - just depends on your skill level, and looking at the sources to discover more gems inside it. And of course talk to us, we'll be happy to help

3) So armed with some functions, and a goal

To achieve what you want to do: You'll need

a) the gcode to loop (I assume you loaded up our gcode into the Gcode editor?

Code:

editor.getValue();

b) the currently running state (so you can know when the job is complete to start it again?)

Code:

//0 = not connected, 1 = opening, 2 = connected, 3 = playing, 4 = paused, 5 = alarm, 6 = firmware upgrade
laststatus.comms.connectionStatus == ?

c) starting the job:

Code:

socket.emit("runJob", {
   data: gcode-commands,
   isJob: false,
   completedMsg: "message displayed upon completion ",
});

4) We recommend you use the Devtools console to test and develop your macro code before pasting it into a macro

Code:

// very simple and bad version of the macro just quickly put together to demonstrate the js macro functionality
// you asked for, NB NOTE this will run the macro FOREVER (until you quit CONTROL) - should add some way to break it (: etc

setInterval(function(){
    if (laststatus.comms.connectionStatus == 2 ) {
        socket.emit("runJob", {
            data: editor.getValue(),
            isJob: false,
            completedMsg: false
        });
    } else {
        printLog("job still running, or not connected, or some error/paused state");
    }
}, 100)

I'll leave it up to you from here to expand it as you need it but hopefully this cover the basics of how it works

NOTE: This thread is a showcase and introduction to Macros. Support posts here will be moved to Tech support for Javascript Macros in CONTROL - if you need help please post in Tech support for Javascript Macros in CONTROL (not in this thread)

 

More advanced version, with UI (;
Stop and start buttons, counts the iterations, etc

Code:

window.macro1repeat = false;
window.macro1interval;
window.macro1interation = 0;

window.runRepeatingGcode = function() {
    macro1repeat = true; // set flag
    window.macro1interval = setInterval(function() {
        if (macro1repeat) {
            if (laststatus.comms.connectionStatus == 2) {
                macro1interation++;
                $("#macro1log").html("running: iteration: " + macro1interation)
                socket.emit("runJob", {
                    data: editor.getValue(),
                    isJob: false,
                    completedMsg: false
                });
            }
        } else {
            $("#macro1log").html("Stopping...")
            socket.emit('stop', false)
            clearInterval(window.macro1interval);
        }
    }, 100)
}

// since we have metro, use Metro.dialog https://metroui.org.ua/dialog.html to make a UI
Metro.dialog.create({
    title: "My looping Macro",
    content: `
           <button class="button info" onclick="runRepeatingGcode()">Run</button>
           <button class="button info" onclick="macro1repeat = false;">Stop</button>
           <hr>
           <span id="macro1log">pending run...</span>
       `,
    actions: [{
        caption: "Stop and close this window",
        cls: "js-dialog-close alert",
        onclick: function() {
            macro1repeat = false;
            printLog("Repeating Macro Exited")
        }
    }]
});

 

Added another Javascript Macro example: See Probe Center

 

Inject a Z Probe button onto main toolbar:

Code:

var probezbtntpl = `<button id="grblProbeZMenu" class="ribbon-button" onclick="openProbeZDialog();">
                 <span class="icon">
                   <span class="fa-layers fa-fw">
                     <i class="fas fa-podcast fa-rotate-180 fg-blue"></i>
                   </span>
                 </span>
                 <span class="caption grblmode">Probe Z</span>
               </button>`
$( "#grblProbeMenu" ).after( probezbtntpl  );

 

Show or hide Z jog buttons depending on step size. Help getting started with Javascript Macros in Control...

 

Updated hide Z buttons, now works with step size change via keyboard shortcuts. (though doesnt rebind if shortcuts are changed. needs a restart)

Code:

var macroRunResults = '';
if (!document.getElementById('macroRan')) {

 
 // Remove Z jog buttons when 100mm clicked

  var currentStepSize = "dist10label"; // should be dist10 on startup

  // incase stepsize was changed before macro was run
  if ($('#dist100').hasClass('bd-openbuilds') ) {
      hideZbtns();
  } else if ($('#dist01').hasClass('bd-openbuilds')) { 
      currentStepSize = "dist01label";
  } else if ($('#dist1').hasClass('bd-openbuilds')) {
      currentStepSize = "dist1label";
  }

  $(document).bind('keydown', keyboardShortcuts.stepP, function(e) {
      if ( currentStepSize == 'dist10label' ) {
          hideZbtns();
      } else if (currentStepSize == 'dist01label') {
          currentStepSize = 'dist1label';
      } else if (currentStepSize == 'dist1label') {
          currentStepSize = 'dist10label';
      }
  });

  $(document).bind('keydown', keyboardShortcuts.stepM, function(e) {
      showZbtns();
      if ( currentStepSize == 'dist100label' ) {
          currentStepSize = 'dist10label';
      } else if (currentStepSize == 'dist10label') {
          currentStepSize = 'dist1label';
      } else if (currentStepSize == 'dist1label') {
          currentStepSize = 'dist01label';
      }
  });

  $('#dist100label').on('click', function() {
      hideZbtns();
  });

