Re: [beagleboard] BeBoPr+ vs Replicape
On 1/20/2014 10:30 PM, Dave Covert wrote: No non-Cartesian stuff for me yet! Whew! I think I will be sticking with your MachineKit and doing my own cape (my business partner has done many PCBs more complicated than a stepper/driver cape) What does LinuxCNC use as its input file for a print or a route? I understand the concept of G-code as it applies to cutting with a router or laser in 2D, and I know G-code has control of the Z-axis as well to elevate the head for printing, but I don't understand where all the 'layered' G-code comes from when you want to print a 3D shape. It's still G-code, but some of the extra axis (ie: ABCUVW) are used to control the extruder(s), and custom M codes are used to do things like turn fans on/off and set the extruder and bed temperatures. The G-Code is produced by a slicing program (essentially CAM for a 3D printer). Be warned that the RepRap world uses non-standard G-Code (only the X/Y/Z moves follow the standard), so you need to either use a slicing program that outputs valid RS-274 G-Code for LinuxCNC, or post-process the RepRap flavor G-Code into real RS-174/ISO-6983. I recommend post-processing the RepRap gcode. It doesn't seem like the non-RepRap code paths get much testing in the various slicing programs, and I've seen a variety of goofs, glitches, and outright bugs when trying to output anything but RepRap flavor G-Code. The post-processing is pretty easy, I typically just use a sed script and substitute A for all the E axis moves, and P and Q for the parameters (typically S in RepRap G-Code). Example slicing utilities to generate printing G-Code from a 3D model include: Slic3r Cura KISSlicer Skeinforge Each one has it's pros and cons. I personally use Slic3r most of the time, but if Slic3r is having problems with a particular model I will sometimes use one of the others. -- Charles Steinkuehler char...@steinkuehler.net -- For more options, visit http://beagleboard.org/discuss --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups BeagleBoard group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to beagleboard+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [beagleboard] BeBoPr+ vs Replicape
Which app is responsible for adding the G-code for turning the extruder drive on and off (or varying its speed?) during a print? Is LinuxCNC the thing responsible for setting and holding the extruder/bed at a certain temp (separate from the shape G-code stream)? Dave On Tue, Jan 21, 2014 at 7:04 AM, Charles Steinkuehler char...@steinkuehler.net wrote: On 1/20/2014 10:30 PM, Dave Covert wrote: No non-Cartesian stuff for me yet! Whew! I think I will be sticking with your MachineKit and doing my own cape (my business partner has done many PCBs more complicated than a stepper/driver cape) What does LinuxCNC use as its input file for a print or a route? I understand the concept of G-code as it applies to cutting with a router or laser in 2D, and I know G-code has control of the Z-axis as well to elevate the head for printing, but I don't understand where all the 'layered' G-code comes from when you want to print a 3D shape. It's still G-code, but some of the extra axis (ie: ABCUVW) are used to control the extruder(s), and custom M codes are used to do things like turn fans on/off and set the extruder and bed temperatures. The G-Code is produced by a slicing program (essentially CAM for a 3D printer). Be warned that the RepRap world uses non-standard G-Code (only the X/Y/Z moves follow the standard), so you need to either use a slicing program that outputs valid RS-274 G-Code for LinuxCNC, or post-process the RepRap flavor G-Code into real RS-174/ISO-6983. I recommend post-processing the RepRap gcode. It doesn't seem like the non-RepRap code paths get much testing in the various slicing programs, and I've seen a variety of goofs, glitches, and outright bugs when trying to output anything but RepRap flavor G-Code. The post-processing is pretty easy, I typically just use a sed script and substitute A for all the E axis moves, and P and Q for the parameters (typically S in RepRap G-Code). Example slicing utilities to generate printing G-Code from a 3D model include: Slic3r Cura KISSlicer Skeinforge Each one has it's pros and cons. I personally use Slic3r most of the time, but if Slic3r is having problems with a particular model I will sometimes use one of the others. -- Charles Steinkuehler char...@steinkuehler.net -- For more options, visit http://beagleboard.org/discuss --- You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups BeagleBoard group. To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/beagleboard/pV3r8UrSOrQ/unsubscribe. To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to beagleboard+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. -- Thank you for your time, ɘvɒⱭ -- For more options, visit http://beagleboard.org/discuss --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups BeagleBoard group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to beagleboard+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [beagleboard] BeBoPr+ vs Replicape
I guess so, I got an email from them pointing me to http://www.thing-printer.com/product/replicape/ I kinda understand what the BePoPr+ does, and I think the Replicape does the same basic job, but I can't figure out why it has a separate RJ45 jack. Dave On Monday, January 20, 2014 10:52:17 AM UTC-6, Eric Keller wrote: On Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 10:56 AM, Dave Covert dave...@gmail.comjavascript: wrote: Can someone tell me the difference between a BePoPr+ cape and a Replicape? is the replicape available anywhere? -- For more options, visit http://beagleboard.org/discuss --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups BeagleBoard group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to beagleboard+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [beagleboard] BeBoPr+ vs Replicape
