progresslog.md

Daily Progress Log

Template:

2024-00-00

• Tasks Completed:
  • Done
• Challenges:
  • Done
• Next Steps:
  • Done

• Notes:

2024-06-11

• Tasks Completed:
  • robit now moves with the correct units and whatnot.
  • web interface with UGS is a lifesaver
  • the web interface and UGS run on startup
• Challenges:
  • need to change how the gcode for shapes is generated.
  • arduino only has around 400 bytes of memory, maybe that is causing the problems
• Next Steps:
  • make table lol
  • change gcode generator
  • test gcode from the generator
  • Figure out how to use the UGS API and integrate with the flask server, sending the files directly wont work reliably
  • tune the offsets
  • clean repo
  • create a backup of the raspberry pi sd card so I can just plug in if it fails
• Notes:
  • the updated grbl settings in this repo work at a ratio of 2.54 : 1. moving to position 100 moves it ~254mm instead of 100mm
  • Fixed the problem above ^ I had the grbl settings wrong...
  • the size of the file is not the problem. it is still giving error 9 when I only include the first ten lines of the snowflake file so it is something with the commands
  • I am going to try multiplying each value by 0.9 so it fits within the margins
  • Universal Gcode Sender has a web pendant built into the app so I no longer need the flask server
  • I need to redo alot of dependencies and clean up the repo

2024-06-10

• Tasks Completed:
  • Done
• Challenges:
  • test.gcode just homes and then moves quickly and stops
• Next Steps:
  • Done
• Notes:
  • I don't think this will be done by the 18th
  • trying to figure out right grbl settings
  • Steps/mm = (Steps per Revolution)*(Microsteps) / (mm per Revolution)

1. Steps per Revolution = 200 Typical - This is the number of steps required for your stepper motor to make 1 complete revolution.
   • I am going to go with 200 since that is typical
   • 1.8 deg/step
2. Microsteps - 1,2,4,8,16 - Is a setting on your stepper motor driver. A higher value means lower torque but higher accuracy.
   • I think I am on 32 microsteps
3. mm per Revolution - Determined by your machine setup. (lead screw pitch)

2024-06-08

• Tasks Completed:
  • Server setup
  • I am able to execute gcode files by accessing the flask server
• Challenges:
  • Need to get steps and units corrected
  • CNC only executes homing and the first G0 command then sits there.
• Next Steps:
  • Start on table
  • Have it start server and home when the table is turned on so it is ready to execute files on demand
• Notes:
  • Setting up flask server to execute python commands on local network to control machine
  • flask server setup in a venv in ~/flask_app
  • remember to copy over the grbl settings into this repo
  • dependencies are increasing..

2024-06-07

• Tasks Completed:
  • Connected to raspberry pi via vnc
  • basic Gcode works
• Challenges:
  • need to configure and recompile grbl to only home the x and y axis
  • So many problems with grbl, I need to set how many steps per mm and whatnot, I cannot get it to home for the life of me
• Next Steps:
  • Figure out how to get GRBL to home
  • cut out square for dropout
• Notes:
  • I will setup a webserver on the pi that you can connect to when on the same wifi to select which file you want to be drawn
  • I need to get a beefier power supply for the pi, it is on 2.4 amps and it recommends 5 or something
  • Got old power supply working
  • EDIT THE CONFIG FILE THAT WILL BE USED TO COMPILE!!!!

2024-06-05

• Tasks Completed:
  • None
• Challenges:
  • None
• Next Steps:
  • program micro controller
  • start on actual table part
• Notes:
  • Raspberry pi will control arduino which has a cnc shield and the two tmc2208 motor drivers on it.
  • I don't know how we will tell the table to make each drawing yet

2024-06-04

• Tasks Completed:
  • Prototype complete
  • Lowered overall height by 30mm
  • the motors are set up in the right direction
  • Strengthened y-axis pulley mount
  • mounting screws are now in channels so it can be moved on base
• Challenges:
  • Blew power supply, tested with a car battery charger...
• Next Steps:
  • program micro controller
  • start on actual table part
• Notes:
  • Completed working prototype yesterday, I am waiting on cnc shield and motor drivers to come in the mail.
  • Going to lower height by 30mm
  • The robot will be mounted upside down under a board, no need for a large box under the table anymore.

2024-06-02

• Tasks Completed:
  • Prototype made, need to tweak some tolerances and whatnot but the general layout works
• Challenges:
  • NA
• Next Steps:
  • tweak tolerances
  • design magnet holder
  • redesign control board
  • attach belts and test
• Notes:
  • Redesigning robot to replace the 3d printer
  • I did various changes to each part but I have everything except for the belts now I think

2024-06-01

• Tasks Completed:
  • Done
• Challenges:
  • Silent printer board was a problem, could not get it to start up without all the printer components.
• Next Steps:
  • develop arduino to control motors with cnc shield and tmc2208 motor drivers.
• Notes:
  • Bars, sand and wheels came in today I will start designing the mk2 of the plotter.

2024-05-30

• Tasks Completed:
  • Adjusted motor current (reduced by 10%)
  • Tested feed rates (still too noisy)
• Challenges:
  • Noise reduction was minimal
  • Need to explore new motor drivers
• Next Steps:
  • Research TMC2209 motor drivers
  • See how easy it will be to redesign the rail system
  • Flash Firmware to new board
• Notes:
  • I think I am going to need to redesign the entire thing... I can reduce the footprint of the 'bot' if I don't use the printer base.
  • Micro center sells a board with TMC2209 for the creality Ender, I think this is the way to go.
    • Creality E3 Free-runs TMC2209 32-bit Open Source Silent Motherboard
      • I need to flash firmware onto it
  • Buying new board and redesigning whole plotter using aluminum square extrusions