  $('#dist01label,#dist10label,#dist1label').on('click', function() {
      currentStepSize = event.srcElement.id;
      showZbtns();   
  });

  function hideZbtns() {
      $('#zM,#zP').hide();
      $('#dist100').css('width', '150%');
      $('#dist100').closest('td').css('padding-right', '25px');
      currentStepSize = 'dist100label'; 
  };

  function showZbtns() {
      $('#zM,#zP').show();
      $('#dist100').closest('td').css('padding-right', '0px');
      $('#dist100').css('width', '100%');     
  };

  $('#jogTypeContinuous').on('click', function() {
    if ($(this).is(':checked')) {
      showZbtns();
    } else {
      if ($('#dist100').hasClass('bd-openbuilds') ) {
        hideZbtns();
      }
    }
  });

  var macroHasRun = '<div id="macroRan" class="hidden"></div>'
  $('#grblProbeMenu').after(macroHasRun);
  macroRunResults = 'Macro ran.';
} else {
  printLog('Macro has already run.')
  macroRunResults = 'Macro already ran.  Not going to run again.';
};

// since we have metro, use Metro.dialog https://metroui.org.ua/dialog.html to make a UI
Metro.dialog.create({
    title: "Macro Run Results",
    content: macroRunResults,
    actions: [{
        caption: "OK",
        cls: "js-dialog-close alert"
    }]
});

 

Want to know how big a piece of stock to grab from the offcuts bin?

Code:

if (typeof object !== 'undefined') {
   var string = ""
   if (object.userData.inch) {
       string += "Width (X): " + (object.userData.bbbox2.max.x - object.userData.bbbox2.min.x) + "inch" + " / " + "Height (Y): " + (object.userData.bbbox2.max.y - object.userData.bbbox2.min.y) + "inch";
   } else {
       string += "Width (X): " + (object.userData.bbbox2.max.x - object.userData.bbbox2.min.x) + "mm" + " / " + "Height (Y): " + (object.userData.bbbox2.max.y - object.userData.bbbox2.min.y) + "mm";
   }
   console.log(string)
   Metro.dialog.create({
       title: "Stock Size needed",
       clsDialog: "dark",
       content: `
          To run this job, you need a piece of stock:<hr>
          ` + string + `
      `,
       actions: [{
           caption: "Cancel",
           cls: "js-dialog-close alert",
       }]
   });
}

 

Move Stop button before Run button. Limited testing done but seems to work great.

Code:

$( "#stopBtn" ).remove();
var moveStopBtn = '<button id="stopBtn" class="ribbon-button" onclick="socket.emit(\'stop\', { stop: true, jog: false, abort: false});" disabled="disabled"> \
    <span class="icon"> \
      <i class="fas fa-stop"></i> \
    </span> \
    <span class="caption">Stop<br>Job</span> \
  </button>'
 
$( "#runBtn" ).before( moveStopBtn );

 

Saw stop Macro: See NickEng's Sawstop Grbl interface / coding for a more in depth discussion



In CONTROL > Macros tab > Add Macro

Enter a name (like SawStop Mode), and click the Javascript tab
Paste the following:

Code:

// Add some CSS classes
$("<style type='text/css'> .keypadBtn {width: 80px;} .sawStopKeypadBtn {width: 80px;} .sawStopActionBtn {width: 280px; } </style>").appendTo("head");

// variables placeholder
window.sawStopValue = 0.0;
window.sawStopFractionValue = 0;

// Update the UI <span> fields to display value
window.updateSawStopValueUI = setInterval(function() {
  $("#sawStopValue").html(sawStopValue.toFixed(0));
  if (sawStopFractionValue.length > 1) {
    $("#sawStopFraction").html("&nbsp;and&nbsp;" + sawStopFractionValue);
  } else {
    $("#sawStopFraction").html("");
  }
}, 50);

// keypad button
window.sawStopBtn = function(val) {
  var currentValue = sawStopValue.toString();
  currentValue += val;
  sawStopValue = parseInt(currentValue);
}

// fraction button
window.sawStopFraction = function(val) {
  sawStopFractionValue = val;
}

// backspace button
window.sawStopBackSpace = function() {
  var sawStopcurrentValue = sawStopValue.toString();
  var sawStopNewValue = sawStopcurrentValue.slice(0, -1);
  if (sawStopNewValue.length == 0) {
    sawStopNewValue = "0";
  }
  sawStopValue = parseInt(sawStopNewValue);
}

window.sawStopMoveTo = function() {
  // Calculate Decimals from fractions
  if (sawStopFractionValue.length > 1) {
    var sawStopFractionSplit = sawStopFractionValue.split("/");
    var sawStopDecimals =
      parseInt(sawStopFractionSplit[0], 10) /
      parseInt(sawStopFractionSplit[1], 10);
    var decimalSawStopFractionValue = eval(sawStopFractionValue);
  } else {
    var decimalSawStopFractionValue = 0;
  }
  // add decimals to integers
  var sawStopFinalPosition = sawStopValue + decimalSawStopFractionValue;
  // Send move command to Grbl
  sendGcode("$J=G90 G20 X" + sawStopFinalPosition + " F10000");
}

// Create the User Interface
Metro.dialog.create({
  title: "Saw Stop Macro",
  width: '90%',
  content: `
        <span class="display3" id="sawStopValue">0</span>
        <span class="display3" id="sawStopFraction"></span>
        <span class="display2">&nbsp;inch</span>

