If you use this configuration the router or spindle is enabled with the Black box powered off. If you accidently move a STEPPER MOTOR with the blackbox powered down what happens at your router or spindle? I tested this and did not like the result, your configuration might be better suited to this.

 

I Do not think it's a safe practice with some plasma cutters . This would mean if you powered on the plasma cutter before the blackbox the torch would fire or, the blackbox was estoped (power killed) the plasma would fire the torch . I presume when stock is used a revised PCB board will be made to correct the issue to the original specification. To fix this issue I cut 4/5mm out the middle of the PCB track going to the NC pin on the Relay and soldered a new wire from the correct NO pin on the relay to the terminal block. Another fix what may be easy for your team to create is to create a custom Gbrl flash for plasma cutters that moves the M3/M5 command pin assignment to control Relay 2 instead and use The Labeled NC terminal what is actually the NO terminal

 

Thank you will do that now

 

I am trying to build a custom GrblHAL for the BlackBox-X32 on an OpenBuilds MiniMill, but am finding the documentation a little bit jumpy for a n00b (me).

Why a custom build? We'd like to use all three axes as well as a small servo, but per docs:blackbox-x32:connect-rc-servo [OpenBuilds Documentation] we will need a custom GrblHAL to enable it.

My process so far: I'm using WSL to build in Linux, have all the dependencies for ESP-IDF, and am trying to follow the readme in GitHub - OpenBuilds/ESP32: grblHAL driver for ESP32 to build, but I am getting confused.
(1) After the section of "First you have to prepare esp-idf v4.3:" there are three lines in "Then get the grblHAL driver code:" which Clone the github ESP32 repo and subrepos... should I clone the ESP32 repo into the ~/esp/esp-idf folder which I'm currently in from the previous commands? If not, should I be creating a different folder in my Home directory before cloning into it?
(2) the command <git clone --recursive git://github.com/grblHAL/ESP32> fails on my computer; is it the same thing to clone from https://github.com/grblHAL/ESP32 instead?
(3) similar to question 2, should I be cloning from /grblHAL/ESP32 or instead from /OpenBuilds/ESP32?
(4) after cloning and pulling subrepos, the next instructions reads as though there is a typo and certain folders/directories do not exist: "Once you have ESP-IDF prepared, go back to grblHAL directory and copy grbl/* to drivers/ESP32/grbl/ in grblHAL repo as well as desired plugins into the respective folders. eg. plugins/spindle/* to drivers/ESP32/spindle/ and so on...". For me, I've cloned ESP32 into the ~/esp/esp-idf/ folder. Here is my attempt to display my main subdirectories:
~/esp/esp-idf/.git_xxxx
~/esp/esp-idf/components
~/esp/esp-idf/docs
~/esp/esp-idf/ESP32 **** This is where cloning https://github.com/grblHAL/ESP32 went
~/esp/esp-idf/ESP32/main
~/esp/esp-idf/ESP32/main/eeprom, embedded, esp_webui
~/esp/esp-idf/ESP32/main/grbl
~/esp/esp-idf/ESP32/main/keypad, laser, littlefs, motors, networking, sdcard
~/esp/esp-idf/ESP32/main/spindle
~/esp/esp-idf/examples, make, tools
So I don't have a "drivers" folder, and my directories don't seem to match the description above. The directions instruct to move files from the grblHAL directiory into the grblHAL repo --- aren't they one in the same?
(5) I am getting the feeling that I need to incorporate GitHub - grblHAL/core: grblHAL core code and master Wiki into this process
(6) is there a repo or example source for grblHAL for the BlackBox-X32 on the MiniMill (3 axis, single y-axis motor, no door, yes limit switches)? I'd love to have a clean starting point so that I only have to figure out enabling the servo commands.

So far, I'm really happy with the machine and I'm extremely thankful for the OpenBuildsCOMMAND Firmware flash tool so that I could revert to the standard grblHAL instead of having a soft-bricked machine during this development process. Thanks for any help in advance.

 

1. The readme at the GrblHAL esp32 repo page (GitHub - grblHAL/ESP32: grblHAL driver for ESP32) steps you through this. It assumes you are running Linux though. You'll need to convert the nuanced commands to windows supported syntax.

2. No. The recursive keyword ensures all plugins / etc are downloaded too, and you need them. Share the actual output you are receiving.

3. GrblHAL has the most recent machine file for the BlackBox X32 as far as I can tell. There is no need to refer to the OpenBuilds repo.

4. See #2

5. On a supported OS, or one where you translate the directives in the readme, it will just work.

6. hmm. no comment at this time.

 

Thank you for all the help @Shell M. Shrader and @Peter Van Der Walt, we are up and running!

