Hi, I have just ordered a black box for my Ox cnc, I have one on my mini mill and am so impressed with it I want to fit one on my Ox so I can run a laser as well as a spindle. Is there a firmware written up for a 500 x 750 Ox? if not how do I go about creating one?
We include predefined profiles for all the newer machines, but the Ox is sadly a little old, and a little fragmented (too many versions out there, hard to get "standard" profile.) Luckily you can totally still use it! OpenBuilds CONTROL -> Connect to BlackBox Click Grbl Settings tab Load the "CUSTOM" machine profile, don't click save yet (; Scroll down and address the important values like steps per mm, etc (github.com/gnea/grbl/wiki explains all that in great details on the Configuration page of the wiki) Save it to the Ox. Use the Calculators next to the steps-per-mm fields if you need help, or use the Calibration tools under Wizards and Tools to really dial in your distances. Then once you are basically moving, use the Grbl Settings tab again to tweak things like limit switches, or faster acceleration and max feedrates, and reverse any axes going the wrong way etc.
Hi, many thanks. I guess as a start I could copy in the grbl profile in the Ox build manual as a start, or it has been suggested I use the belt driven Workbee profile and substitute the machine dimensions (ie XY and Z work area size). I have a Duet 2 on the Ox at the moment but I plan on using that on the D Bot I have just started...
Cool, so that should get close (different belt tensions etc means you'll still need to calibrate), and its not unlikely that you may need to reverse the direction of some axes (older motors had a different color code) but for the most part that should get you started. Of course all those settings are pretty conservative (; so do spend some time tweaking
I am just wiring the plugs to the stepper motors, if one of the Y motors needs reversing, can it be done in the firmware or should I reverse the wiring to the plug? How do I reverse in the firmware?
Easy! You don't need to calculate the value, we made it easy with simple Switches! Use the switches to flip the axes you want flipped: Click Save when done!
All done and working thanks! One litle niggle, are 2 limit switches needed on Y axis, one for each motor? The second motor buzzes for about 10 seconds after homing....
Negative, your machine should be assembled square enough that the side without an endstop doesnt hit the end before the side with an endstop does! (as the endstop takes a couple mm's away from the total travel). the Second axis is just slaved, its not controlled independantly
The side without the limit switch does not actually hit the end, it sits about 15mm from it once the switch has been triggered, I did check for square and all is good...
Ahh good, thought you meant its vibrating as its running into the side. "The second motor buzzes for about 10 seconds after homing.." - not sure what that means exactly then
Perfectly fine, if its the brrrrraaaw, click at the end, thats Grbl's Homing Pull-off: Grbl Homing Sequence: 1. Home Z at faster Seek rate gnea/grbl 2. Contacts switch and retracts out by distance set in Homing Pull Off: gnea/grbl 3. Comes in slower to get an accurate position (hitting switch slowly to avoid debounce, etc) gnea/grbl 4. Contacts switch and retracts out by distance set in Homing Pull Off 5. Home X and Y: Stays after hitting whichever switch it hits until both has been hit the first time 6. Contacts second switch and retracts both X and Y out by distance set in Homing Pull Off 7. Comes in slower to get an accurate position (hitting switch slowly to avoid debounce, etc) (slower move might sound a little vibration like) 8. Retracts out of the switch by Homing Pull-off distance 9. Sets machine coordinates to appropriate values as homing is complete. The Grbl Wiki in its entirety is a must-read!
Oh great! Many thanks. It didn't do that with the Duet, but that uses reprap firmware, not grbl. I am going to fit the laser this afternoon and make something...
Hoping laser will be hassle free as I am transferring it from my mini mill, which also has a Black Box...
Hi, I seem to have a problem, all was working fine this morning. Just gone to do a job and Black Box will not connect, it goes through the startup routine, connects via usb then says it can't connect. here is a screenshot....
The Error 31 disconnect is Windows saying it shut down the port because of EMI The access denied after that is just a symptom (reboot will fix that) - as when the port went away, CONTROL lost its handle on it
Anything changed in between? You mentioned laser being added, sure theres no wiring gremlins thats been added in the meantime ?