Using Firmware Flashing tool, I get a Flash Failed! . . .

on an Arduino Uno R3. But I then try to connect to it via COM Port it seems to be working ok. However, I'm very suspicious something down the line is going to bite me. The controls seem to work, I can run gcode . . .

I attempted to load firmware from Wizards & Tools>Firmware Flashing Tool>Blackbox 4X, 2 Axes CNC/Laser: Dual-Y with Z-Axis Homing Disabled. This was in the instructions I was given.

When I connect to it via USB cable. it shows on the last line, Firmware detected: grbl version 1.1g even thought it said Flash Failed!

I went down the rabbit whole of trying to do it with Arduino IDE manually, downloading grbl-1.1h.20190825.zip file, performing the Sketch>Include Library> grbl-1.1h.20190825.zip, but then I get an error saying the grbl doesn't have a valid library, although I followed the instructions to the "T" as far as I can tell, so nothing seems to work as it is described. How can the grbl.zip not have a valid library if hundreds of people use it. I even bought a brand new PC to make sure it wasn't a "Old" PC problem. I also tried the older grbl-1.1f.20170801.zip same result so I can't even get to the next steps.

I will say I'm an absolute first timer/beginner and I'm just following directions from the site where I purchased plans to build a plasma cutting table. I do not have any experience with grbl, Arduinos, g-code, etc. If it doesn't work as explained in the instructions, I'm stuck!

Can I totally erase everything and start again? How's this done? Be very specific, don't assume I know anything . . . it could mean more questions! LOL

I tried searching for articles regarding this and I can't seem to find any. However, it could be my lack of searching experience. Sucks being a newbie!

Thanks for any help in advance.

 

Thank you for the quick response Peter. I see what you're saying about the Firmware - if it works, it's there. Just want to make sure I don't run into other issues since it said it failed. Motors are moving and what not. I'll cut soon.

As far as the grbl.zip stuff, I downloaded what said was source code (zip), I tried just pointing to the .zip as it says in the instructions. I also tried unzipping and pointing to the >grbl and again not valid library error. Ugh, I really want to understand this stuff so I know I can get out of "trouble" if I run into something. Self sufficiency . . .

Compiling? I'm compiling? Haven't done that since I took Pascal in the 80s . . . Yep, I'm that old. Forgot to mention the "grey" factor.

 

I'm feeling really stupid right now because when I click on the <code> (under HTTPS) then click "Download .zip", the downloaded file is called grbl-master.zip. It does not have a "version" as part of the name. I unzip this file as per instructions and it unzips and created the associated folders. I do everything it says to do but when I perform the Sketch>Include Library>Add .ZIP Library> then navigate to grbl it doesn't find anything as per instructions. No library is found when I click on grbl it just opens up to the next level. It says in the instructions that even though it says .zip library you can still "point" to a folder but it doesn't work as stated.

Frustrating but this is all "extra" as my firmware seems to be running. I just want to learn to do this and it's not working as per instructions. I have to be missing something but it's beyond me.

Anyway, thanks for all the help. I'll keep chugging away on the table side of things.

 

Peter,

Thanks for the candid response. I appreciate the honesty. I am using grbl v1.1 for a DIY CNC Plasma Table, the plans I purchased from a "reputable" site. I don't know how to adapt another firmware to make it work. Maybe in the future I may look into developing/making another table or learn enough to upgrade. Right now I just want to learn enough to make things work which, at this time, the table is working. The reason why I was determined to learn the above was because I was trying to convert to using a bluetooth connection so I can keep my lap top away from the sparks and water from the table. I am having trouble getting the Bluetooth to work consistently. I was hoping I could learn to "wipe out" the firmware and start from scratch since I kept getting failures on "burning" the firmware to the arduino. I purchased another (Off brand) Arduino and a couple more HC-06 BT modules but still can't get it to work right. Well, it seems to work but if I shut down the "system" and turn everything back on, it is hit or miss to get it to work again. Being a newbie, it could be me not knowing what I don't know to make it all work as it should.

A side note, I did finally get the firmware to "burn" to the Named Brand Arduino with a successful message. Didn't do anything different, just woke up the next day and tried it. Weird, but the gremlins must have still been sleeping. Plasma table is working as far as the electronics are concerned. I'm still playing with set up but able to make a few non-critical things like art work where dimensions and cutting quality are not that important. Neighbors are pleased with something I made for them. I have been "learning" and playing with GCode to work around some of the gremlins of my specific table and I felt good about figuring out the solutions to those problems, ie played around with the post-processor code to customize the NC programs. Patted myself on the back for that . . .

Again, thank you for all your help. I'm sure there will be more questions as my adventure into this world continues. I know there are a lot of smarter people out there working on this stuff and are willing to help. I'd like to get to that point one day . . . retirement is coming so I should have the time at that point.

Cheers!

Glen T