Giving back to the internet - what I did to get it all working, plus some notes of funky behavior that I've managed to circumvent:
* my entire original problem was not editing ESP32/CMakeLists.txt to enable the build for BlackBox32 (I told you I was a n00b)
* I'm not quite sure why the Y-axis is ganged for the 3-axis minimill (since there is only 1x motor driving the Y-axis), but the build seems to work either way
* DISREGARD THIS BULLET, I AM WRONG. the 3-pin 5v hobby servo output doesn't seem to output the PWM signal, so I wired the servo signal to the 2-pin PWM terminal instead (I'll start a thread in grblHAL Servo Support in CONTROL · Issue #285 · OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL to determine what the GPIO pin map is to enable PWM over the servo connector instead)
* great call @Peter Van Der Walt on the PWM frequency $33 to 50hz. I also enabled laser mode $32=1 for our assembly.
* I want to close a circuit to trigger a relay. While I am certain there are cleaner methods, I wired across the COM and NC pins of Relay2. Now when I call M4 (and I am in G1, not G0) my circuit is closed, and when I call M3 or M5 my circuit is open.
* My servo is controlled by the spindle speed S-WORD when G1 and M3 are called. S15 to S125 gives me the full range.
* ALSO DISREGARD THIS BULLET, since the servo isn't glitchy when plugged into the 3-pin servo header.... HOWEVER, I get strange behavior when moving any X/Y/Z axis whenever S is between 15 and 125, and the servo glitches and rotates as though there is noise coming through the PWM lines during and after motion. I overcame this by first commanding a servo position (S90) and then setting S0 to essentially disable the servo and allow axis movement without it impacting the servo.

This setup described above is a bit hacky, but it works for us. We are using this mill as an automated adhesive dispenser, so the relay is to trigger dispensing from the glue pinch valve and the servo is to swing a drip/purge cup underneath the nozzle when not in use. So I am able to get away with moving the servo at the start/end of a program, and then trigger the glue on command as if it's a laser. If someone wanted to use the servo as a pen up/down motor, they might be less enthused by my approach.

Note: I could have purchased a 24v relay and wired it to the Coolant output, but I wanted to minimize cost.

 

weird... I guess I was in the process of putting together another update yesterday and forgot about it. Glad you got it working! I'm planning on doing something similar with the relay pins to make my spindle control bullet proof!

 

Does this mean the BBx32 is backwards compatible 100% with the OB Interface?

I have a c-beam I bought some years ago using an xPro v2 (I did say YEARS ago!), stumbling around with different pieces to get crude functionality, but am now contemplating grabbing a BBx32, Interface, xyz probe, and a few other bits to improve frame rigidity, all with the goal of making this a more elegant solution.

I want this to be far easier to use than it is for me right now, and it's my hope that the newer hardware will retrofit cleanly and result in said elegance....

 

Hello and Happy New Year,

I have had my R7 running TinyG / ChiliPeppr with a JTech Laser addon for a few years now, I plan to upgrade my controller to the BB X32, possibly a Interface Box, and associated software soon. Has anyone else done this and if so, any issues on the process I should know about?
I was hoping the new box would allow a 5th axis for rotary, but I assume I can still move one of the Y cables over for that work.
I am looking forward to adding the tool change function when it becomes available.

 

I'm only on 3 axes but what you're describing, DonLinTX, is precisely what I'm doing. BBx32 is replacing an older Spark Concepts xPro v2 controller, and I'm also adding an "Interface" pendant along with it. I'd hoped to get to it over the holidays but I couldn't get time away from several other projects.

My expectation is that I can simply swap out wiring from the xPro, plug it into the BBx32.. I'll verify with a local connection and the "Control" software, and when that's solid and works as expected, I'll add on the Interface pendant, and then verify that - which, at that point, should mean I no longer need to have a pc sitting directly next to the CNC (although I'll likely leave it there, just in case).

 

Hello, Happy New Year to everyone,

Help!!

I bought the BlackBox X32, and I'm starting connecting the power supply to it. As soon I power the Meanwell LRS 450-24 into the wall socket the BlackBox start to smoke!! The smoke came from under the jumper Run/Flash next to the power switch of the BlackBox. The power switch is off (0).
Can anyone help me, I don't understand what's happening and how to fix it. It's the first time using the BlackBox, is totally new out of the original box.

Thank's

 

I'm going to guess you've got the power wires reversed.

 

Thank's for the reply,
I have the red to V+ (power supply) to 24V+ (BlackBox). The power supply has Yellow/Green on the earth, Blue on N and Brown on L.
Is there anything wrong with that? I have the 230V switch on position (I'm in Europe)

 

do you have access to a multimeter? you could try verifying the polarity / voltage coming out of the power supply on the DC side. I don't know enough about UK standards to comment on the AC side of it. I imagine you're dealing with common colors though.

It's also odd that you smoked the BlackBox with the power switch in the OFF position. Any visible damage to the board or switch? Are you able to use a multimeter to check continuity between negative and positive with the switch open and closed?

 

Unfortunately I don't have a multimeter. There is no visible damage at all (hope that keep like that). If I connect the BlackBox USB to the PC it makes some green light. Just that no fan, no nothing even if I turn the power switch on.

