Hey all! I'm looking to create a large-format plotter with the Acro 1510 system, but I'm not sure what mechanism I'd like to use for the pen-up/pen-down function. Any suggestions? I was thinking some sort of servo, or a design with a rail system for the pen to rest on the paper. Any suggestions are helpful! Thanks!
Docs.openbuilds.com/blackbox has instructions for Servo see OpenBuilds BlackBox 4X Documentation Support for Servos inside CAM will be launched next week or week after
I want to say this is a silly question, but my dad would say there is no such thing LOL... if I already have a CNC, could I build a drag knife / plotter / pen holder (such as the Rick 2.0 design) to affix to the gantry Z-axis plate via the existing spindle mount and simply control the plotter (X, Y and Z) by telling GRBL to not turn on the spindle? Or would I need to by-pass the spindle by unplugging it ? EDIT: OK, I see now upon further searching that our Blackbox already includes a X+Y + RC Servo output. And then it is also a matter of flashing GRBL (via OpenBuilds control) so that the firmware will recognize the plotter GCODE? But what if I don't want to introduce a servo to operate the Z, and instead use the existing gantry Z-axis? is that not possible too?
Correct, any CNC can get a pen mount. And yes, you will want to disable your Spindle (just in case spindle commands lands in your GCODE from all the Pen CAM options you will be playing with)
awesome, thanks Peter. so 'disable' means tell GRBL to use S000 M3 ? or actually disconnect the wire?
Removing M3Sxxx commands entirely preferably, but since its easy for one to slip in, depending on the anticipated danger of a randomly starting spindle - I would unplug its power while not in use