On 20-1-2014 16:56, Dave Covert wrote: Can someone tell me the difference between a BePoPr+ cape and a Replicape? Dave -- For more options, visit http://beagleboard.org/discuss --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups BeagleBoard group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to beagleboard+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. Hi Dave, [Note that I might be biased, being the designer of the BeBoPr boards] Here are some facts: The BeBoPr+ is no longer being made, it will be replaced by the BeBoPr++. The BeBoPr++ will be the low-cost replacement for the BeBoPr+ and BeBoPr plus Bridge combination. Right now I'm making an initial batch of 100+ boards. These should be ready for shipping in the second half of February. Have a look at the support forum (http://forum.bebopr.info/viewforum.php?f=4) for more information and links to the wiki pages. Since you're asking for differences, the most obvious difference is that the BeBoPr has no on-board stepper drivers chips. One can use the BeBoPr with either low-cost Pololu compatible stepper modules or use off-board heavy-duty motor drivers. The BeBoPr boards have been available for over a year, since the original BeagleBone (white). It was the first cape to support LinuxCNC and the BeagleBone. Cheers, -- Bas -- For more options, visit http://beagleboard.org/discuss --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups BeagleBoard group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to beagleboard+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [beagleboard] BeBoPr+ vs Replicape
I am actually trying to use your LinuxCNC MachineKit on a steel router/printer/digitizer with a 4'x8'x18 build area that I am building (see here http://whereismyflyingcar.info/?cat=3). I am making good progress and will be mounting motors and wanting to see them move in the not-too-distant future. I plan to use a bipolar NEMA 34 (4.6Nm) dual shaft motor with a 5.5A-6.5A per phase draw for the X axis and I need to make sure I get a stepper/driver board that will handle that sort of load. I suppose that since the BePoPr++ allows for off-board stepper/drivers I need to go with that one as I doubt the built-in devices on the Replicape can supply that sort of power. Right now I am playing around with a 0.23Nm stepper motor and an EasyDriver board hooked up to my BBB. Which makes me wonder... what if I just hooked up 6A versions of the EasyDriver to my BBB to drive the motors and ran LinuxCNC? I am moving motors without a BeBoPr++ now, why do I need one? what does the BePoPr++ do exactly? (obviously a newbie question) Dave On Monday, January 20, 2014 1:47:50 PM UTC-6, Charles Steinkuehler wrote: On 01/20/14 09:56, Dave Covert wrote: Can someone tell me the difference between a BePoPr+ cape and a Replicape? There are many differences, but to me a few of the key ones: * The Replicape has on-board stepper driver, while the BeBoPr family uses standard Pololu modules. * The BeBoPr family of boards is currently supported by both LinuxCNC and by Bas' custom software. At the moment, I believe you have to use Elias' software for the Replicape, although I plan to get it supported with LinuxCNC once I get a production board in-hand. I have a general overview of hardware capes lists on my blog you might find helpful: http://bb-lcnc.blogspot.com/p/hardware-capes.html ...but I haven't updated it with info from today's e-mail yet (that indicates the Replicape is now available for sale). Is there anything specifically you were wondering about? -- Charles Steinkuehler cha...@steinkuehler.net javascript: -- For more options, visit http://beagleboard.org/discuss --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups BeagleBoard group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to beagleboard+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [beagleboard] BeBoPr+ vs Replicape
On 1/20/2014 3:38 PM, Dave Covert wrote: Right now I am playing around with a 0.23Nm stepper motor and an EasyDriver board hooked up to my BBB. Which makes me wonder... what if I just hooked up 6A versions of the EasyDriver to my BBB to drive the motors and ran LinuxCNC? I am moving motors without a BeBoPr++ now, why do I need one? what does the BePoPr++ do exactly? (obviously a newbie question) The BeBoPr+ and the Replicape are focused on 3D printing, so provide support for things like high-current bed and extruder heater outputs and analog inputs for thermistors to measure temperature. If you are interested mainly in conventional CNC, you may find one of the other capes on my list more appropriate for your use. Besides the 3D printer stuff you don't need, reasons to use a cape would include: * Level translation and protection of the BeagleBone's 3.3V I/O pins. * Hardware support for E-Stop. * Easier / cleaner wiring (if you have CNC hardware designed to connect to a standard DB25 parallel port pinout). ...but there's absolutely no reason you can't just wire some drivers and limit switches to the BeagleBone I/O connectors using flying wire, a prototype cape, or any other method at hand. Just make sure you don't feed anything over 3.3V into the BeagleBone (or 1.8V for the analog signals), or you can fry it. -- Charles Steinkuehler char...@steinkuehler.net -- For more options, visit http://beagleboard.org/discuss --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups BeagleBoard group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to beagleboard+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [beagleboard] BeBoPr+ vs Replicape