        <div id="sawStopNumbersUI">

        <table class="table striped compact">
        <tr>
        <td>
        <table>
         <tr>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopBtn(7);">7</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopBtn(8);">8</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopBtn(9);">9</button></td>
         </tr>
         <tr>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopBtn(4);">4</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopBtn(5);">5</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopBtn(6);">6</button></td>
         </tr>
         <tr>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopBtn(1);">1</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopBtn(2);">2</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopBtn(3);">3</button></td>
         </tr>
         <tr>
           <td></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopBtn(0);">0</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopBackSpace();"><i class="fas fa-arrow-left"></i></button></td>
         </tr>
        </table>
        </td>
        <td>
        <table>
         <tr>
           <td colspan="3">
             <hr>
           </td>
         </tr>
         <tr>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('1/16');">1/16</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('3/16');">3/16</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('5/16');">5/16</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('7/16');">7/16</button></td>
         </tr>
         <tr>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('9/16');">9/16</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('11/16');">11/16</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('13/16');">13/16</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('15/16');">15/16</button></td>
         </tr>
         <tr>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('1/8');">1/8</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('3/8');">3/8</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('5/8');">5/8</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('7/8');">7/8</button></td>
         </tr>
         <tr>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('1/4');">1/4</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('1/2');">1/2</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFraction('3/4');">3/4</button></td>
           <td><button class="button outline sawStopKeypadBtn" onclick="sawStopFractionValue=0;">0/0</button></td>
         </tr>
         <tr>
           <td colspan="3">
             <hr>
           </td>
         </tr>
        </table>

        </td>
        </tr>
        </table>
        </div>

        <hr>
        <button class="button outline sawStopActionBtn alert" onclick="sawStopValue=0; sawStopFractionValue=0;">CLEAR</button>
        <button class="button outline sawStopActionBtn success" onclick="sawStopMoveTo();">MOVE TO</button>
        <hr>
        <button class="button outline sawStopActionBtn warning" onclick="sendGcode('M8');">APPLY BRAKE</button>
        <button class="button outline sawStopActionBtn primary" onclick="sendGcode('M9');">RELEASE BRAKE</button>
        <hr>
        <button class="button outline sawStopActionBtn secondary" onclick="sendGcode('$H');">HOME</button>
        <button class="button outline sawStopActionBtn secondary" onclick="sendGcode('G10 P0 L20 X0');">SETZERO</button>
       `,
  actions: [{
    caption: "Exit Macro",
    cls: "js-dialog-close alert",
    onclick: function() {
      printLog("Saw Stop Macro Exited")
    }
  }]
});

 

Some of @sharmstr 's awesome Macros:

Expand USB Port Selector in OpenBuilds Control




___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Set Work Zero Via Keyboard Shortcuts in OpenBuilds Control




___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Initiate Probing via Keyboard Shortcuts in OpenBuilds Control





___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Change OpenBuilds Control Jog Step Size




___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OpenBuilds Control Automatically Launch at Startup



___________________________________________________________________________________________________________



See more of her awesome Macros here: Blog

 

I've been looking at this for the last few days and have come to the conclusion that tool length offset is not viable for this use in grbl. It simply isn't persistent enough: It gets cancelled without warning for all sorts of reasons (e.g. grbl alarm conditions, or aborting a program - I *think* that this is a feature of grbl rather than OBControl because it seems to do the same in UGS).

I have come up with the following macro that, I think, achieves pretty much the same thing by adjusting the WCS Z offset in response to the results of probing tools.

The obvious limitation that comes with this method is that it is only valid in one WCS (whereas TLO would carry through to every WCS), so if you are machining at multiple stations using multiple WCS, then this isn't for you.

The macro adds a 'Tool Length' button to the menu that opens the dialog below:



This allows you to use one tool as a reference and then to set the Z offset of the WCS to maintain the same tool height through tool changes.

It uses the GCODE preset locations G30 for the probe position and G28 for a preset tool change position (hence the machine needs to be homed) and these locations need to be set before using the macro (**IMPORTANT!**). Using these locations has the advantage that if you want to adjust (e.g.) your probe position, you can just jog the machine to where you want it to start and send 'G30.1' (or G28.1 for the tool change location) and it's done without needing to edit any code. If you already use G28 for something, then just ignore the 'Go To Tool Change' button.

After use, it gives the option of returning the tool to the location it was in when the dialog was opened - use with caution!

Any changes in Z zero between tool changes are carried through to the new tool.

There are some customisable settings near the start of the file to save you from going digging for probe speeds, etc.

I'd be interested to hear if anyone tests it - I've tested it on my little CNC router (running grbl_ESP32) and it **seems** to work well, but I would regard it as un-proven at the moment. It does fall over if the probe is in contact when it shouldn't be as GRBL throws an error, but if you close the dialog and open it again, it pulls its pants back up without any consequences, as far as I can tell. I'm not a programmer and definitely not a javascript programmer, so there may be gaffes in the code, but it seems to work OK.


[Edit] I have updated the code below (V1.1) in response to the issue spotted by David the swarfer

Posted in good faith, but use at your own risk!

