Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

Need new Grbl host software that does autolevelling for Blackbox/GRBL

Discussion in 'CAM' started by Adrianjudy, May 23, 2020.

  1. Adrianjudy

    Builder

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2016
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    14
    I have a DIY C-beam machine running on a blackbox controller with a Chinese spindle and VFD and have outgrown the openbuilds control software. The projects that I am running now are on "natural" wood surfaces which are uneven, so I end up with bad v bit cuts on the uneven surfaces. I have been trying to use bCNC 's autolevelling function, but I am finding bCNC to be unreliable because it crashes constantly, hangs up on large file sizes and gouges the workpiece too often. Is there a reliable, affordable CAM program that can do autolevelling? I am playing with ESTLCam to see if that will meet my needs, but I am having trouble getting it dialed in, the longer it runs, the further off the it gets from where it is supposed to be. Any help on selecting a new CAM software or help getting estlcam working properly would be appreciated.
     
  2. David the swarfer

    David the swarfer OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2013
    Messages:
    3,277
    Likes Received:
    1,835
  3. Peter Van Der Walt

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

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    14,000
    Likes Received:
    4,112
    As you say you don't like bCNC, the only other one I know of would be martin2250/OpenCNCPilot but have not played with it in a while

    Did you ask the EstlCAM developers about your issue yet (first double check you don't loose position without EstlCAM, ruling our current settings, mechanical issues, etc)
     
  4. David the swarfer

    David the swarfer OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2013
    Messages:
    3,277
    Likes Received:
    1,835
    oops, missed that you don't have joy with bCNC. however I must ask which fork or version you have installed, and on which OS?
    I have been running it for years and it has never crashed, never gouged.
     
  5. Rob Taylor

    Rob Taylor Master
    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2013
    Messages:
    1,470
    Likes Received:
    746
    Yeah zero issues with bCNC here. It's an excellent package.
     
  6. Peter Van Der Walt

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

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    14,000
    Likes Received:
    4,112
    Sounds like you have another issue otherwise too - skipping steps. or EMI causing it to loose position

    Well, definately EMI if it is loosing position then, no switch of software will cure that :)
     
  7. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2015
    Messages:
    2,915
    Likes Received:
    1,619
    I have been using Estlcam for years and have never had an issue with it loosing position. Is there any chance you have grub screws loose on couplers or other potential mechanical issues?
     

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