HI I am quite new to the world of CNC but plenty of knowledge in 3d print I am just fining the building of my Workbee with Xpro Controller v3 and keen to look at using Estlcam. Just checking to see if there are any advice things I need to be aware of ??? Also once purchased does the license only work on one PC ?? The reason I ask is I will be using an older laptop to drive the Xpro Controller v3 in the garage but wish to do most of my designing on a Desktop PC. Also does Estlcam change any thing on the Xpro Controller v3 i.e. in case I want to do some work in Fusion360 and upload the code via other tools ?? Thanks
Hi Kelvin, My advice is to go for it, my experience with it has been really good. Once purchased I have been able to use the key on my office pc where I do most of my drawing/cam and my old pc I use for my machine. If you program the Xpro with the Estlcam (only needed if you want to use the Estlcam controller software, which is quite good) I believe you would need to reload GRBL if you wanted to go back. There is a restore controller button, but I have never tried it. However you can also use any g-code you want generated from fusion or any other program. You are not limited to g-code made with only Estlcam. Hope this helps Gary
No Problem! Christian updates Estlcam often so check once a month or so for new versions.. and watch this video it has a bunch of setup tips.
I have done the "restore controller" option and was able to go right back to GRBL Panel. That was before I was sure if Estlcam was right for me. However, I now use only the Estlcam controller because I like it and the Xbox controller I added. It makes jogging so much easier and fun. Video of the fun here: Lead Screw Driven Ox Derivative (850x1500) If I can get it to work, anybody can. Also, I use my license on two computers and generate the CAM with both Estlcam and other programs like Fusion 360 and F-engrave.
HI Just wondering if any has had any issues programming there Xpor V3 with Estlcam All looks good but Estlcam Crashes when you select program controller?? Thank fully nothing is stuffed up, but still need sort before I ca use it ??
Only time I’ve had it crash is when I had more than one window of Estlcam or other program trying to use the port. Make sure you have the xpro selected in the program options. Gary
I have this issue if I start estlcam before plugging in my arduino. But my laptop is old and I think is running Windows 7.
Make sure you have the latest version Christian updated July 4th. Also make sure to use the 32bit version for 32bit windows.
Just wondering if any one could share a screen shot of there estlcam setup ie I am using the workbee (Lead Screw) and being quite new to this struggling a bit with what to set in Estlcam. Ie I have selected Xpro V3 but hoping someone might share there settings Thanks
Hi Kelvin, Something like this should get you moving, assuming you have your microstep jumpers set to 1/8 (1600) microstepping. The XBox Controller video I shared has tips for tuning the speed and acceleration. If anything is moving the wrong way just check the checkbox for reverse direction and "Program Controller" again, after any changes to this page program again to take effect. . Cheers
Thanks Tried second PC windows 10 to day - same issue Estlcam 11 crashes when you try to program the xPro. So nothing to do with OS, what version do you have ?? What USB driver did you install. UniversalGcodeSender works fine son not sure what else try
Well had some success Loaded version 10 and that worked - rolled back to GRBL Loaded version 11 setup and programmed all worked
Hi Kelvin, I'm going through the exact same steps as you, Workbee, Xpro and Estlcam and also seeking advice, you beat me to it posting the same queries. I too would like to know how to set the limit switches, please post your experiences. I've got to say Estlcam is very impressive compared to other CAM software I've used.
Limit switches are all setup on inputs. Select the input select it's function to "limit" from the drop down. If you want limits on both ends and not just for homing add the two switches to each input in parallel. you can rename the inputs to Z-limit for example.. doesn't matter to the machine though.
Also, these limit and probe selections need to correspond to the diagram in the bottom right in this post of Gary's. Estlcam V11 you also may need to refer to the GRBL arduino board pinout. gnea/grbl I was off by one with my probe and it took way longer for me to figure out than it should have.
I managed to set the limit switches okay but did have the same problem when trying to program the controller, Estlcam crashes so I installed V10 which worked and then back to V11, thanks for the tip Kelvin.
HI just wondering if any one has used the spindle control from Estlcam - Xpro v3 to VFD (0-5 volts) Have it working of sorts but control is a long way out i.e. spindle does not respond until over 10000 rpm from Estlcam ??? Yet parameters are min 7200 rpm max 24000 rpm
Got it sorted - needed low pass filter to take PWM 5v to analog 5v then adjust spindle min and max rpm and got desired result huanyang vfd and Spindle package - water cooled 1.5kw thanks
What settings do i need to use on a workingbee 1500 x 1500 with xpro v3. for the moment it is working but when i download it is complaining about "configuration imbalanced. stepper = 1600 steps/ revolution is correct 1 rotation is 60mm, t3 belt and 20 theet on wheel. 3 x 20 = 60 mm if i move 1000mm i have maybe 0.5mm tolerance but this can also be by my methode of measuring. does anyone have differnt settings?