While my beast has routing as its first planned jobs, I also plan to print 6' wings and fuselages for R/C aircraft, so I definitely need to keep the extruder heaters and sensors front and center. What packages am I likely to need for routing on the BBB? for printing? Can LinuxCNC do routing and printing? Both boards mention something about some software/firmware that comes on/with them... what is that about? Dave On Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 4:24 PM, Charles Steinkuehler char...@steinkuehler.net wrote: On 1/20/2014 3:38 PM, Dave Covert wrote: Right now I am playing around with a 0.23Nm stepper motor and an EasyDriver board hooked up to my BBB. Which makes me wonder... what if I just hooked up 6A versions of the EasyDriver to my BBB to drive the motors and ran LinuxCNC? I am moving motors without a BeBoPr++ now, why do I need one? what does the BePoPr++ do exactly? (obviously a newbie question) The BeBoPr+ and the Replicape are focused on 3D printing, so provide support for things like high-current bed and extruder heater outputs and analog inputs for thermistors to measure temperature. If you are interested mainly in conventional CNC, you may find one of the other capes on my list more appropriate for your use. Besides the 3D printer stuff you don't need, reasons to use a cape would include: * Level translation and protection of the BeagleBone's 3.3V I/O pins. * Hardware support for E-Stop. * Easier / cleaner wiring (if you have CNC hardware designed to connect to a standard DB25 parallel port pinout). ...but there's absolutely no reason you can't just wire some drivers and limit switches to the BeagleBone I/O connectors using flying wire, a prototype cape, or any other method at hand. Just make sure you don't feed anything over 3.3V into the BeagleBone (or 1.8V for the analog signals), or you can fry it. -- Charles Steinkuehler char...@steinkuehler.net -- Thank you for your time, ɘvɒⱭ -- For more options, visit http://beagleboard.org/discuss --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups BeagleBoard group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to beagleboard+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [beagleboard] BeBoPr+ vs Replicape
On 1/20/2014 5:06 PM, Dave Covert wrote: While my beast has routing as its first planned jobs, I also plan to print 6' wings and fuselages for R/C aircraft, so I definitely need to keep the extruder heaters and sensors front and center. What packages am I likely to need for routing on the BBB? for printing? Can LinuxCNC do routing and printing? Both boards mention something about some software/firmware that comes on/with them... what is that about? For both routing and printing, you need some form of motion control software. Both tasks are very similar (coordinated moves in multi-axis space), but each has it's own unique requirements as well (spindle speed and coolant for routing/machining, extruder and heater control for 3D printing). AFAIK, there are currently three solutions for natively controlling a CNC machine on the BeagleBone: * The software written by Elias to run the Replicape * The software written by Bas to run the BeBoPr * LinuxCNC, which is a generic machine control platform traditionally used on x86 machines * Let me know if I missed any! All three available solutions use the on-board PRUs (dual 200 MHz 32-bit deterministic micro-controllers a.k.a. Programmable Realtime Unit) to generate step/dir signals with precision timing that is unaffected by the generally lousy interrupt latency performance of the ARM core. LinuxCNC uses a real-time Xenomai kernel and provides a programmable HAL (hardware abstraction layer) you can use to wire up various operating blocks to control your machine (things like PID controller loops, filters, gain and multiplexing stages, etc). I believe the software from both Bas and Elias run on a regular kernel, and rely on the PRU to do more than LinuxCNC (ie: things like motion planning and velocity/acceleration profiling), but I'm not 100% sure as I am not real familiar with either code base. One thing I like about LinuxCNC, is the ARM core to do the motion planning via Xenomai real-time threads, meaning the GHz CPU and FPU can be used for tasks like non-trivial kinematics. I first started looking into LinuxCNC because I wanted to control a linear delta printer like the Kossel, and I am actively working on adding kinematics for other non-Cartesian machines like the Wally and GUS Simpson. Brandon Heller is farther along than I am on the linear delta front, and has a nice video on G+ of printing using LinuxCNC on the BeagleBone: https://plus.google.com/104919785646757688261/posts/i7XvKHi2c39 -- Charles Steinkuehler char...@steinkuehler.net -- For more options, visit http://beagleboard.org/discuss --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups BeagleBoard group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to beagleboard+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [beagleboard] BeBoPr+ vs Replicape
No non-Cartesian stuff for me yet! Whew! I think I will be sticking with your MachineKit and doing my own cape (my business partner has done many PCBs more complicated than a stepper/driver cape) What does LinuxCNC use as its input file for a print or a route? I understand the concept of G-code as it applies to cutting with a router or laser in 2D, and I know G-code has control of the Z-axis as well to elevate the head for printing, but I don't understand where all the 'layered' G-code comes from when you want to print a 3D shape. Dave -- For more options, visit http://beagleboard.org/discuss --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups BeagleBoard group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to beagleboard+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