Andy

[Edit 2] V1.3 -11th April 23: I've updated the macro to check the 'homedRecently' status and that the spindle isn't running, etc.
The homedRecently status shows that the machine needs homing after every error (e.g. syntax error in gcode file, attempting to jog beyond the machine limits, etc.) even though the position is reliable. Because of this, I've given the option to carry on regardless, and also the option to disable the check in the macro (set tc_ignorehomestatus to "yes").
I've also corrected the reporting where the WCS has been changed but the tool offset hasn't, tidied up the formatting, and set the default values for the probing cycle to be 'lower and slower'.
Also, the macro can be re-run now to update any changes to the settings without it trying to install another menu button.

[Edit 3] V2.2 added 17th September 23: Revision to avoid causing 'error 9' under GRBLhal. Also changed the default to ignore the homed status (set 'tc_ignorehomestatus' to "no" to restore this) and added a check on Z height to avoid errors caused by trying to raise the Z axis above machine zero when attempting to return to the original location with a longer tool installed. Also added a zipped .JSON file that can be unpacked and imported directly into Control.

Discussion here: Tech support for Javascript Macros in CONTROL

Known issue: If the probe isn't in the expected state before probing, or the requested probe travel is > machine travel these generate hard errors that my macro can't trap. If they happen, you will need to close the dialog and re-open it. Similarly if the requested probe travel exceeds the machine travel - take care not to set G30 too low.

It isn't possible to pause a program to use this macro, as (I think) the comms port isn't released while the program is paused, so each tool will need its separate file.

 

LASER engraving test pattern generator

I have recently acquired a diode LASER to fit to my CNC router. I couldn't find anything like this easily available (outside Lightburn).

Running the macro generates the GCode to produce a matrix of test patches with a range of power and feed rate settings to determine the optimum parameters for LASER marking.



Each row has a different power level, and each column has a different feed rate.



The parameters can be changed by editing the first few lines of the macro:

Resolution (number of lines per mm);
Maximum and minimum feed rates and power levels;
Number of rows / columns;
The height and width of each patch, and the size of the gap between them;
Machine acceleration.

Power settings use splindle speed units (grbl default is 0-1000, I think). The value in $30 for the maximum speed is what you need to put into the macro to get 100% power.

The labels are engraved at the half way point of both power and speed settings.

The label text is fixed at 3mm high which will mean that the labels overwrite each other at patch sizes less than about 3mm.

Acceleration is used to compute the over-travel needed to maintain a constant speed over the engraved patches. Set x_acceleration to zero to disable this, but this will make the speeds on the right hand columns inaccurate unless speeds are very slow / accelerations are very fast.

Hopefully this will be self explanatory

When the macro is run, any loaded GCode will be replaced by the output of the macro. The GCode can be run or saved as required.

The code uses 'M4' to control the LASER which requires Laser Mode to be enabled in grbl ($32=1).

I've tested this with my machine and my LASER, but please use with caution, and at your own risk.

Any problems, please reply to my post on the support thread:

Tech support for Javascript Macros in CONTROL

(Feedback also appreciated ).

Code:

// LASER Power/Speed Raster Test Grid Macro For OpenBuilds Control
// V 1.2
// Change these values to customise basic operation:
var feed_Max = 3500;        // Maximum feed rate (mm/min): Must be less than the max X speed - $110 value in GRBL
var feed_Min = 500;            // Minimum feed rate (mm/min)
var feed_Columns = 7;        // Number of feedrate columns to draw
var power_Max = 1000;        // Maximum power (spindle speed units): Check value of $30 in GRBL settings for maximum power
var power_Min = 100;        // Minimum power (spindle speed units)
var power_Rows = 10;        // Number of power rows to draw
var patch_Width = 5;        // Width of each test patch (mm)
var patch_Height = 4;        // Height of each test patch (mm)
var patch_Border = 1;         // Space between test patches (mm)
var lines_mm = 8;            // Resolution of test patch (lines / mm)
var x_acceleration = 320;    // Machine X acceleration value (mm/s^2): Used to calculate over-travel
                            // Check $120 value in GRBL for machine settings. Set to zero to disable over-travel
// Generates GCode to produce a raster pattern grid with varying speeds and powers
// Running this macro will replace any existing GCode in Control
// The GCode uses M4 to control the LASER and so needs LASER mode enabled ($32 = 1 in GRBL settings)
// 
// Use at own risk!
// DAG 19/4/23
//
// V 1.1 20/4/23 - corrected label power & feed calculation
// V 1.2 23/4/23 - added over-travel to avoid speed errors due to acceleration
//
// Macro continues below...
var yStep = 1/lines_mm;                                    // Calculate raster line spacing
var patchLines = (patch_Height * lines_mm).toFixed();    // Calculate the number of lines needed for each patch
var rowCount;                                            // Row reference
var colCount;                                            // Column reference
var lineCount;                                            // Raster line within each patch
var labelPower = ((power_Max + power_Min)/2);            // Power level for labels
var labelFeed = ((feed_Max + feed_Min)/2);                // Feed rate for labels
var margin = ((''+power_Max).length*3)+1;                // Space at left for labels - text is ~3mm per character
var over_right = 0;                                        // Distance required to decelerate from max feed
var over_left = 0;                                        // Distance required to accelerate to min feed
if (x_acceleration > 0){                                // Calculate over-travel if X axis acceleration is set
    over_right = (feed_Max / x_acceleration);
    over_left = (feed_Min / x_acceleration);
    }
// Start building the GCode string that will be the eventual output
var gcode = "; Laser Raster Test Pattern\n;\n";
gcode += "; " + power_Rows + " Power levels from " + power_Min + " to " + power_Max + " (spindle speed units)\n";
gcode += "; " + feed_Columns + " Feed rates from " + feed_Min + " to " + feed_Max + " mm/min\n";
gcode += "; Patch size " + patch_Width + "mm x " + patch_Height + "mm\n";
gcode += "; Generated by Openbuilds Control macro V1.2 by Misterg\n;\n";
gcode += `G21; mm-mode
G90; Absolute Positioning
G0 X0 Y0; Move to origin position
M04 S0; Laser on
`
// Add column labels
for (colCount =0; colCount <feed_Columns; colCount += 1) {
           
