CHAPTER4:SOFTWARETOOLSANDPROGRAMMING

4.1SOFTWARE

1. LaserGRBL

This software is usedtoconvertimagesintovectordrawingsandgeneratinggcodewhich wouldfurtherbeuploadedtotheCNJCs.

Vector drawing is a type of digital artwork that uses mathematical equations and geometric shapes to create smooth, scalable graphics. Vector graphics are different from raster graphics, which are made up of pixels and can become pixelated or blurry when scaledupordown.

G-code, short for "geometric code," is a programming language used to control CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines such as 3D printers, CNC routers, and laser cutters. G-code consists of a series of commands that instruct the machine on how to move the cutting tool or laser head, how fasttomove,andhowdeeptocut.Gcodefileis saved in the memory card, Arduino reads the file from the card, and the position coordinates are resolved into the action ofthesteppermotor,pullingtheropetodrivethe pentodraw.(WallDraw.inoprograminthepackagecanperformthisstep).

LaserGRBL is a free, open-source software used to control laser engraving and cutting machines. It is designed to work with a wide range of laser engravers and cutters, andit can generate G-code from vector drawing files such as SVG and DXF. LaserGRBL allows users to adjust laser power, speed, and other settings to achieve precise and consistentresults.

2. XLoader

This software is used to swipe combined bin file into arduino. Open the WallDrawGCode.ino.standard.hex file we provided to you in XLoad, select Uno for Device, COM foryourport,and115200forBaudrate(pleaseinstalltheCh340driverfor unrecognized devices). Finally, click the Upload button, the status bar will show uploadingprompt,closeitaftersuccess.

XLoader is a free software program used to upload firmware or program files to an Arduino board. It is commonly used to load "hex" or "bin" files onto the board. The software has a simple graphical interface and is compatible with a variety of Arduino boards,includingthepopularArduinoUnoandArduinoMega.

To use XLoader, you need to select the appropriate serial port and baud rate for your Arduino board, select the program file you want to upload, and then click the "Upload" button. The program will then be transferred to the Arduino board and canberunonthe board.

Note that XLoader is not typically used to program the Arduino with the Arduino IDE, which is the recommended software for developing and uploading sketches to the Arduino board. Instead, XLoader is useful for updating the firmware on the boardorfor uploadingspecializedprogramsthatmaynotbecompatiblewiththeArduinoIDE.

3. CNCjs

Thissoftwareisusedtouploadgcodeandrunitinarduinotomakepre-defineddrawings. After uploading the program to Arduino, install the CNCjs application on the computer side, select Grbl, the port number will be displayed automatically after searching, select 115200 for baudrate,openitandestablishtheconnection.Afteranormalconnection,the consolewillshowthefollowingcontent.AndthereisanOKprompt.

WecantestitbytypingasimpleGCodeaftertheprompt.

G01x0y0z0//Droppen

G01Z1//Liftpen

IfthetestisOK,wecanopentheGCodefileandstartourdrawing.

CNCjs is a web-based software used to control CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines such as 3D printers, CNC routers, and laser cutters. CNCjs provides a user-friendly interface for sending G-code commands to the CNC machine, visualizing thetoolpath,andmonitoringthemachine'sstatusinreal-time.

CNCjs canberunonavarietyofplatforms,includingWindows,Linux,andMacOS,and it supports a widerangeofCNCcontrollersandmachines.Thesoftwarealsohasfeatures likejobqueuing,machinemonitoring,andsupportforcustommacrosandplugins.

CNCjs can be used with a variety of hardware platforms, including Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone Black, and other single-board computers. By running CNCjs on a single-boardcomputer,youcancreateastandaloneCNCcontrollerthatcancommunicate withtheCNCmachineoverUSBorserialconnections.

Overall, CNCjs is a versatile and powerful software that can streamline CNC machine operationandenhancetheuserexperienceforbothhobbyistsandprofessionalsalike.