From d929a4302aa1c93e28db29d670a5c3f0baae4a00 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: xenovacivus Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 02:27:07 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] Update README.md --- README.md | 12 +++++++++++- 1 file changed, 11 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index f34331f..4555b58 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -35,8 +35,18 @@ Start by loading a .stl or .obj file - you can just drag & drop from the file sy * Boundary Check Paths: Adds a toolpath which follows the bounding box of the object at the safe moving height. Useful to do a dry run and make sure the tool is clear of all clamps, etc. * Add Perimeter Paths: Adds toolpaths which follow the edges of the object. The paths will be divided into layers depending on "Max Cut Depth", and will do two passes along each edge: one rough cut, removing the bulk of the material, and a clean cut trimming the edge to the exact dimension. -With the tool paths generated, you can save them to a .gcode file or run them directly from PathCAM on specific robots (right now, it's VERY specific - only 2 robots in the entire world...). Connections to more robots will be added in the future - if you have one in mind, say something and maybe it will be added sooner! +With the tool paths generated, you can save them to a .gcode file or run them directly from PathCAM on specific robots (Including machines running GRBL!!!). Connections to more robots will be added in the future - if you have one in mind, say something and maybe it will be added sooner! +Connecting to a Robot +--------------------- + +There's a small checkbox hiding in the lower left-hand corner of PathCAM; click this to reveal some robot control buttons. Here's the basic steps: + +1. Robot Preconfiguration: if running GRBL, make sure your robot is set to Metric and that all the steps/mm and other settings are correct. PathCAM will tell your robot to go to (0, 0, 0) when it connects, so make sure it's already around that location. +1. Click "Com Port" & select the COM port to which your robot is connected. Choose the correct baud rate and click "Connect"; your robot should be automatically detected if it's running GRBL 8.0c or later and the GUI buttons for robot control will be enabled +1. Enter the material height in the "Z Go" box, and the negative of that value in the Z Offset box. Hit return while in the Z Offset box, then use the mouse scroll wheel or up/down buttons to jog the Z axis to the surface of the material. +1. Load an object (.STL, .DAE, raw .gcode), ensure the speeds, heights, and other settings are to your liking, then click "Run" to start sending commands to your robot. +1. Sit back and enjoy! If something starts going bad, try the "Pause" button and "Clear" buttons. Doing Pause + Clear will bring the machine safely back to it's starting position (provided it hasn't missed any steps). Special Thanks --------------