    var pSpeed = (feed_Min +(feed_Max - feed_Min)/(feed_Columns-1) * colCount).toFixed();
    var gcXval = margin + (patch_Border + patch_Width) * colCount +1;
    var gcYval = (patch_Border + patch_Height) * (power_Rows);
    var speedString = "" + pSpeed;
    var strlen = speedString.length;
   
    gcode += "S" + labelPower.toFixed() + " F" + labelFeed.toFixed() + "\n";
   
    for (var i=0; i<(strlen); i++){
       
        gcode += "G0 X" + gcXval +" Y"+(gcYval+ i*3.5)+"\n";
        gcode += "G91\n" + getGcode( speedString.substring(strlen-i-1, strlen-i)) +"G90\n";
        }
    }
// Generate the pattern
for (rowCount = 0; rowCount < power_Rows; rowCount += 1) {
//    var pPower = (power_Max - (power_Max - power_Min)/(power_Rows-1) *rowCount).toFixed();     // Power level for this row (descending)
    var pPower = ((power_Max - power_Min)/(power_Rows-1) *rowCount + power_Min).toFixed();     // Power level for this row (ascending)
    var pwrString = "" + pPower;                                                            // Convert to string for label
    gcode += "S" + labelPower.toFixed() + " F" + labelFeed.toFixed() + "\n";
    var row_Y = (patch_Border+ patch_Height)*rowCount;                                        // Y coordinate of current row
   
    // Generate row labels
   
    for (var i=0; i < (pwrString.length); i++){
       
        gcode += "G0 X" + (i*3) +" Y"+row_Y + "\n";
        gcode += "G91\n" + getGcode( pwrString.substring(i, i+1)) +"G90\n";
        }
       
    gcode += "G0 X" + (margin - over_left) +" Y" + row_Y +"\n";                                    // Move to starting point for pattern
   
    // Generate raster pattern
   
    for (lineCount =0; lineCount < patchLines; lineCount += 1){
       
        var isOdd = (lineCount & 1);                                                        //Flag to run passes in alternate directions
        for (colCount =0; colCount <feed_Columns; colCount += 1) {
           
            var wkgCol = colCount;
            if (isOdd == 1) {wkgCol = feed_Columns - colCount-1};
       
            var pSpeed = (feed_Min +(feed_Max - feed_Min)/(feed_Columns-1) *wkgCol).toFixed(); // Speed for this column
           
            var gcXval = margin + (patch_Border + patch_Width) * wkgCol;                   
            var gcYval = row_Y + (yStep * lineCount);
           
            gcode += `G0 X` + (gcXval + patch_Width * isOdd) + ` Y` + gcYval +`\n`;
            gcode += `G1 X` + (gcXval + patch_Width * (isOdd ^ 1)) + ` F` + pSpeed + ` S` + pPower + `\n`;
        }
    gcode += "G91\n G0 X"+ (isOdd * over_left * -1 )+((isOdd^1) * over_right) + "\nG90\n";    // Add over-travel
    }   
}
       
