GRBL Shield

Created Thu, 03 May 2012 06:32:55 +0000 by doug.lewis1

doug.lewis1

Thu, 03 May 2012 06:32:55 +0000

Has anyone been able to get the GRBL shield to run on a UNO32? I am having difficulty in trying to load the GRBL code. I have not been able to find the "Script" to compile in digilents version. I have found the compiled Hex code but I assume it is not what I need for the UNO32. Am I missing something here? Thanks, this is my first time using the UNO32.

EmbeddedMan

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:13:55 +0000

GRBL will not run as is on the chipKIT. It is written for AVR processors in C. You will need to port it to MPIDE, or leave it in C and get it to compile under MPLAB. Either case will require you to understand the code in order to know how to change it to get it to work.

If you do, a lot of people will love you! GRBL running on the Uno32 would be fantastic, since it's cheaper than an Arduino and far, far faster.

*Brian

Tareq

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 05:52:30 +0000

Thanks Brian for explaining. It would be most useful for me if the GRBL was compatible with our chipKIT. The thing is, I am very ambitious to make a CNC and I understand GRBL has a library for the Arduino and it makes things easy. I have minimal programing skills so i doubt i'll be able to adjust the GRBL code.
The way I understand CNC ,, is one or two CAD software for designing and to get something called the G-code!. then you export that code into the IDE using the GRBL library which then drives the motors on the x.y.z-axis drilling, milling ect. My question is, What's an alternative to use with the chipKIT? I could use Easy Driver boards to drive'm stepper motors... should I try to get an Arduino and try my luck with the GRBL? or get something totally different from both solutions.. a special system for CNC for example. Many questions and I hope you help me with your suggestions. Thank you very much.

EmbeddedMan

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:39:52 +0000

For now, (until somebody gets GRBL working on ChipKIT) the easiest thing to do is get a cheap Arduino clone kit (personally, I love EMSL's Davolino ([url]http://evilmadscience.com/productsmenu/tinykitlist/180-diavolino[/url]) and put GRBL on it and use it as a dedicated CNC controller. You can use Easy Drivers, Big Easy Drivers or any other means to take the step and direction signals from GRBL and run your CNC machine.

Now, when somebody does get GRBL running on the chipKIT boards, it will run very nicely because there is so much more power on the PIC32 than an AVR.

*Brian