 

The USB port powers just the ESP32 chip.

 

Yes, and I can't connect with the Control software

[01:47:59] [ connect ] ERROR!: No supported firmware detected - See docs:blackbox:faq-usb-connection-failed [OpenBuilds Documentation] for more details. Closing port COM4

[01:47:59] [ disconnect ] PORT INFO: Port closed

 

You should be able to. Basically all core ESP32 functionality + Grbl should be running. The 24V power supply input powers the stepper drivers / pwm / relays /etc.

 

[02:10:43] [ disconnect ] PORT INFO: Port closed

[02:11:38] [ usb ports ] Detected a change in available ports: [ No devices connected ]

[02:12:02] [ usb ports ] Detected a change in available ports: [COM4]

[02:12:09] [ connect ] PORT INFO: Port is now open: COM4 - Attempting to detect Firmware

[02:12:09] [ connect ] Checking for firmware on COM4

[02:12:09] [ connect ] Detecting Firmware: Method 1 (Autoreset)

[02:12:09] [ ] [MSG:Warning: Failed to initialize SD card]

[02:12:09] [ connect ] Detecting Firmware: Method 2 (Ctrl+X)

[02:12:10] [ connect ] Detecting Firmware: Method 3 (others that are not supported)

[02:12:10] [ ] Brownout detector was triggered

[02:12:10] [ ] ets Jun 8 2016 00:22:57

[02:12:10] [ ] rst:0xc (SW_CPU_RESET),boot:0x13 (SPI_FAST_FLASH_BOOT)

[02:12:10] [ ] configsip: 0, SPIWP:0xee

[02:12:10] [ ] clk_drv:0x00,q_drv:0x00,d_drv:0x00,cs0_drv:0x00,hd_drv:0x00,wp_drv:0x00

[02:12:10] [ ] modeIO, clock div:2

[02:12:10] [ ] load:0x3fff0030,len:1184

[02:12:10] [ ] load:0x40078000,len:12784

[02:12:10] [ ] load:0x40080400,len:3040

[02:12:10] [ ] entry 0x400805e4

[02:12:10] [ ] [MSG:Warning: Failed to initialize SD card]

[02:12:11] [ ] Brownout detector was triggered

[02:12:11] [ ] ets Jun 8 2016 00:22:57

[02:12:11] [ ] rst:0xc (SW_CPU_RESET),boot:0x13 (SPI_FAST_FLASH_BOOT)

[02:12:11] [ ] configsip: 0, SPIWP:0xee

[02:12:11] [ ] clk_drv:0x00,q_drv:0x00,d_drv:0x00,cs0_drv:0x00,hd_drv:0x00,wp_drv:0x00

[02:12:11] [ ] modeIO, clock div:2

[02:12:11] [ ] load:0x3fff0030,len:1184

[02:12:11] [ ] load:0x40078000,len:12784

[02:12:11] [ ] load:0x40080400,len:3040

[02:12:11] [ ] entry 0x400805e4

[02:12:12] [ ] [MSG:Warning: Failed to initialize SD card]

[02:12:12] [ ] Brownout detector was triggered

[02:12:12] [ ] ets Jun 8 2016 00:22:57

[02:12:12] [ ] rst:0xc (SW_CPU_RESET),boot:0x13 (SPI_FAST_FLASH_BOOT)

[02:12:12] [ ] configsip: 0, SPIWP:0xee

[02:12:12] [ ] clk_drv:0x00,q_drv:0x00,d_drv:0x00,cs0_drv:0x00,hd_drv:0x00,wp_drv:0x00

[02:12:12] [ ] modeIO, clock div:2

[02:12:12] [ ] load:0x3fff0030,len:1184

[02:12:12] [ ] load:0x40078000,len:12784

[02:12:12] [ ] load:0x40080400,len:3040

[02:12:12] [ ] entry 0x400805e4

[02:12:13] [ connect ] ERROR!: No supported firmware detected - See docs:blackbox:faq-usb-connection-failed [OpenBuilds Documentation] for more details. Closing port COM4

[02:12:13] [ disconnect ] PORT INFO: Port closed

 

Thanks for your patience, I'm quite nervous about this...
I just post the info that the Control send out, I don't know if it will help

 

After tried all USB ports in the PC, finally found one that is able to establish communication between the Blackbox and the Control software. At least that.

I went to confirm the connections in the Meanwell site:
Live and ACL - Black (USA) Brown (EU)
Neutral and ACN - White (USA) - Blue (EU)
PE and FG (Class I only) - Green (USA) - Green/Yellow (EU)

From the PSU to Blackbox:
V+ (PSU) - 24 V+ (BlackBox)
V- (PSU) - GND- (BlackBox)

Power switch off - (0 position)

Cannot see where is the problem, why is smoking as soon I insert the plug into the BlackBox.