// Tidy up the end of the GCode and pass to OB COntrol
gcode += `M5 S0\n`;
gcode += `M2\n`;
editor.session.setValue(gcode);
parseGcodeInWebWorker(gcode)
printLog("<span class='fg-red'>[ Laser Test Pattern ] </span><span class='fg-green'>GCODE Loaded</span>")
// The End
function getGcode (numeral){        // Returns GCode string representing numbers 0 - 9
                                    // No error checking!
const gc_num = [];
gc_num[0] = `;zero
G0 X0.857 Y3
G1 X0.286
X0.428 Y-0.143
X0.286 Y-0.428
X0.143 Y-0.715
Y-0.428
X-0.143 Y-0.715
X-0.286 Y-0.428
X-0.428 Y-0.143
X-0.286
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.286 Y0.428
X-0.143 Y0.715
Y0.428
X0.143 Y0.715
X0.286 Y0.428
X0.428 Y0.143
`;
gc_num[1] = `;one
G0 Y2.429
G1 X0.286 Y0.142
X0.428 Y0.429
Y-3
`;
gc_num[2] = `;two
G0 X0.143 Y2.286
G1 Y0.143
X0.143 Y0.285
X0.143 Y0.143
X0.285 Y0.143
X0.572
X0.285 Y-0.143
X0.143 Y-0.143
X0.143 Y-0.285
Y-0.286
X-0.143 Y-0.286
X-0.285 Y-0.428
X-1.429 Y-1.429
X2
`;
gc_num[3] = `;three
G0 X0.286 Y3
G1 X1.571
X-0.857 Y-1.143
X0.429
X0.285 Y-0.143
X0.143 Y-0.143
X0.143 Y-0.428
Y-0.286
X-0.143 Y-0.428
X-0.286 Y-0.286
X-0.428 Y-0.143
X-0.429
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.285
`;
gc_num[4] = `;four
G0 X2.143 Y1
G1 X-2.143
X1.429 Y2
Y-3
`;
gc_num[5] = `;five
G0 X1.714 Y3
G1 X-1.428
X-0.143 Y-1.286
X0.143 Y0.143
X0.428 Y0.143
X0.429
X0.428 Y-0.143
X0.286 Y-0.286
X0.143 Y-0.428
Y-0.286
X-0.143 Y-0.428
X-0.286 Y-0.286
X-0.428 Y-0.143
X-0.429
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.285
`;
gc_num[6] = `;six
G0 Y1
G1 X0.143 Y0.429
X0.286 Y0.285
X0.428 Y0.143
X0.143
X0.429 Y-0.143
X0.285 Y-0.285
X0.143 Y-0.429
Y-0.143
X-0.143 Y-0.428
X-0.285 Y-0.286
X-0.429 Y-0.143
X-0.143
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.286 Y0.286
X-0.143 Y0.571
Y0.714
X0.143 Y0.715
X0.286 Y0.428
X0.428 Y0.143
X0.286
X0.428 Y-0.143
X0.143 Y-0.286
`;
gc_num[7] = `;seven
G0 Y3
G1 X2
X-1.429 Y-3
`;
gc_num[8] = `;eight
G0 X0.714 Y3
G1 X-0.428 Y-0.143
X-0.143 Y-0.286
Y-0.285
X0.143 Y-0.286
X0.285 Y-0.143
X0.572 Y-0.143
X0.428 Y-0.143
X0.286 Y-0.285
X0.143 Y-0.286
Y-0.429
X-0.143 Y-0.285
X-0.143 Y-0.143
X-0.428 Y-0.143
X-0.572
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.285
Y0.429
X0.143 Y0.286
X0.286 Y0.285
X0.428 Y0.143
X0.572 Y0.143
X0.285 Y0.143
X0.143 Y0.286
Y0.285
X-0.143 Y0.286
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.572
`;
gc_num[9] = `;nine
G0 X1.857 Y2
G1 X-0.143 Y-0.429
X-0.285 Y-0.285
X-0.429 Y-0.143
X-0.143
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.286 Y0.285
X-0.143 Y0.429
Y0.143
X0.143 Y0.428
X0.286 Y0.286
X0.428 Y0.143
X0.143
X0.429 Y-0.143
X0.285 Y-0.286
X0.143 Y-0.571
Y-0.714
X-0.143 Y-0.715
X-0.285 Y-0.428
X-0.429 Y-0.143
X-0.286
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.286
`;
return gc_num[numeral];
}

20/4/23 - corrected the calculation for label power & speed calculations.
22/4/23 - added photo of the default test pattern burned on plywood with a 4W LASER
23/4/23 - Updated the code to add over-travel so that the end patches are cut at the indicated speeds

​

 

Focus / Depth Of Field Test Pattern Generator

This macro generates the GCode for a test pattern that varies in Z height around the current Z0 to act as an aid in checking / setting LASER focus



(For example, the best focus in the image above is at about Z= +0.5.)

Parameters can be changed by altering the variables at the start of the macro:

The range of movement from the current Z0 - note that this is +/- , so a value of 3(say) gives a range of Z-3 to Z+3;
The power and speed for the pattern (power is a percentage of the spindle units);
The number and spacing of the line pattern - playing with the spacing can really highlight the linewidth broadening when the beam is out of focus.

The GCode generates travel that extends beyond the edge of the pattern to allow the machine to accelerate to the programmed speed. By default, this means that the head will move into negative X coordinates (to the left of X0) to start the pattern at X0. If this causes a problem, set 'xplus_Only' to "yes" - the pattern will be shifted to the right to allow enough travel for the machine to accelerate.

Set 'x_acceleration' to the actual machine X acceleration ($120) for the best results, or to zero to disable the over-travel.

As ever, use at your own risk.

Queries / feedback:

Tech support for Javascript Macros in CONTROL

Code:

// LASER Focus Pattern Generator Macro For OpenBuilds Control
// V0.9
// Change these values to customise basic operation:

const z_Range = 3;            // Z movement each side of current position (mm)

const power_Percent = 80;    // Engraving power (0-100%)
const engrave_Speed = 2000;    // Engraving speed (mm/min)
const num_Lines = 8;        // Number of lines in test pattern (must be >0)
const line_Spacing = 0.3;    // Spacing between lines (mm)

const power_Max = 1000;        // Maximum power in spindle speed units - Check value of $30 in GRBL settings
const power_Min = 0;        // Minimum power in spindle speed units - Check value of $31 in GRBL settings
const x_acceleration = 320;    // Machine X acceleration value (mm/s^2)- Check value of $120 n GRBL settings
                            // (Used to calculate over-travel - Set to zero to disable over-travel)

const xplus_Only = "no";    // "no" = move to left of X0 to allow acceleration
                            // "yes" = start acceleration from X0 - pattern will be shifted to the right
const tilt = 0.12;            //     Slope of test pattern (mm/mm)                     
//
// Generates GCode to produce a pattern with varying Z height to assist with LASER focussing
// Running this macro will replace any existing GCode in Control
// The GCode uses M4 to control the LASER and so needs LASER mode enabled ($32 = 1 in GRBL settings)
//
// Use at own risk!
// DAG 23/4/23
//
// Macro continues below...

var p_Power = ((power_Max - power_Min) * power_Percent / 100 + power_Min).toFixed();// Calculate engraving power in spindle speed units
var over_Travel = 0;                                                                // Distance required to accelerate to engraving speed
if (x_acceleration > 0){ over_Travel = (engrave_Speed / x_acceleration)};            // Calculate over-travel if X axis acceleration is set

var line_Length = (z_Range * 2) / tilt;                                                // Calculate pattern length
var start_X = 0;
if (xplus_Only != "yes" ) {start_X = -over_Travel};                                    // Starting point for X travel - NOT engraving

var z_Min = z_Range * (-1);
var z_Max = z_Range;


// Start building the GCode string that will be the eventual output

var gcode = "; Laser Focus Test Pattern\n;\n";
gcode += "; Z Range +/- " + z_Range + "mm\n";
gcode += "; Generated by Openbuilds Control macro V0.9 by Misterg\n;\n";
gcode += "G21; mm-mode\nG90; Absolute Positioning\n";
gcode += "F"+ engrave_Speed +" ; Set engraving speed\n";
gcode += "M04 S" + p_Power + " ; Laser on at set power\n";

// Draw lines

for (var lineCount =0; lineCount < num_Lines; lineCount ++){
    var gcYval = (line_Spacing * lineCount);                                // Current Y position
  
    gcode += "G0 X" + start_X +" Y" + gcYval +" Z"+ z_Min + "\n";            // Rapid to start of row
    gcode += "G91\nG0 X" + over_Travel + "\n";                                // Rapid to start of line (relative)
    gcode += "G1 X" + line_Length + " Z" + (z_Range * 2) + "\n";            // Cut to end of line (relative)
    gcode += "G0 X" + over_Travel +"\nG90\n";                                // Rapid to end of deceleration zone (relative)
    }

// Add Tick Marks
gcode += "G0 Z0; Add tick marks\n";

var major_Ticks = z_Range * 2;                    // 1 majortick per mm
var minor_Ticks = 10;                            // 10 minor tick marks per mm
var y_Pos = (line_Spacing * (num_Lines -1));    // Bottom of tick marks
var gcXval = 0;                                    // Calculated position
var line_Start = start_X + over_Travel;            // Start of labels
var label_Z = z_Min;
var z_MajorIncrement = (z_Max - z_Min)/(major_Ticks );
var z_MinorIncrement = z_MajorIncrement / minor_Ticks;
var x_Increment = line_Length / (major_Ticks * minor_Ticks);

for( var i =0 ;i<= major_Ticks;i++){
    gcXval =  line_Start + line_Length * i / major_Ticks;
    label_Z = z_Min + z_MajorIncrement * i;
  
    gcode += "G0 X" + gcXval +" Y" + y_Pos +" Z" +label_Z + "\n";                // move to start of major tick
    gcode += "G91\nG1 Y4\n";                                                    // draw tick & stay in G91
  
    // add labels
  
    if (i < major_Ticks / 2){                                                    // Add +/- sign if needed
        gcode += ";minus\nG0 X2.571 Y1.5\nG1 X-2.571\nG0 X3 Y-1.5\n";
    }
    else if (i > major_Ticks /2){
        gcode += ";plus\nG0 X1.286 Y0.214\nG1 Y2.572\nG0 X1.285 Y-1.286\nG1 X-2.571\nG0 X3 Y-1.5\n";
    }
    gcode += getGcode( ""+ Math.abs(i-major_Ticks/2)) +"G90\n";                            // Get numeral & switch back to G90
  
    gcode += "G0 X" + gcXval +" Y" + y_Pos +" Z" +label_Z + "\n";                // move back to start of major tick

  
    if (i < major_Ticks){                                                            // Fill in minor ticks
        for( var j = 1; j <minor_Ticks; j++){
            gcode += "G91\nG0 X" + x_Increment + " Z" + z_MinorIncrement + "\n";    // Move to start of tick
            if (j == (minor_Ticks /2)) {
                gcode += "\nG1 Y3\nG0 Y-3\n";                                        // Draw '5s' tick
            }
            else {
                gcode += "\nG1 Y2\nG0 Y-2\n";                                        // Draw minor tick
            }; 
        }
    gcode += "G90\n";
    }
}
      
// Tidy up the end of the GCode and pass to OB COntrol

gcode += "G0 X0 Y0 Z0\n";
gcode += "M5 S0\nM2\n";                // LASER off & End of program

editor.session.setValue(gcode);
parseGcodeInWebWorker(gcode)
printLog("<span class='fg-red'>[ Laser Test Pattern ] </span><span class='fg-green'>GCODE Loaded</span>")

// The End
 
function getGcode (numeral){        // Returns GCode string representing numbers 0 - 9
                                    // No error checking!
const gc_num = [];

gc_num[0] = `;zero
G0 X0.857 Y3
G1 X0.286
X0.428 Y-0.143
X0.286 Y-0.428
X0.143 Y-0.715
Y-0.428
X-0.143 Y-0.715
X-0.286 Y-0.428
X-0.428 Y-0.143
X-0.286
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.286 Y0.428
X-0.143 Y0.715
Y0.428
X0.143 Y0.715
X0.286 Y0.428
X0.428 Y0.143
`;

gc_num[1] = `;one
G0 Y2.429
G1 X0.286 Y0.142
X0.428 Y0.429
Y-3
`;

gc_num[2] = `;two
G0 X0.143 Y2.286
G1 Y0.143
X0.143 Y0.285
X0.143 Y0.143
X0.285 Y0.143
X0.572
X0.285 Y-0.143
X0.143 Y-0.143
X0.143 Y-0.285
Y-0.286
X-0.143 Y-0.286
X-0.285 Y-0.428
X-1.429 Y-1.429
X2
`;

gc_num[3] = `;three
G0 X0.286 Y3
G1 X1.571
X-0.857 Y-1.143
X0.429
X0.285 Y-0.143
X0.143 Y-0.143
X0.143 Y-0.428
Y-0.286
X-0.143 Y-0.428
X-0.286 Y-0.286
X-0.428 Y-0.143
X-0.429
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.285
`;

gc_num[4] = `;four
G0 X2.143 Y1
G1 X-2.143
X1.429 Y2
Y-3
`;

gc_num[5] = `;five
G0 X1.714 Y3
G1 X-1.428
X-0.143 Y-1.286
X0.143 Y0.143
X0.428 Y0.143
X0.429
X0.428 Y-0.143
X0.286 Y-0.286
X0.143 Y-0.428
Y-0.286
X-0.143 Y-0.428
X-0.286 Y-0.286
X-0.428 Y-0.143
X-0.429
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.285
`;

gc_num[6] = `;six
G0 Y1
G1 X0.143 Y0.429
X0.286 Y0.285
X0.428 Y0.143
X0.143
X0.429 Y-0.143
X0.285 Y-0.285
X0.143 Y-0.429
Y-0.143
X-0.143 Y-0.428
X-0.285 Y-0.286
X-0.429 Y-0.143
X-0.143
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.286 Y0.286
X-0.143 Y0.571
Y0.714
X0.143 Y0.715
X0.286 Y0.428
X0.428 Y0.143
X0.286
X0.428 Y-0.143
X0.143 Y-0.286
`;

gc_num[7] = `;seven
G0 Y3
G1 X2
X-1.429 Y-3
`;

gc_num[8] = `;eight
G0 X0.714 Y3
G1 X-0.428 Y-0.143
X-0.143 Y-0.286
Y-0.285
X0.143 Y-0.286
X0.285 Y-0.143
X0.572 Y-0.143
X0.428 Y-0.143
X0.286 Y-0.285
X0.143 Y-0.286
Y-0.429
X-0.143 Y-0.285
X-0.143 Y-0.143
X-0.428 Y-0.143
X-0.572
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.285
Y0.429
X0.143 Y0.286
X0.286 Y0.285
X0.428 Y0.143
X0.572 Y0.143
X0.285 Y0.143
X0.143 Y0.286
Y0.285
X-0.143 Y0.286
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.572
`;

gc_num[9] = `;nine
G0 X1.857 Y2
G1 X-0.143 Y-0.429
X-0.285 Y-0.285
X-0.429 Y-0.143
X-0.143
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.286 Y0.285
X-0.143 Y0.429
Y0.143
X0.143 Y0.428
X0.286 Y0.286
X0.428 Y0.143
X0.143
X0.429 Y-0.143
X0.285 Y-0.286
X0.143 Y-0.571
Y-0.714
X-0.143 Y-0.715
X-0.285 Y-0.428
X-0.429 Y-0.143
X-0.286
X-0.428 Y0.143
X-0.143 Y0.286
`;

return gc_num[numeral];
}

 

Centre Finding External Features

This macro works with a 3D probe to locate the centre of external part features (i.e. raised bosses).

Start with the probe roughly positioned above the centre location, run the macro, and enter the approximate size of the feature.

It will work with rectangular / oval features provided that the length of the largest X/Y dimension is entered. Dimensions of the feature and the probe over travel entered in the dialog *must* be sufficient for the probe to clear the feature, taking into account the likely error in the initial position, or there will be a crash.

Z travel entered must be sufficient for the probe to lower enough to detect the part when probing without unwanted contact with the part or machine bed.

X and Y centres can be found independently by using the check boxes at the bottom of the dialog.

After the macro runs, the probe will be positioned over the centre of the part at the original Z height and the X and/or Y coordinates of the active WCS will be set to zero.

Z coordinates are preserved.

By default, the routine uses a fast probe to determine the rough location, then slow probe to get a more accurate position. This can be changed to a single probing operation by clearing the checkbox at the bottom right.

There are options to set Z travel rate and probe retract distance, but these are hidden by default. If you want to have them in the dialog box (as below) set simpleUI = "false" on line 24 of the macro.

The macro is longer and more complicated than it needs to be as it includes embedded graphics, so I haven't included the text file, just the zipped .json file. There are signposts at the top of the macro for those that want to change the default values.

Default UI:



Alternative UI (simpleUI = "false")


Quick demo:



Let me know how it goes