For very new dummies like me, there is kind a Mac/PC, etc. delineation for Controller Boards and the firmware, software, or operating system that they will use, like Mac OS, Windows, etc. One, considered by many an upgrade, more precise or better operating in most cases is Mach3. Another, very common, used with Arduino, TinyG, etc. is GRBL. * correction: I now see that, at this time, TinyG sites the following for 'sending g-code' or effectively interface operating system. It's the method you are going to be able to use to have g-code operate your machine, via a TinyG controller, which is not Grbl. Sending Files with Chillipeppr (Web Application) Sending Files with CoolTerm Sending Files with tgFX - NO longer supported Sending Files programmatically Here's an article discussing a few of them. These are not statements of expertise. I'm probably putting it here so I can reference back to remember, myself. And, I think it is probably helpful information for some people who don't know, though it may not be an issue for everyone. Cheers.
Jeremiah, I too, am new to the 3D, CNC world. I have been doing a lot of research on the Smoothieboard as a controller. I believe it is compatable with Mac, I hope so because that's what I have. Pat
Your welcome. tough it does look like I will be doing bootcamp and running 7 on the other side. yuck. or buy a pos machine.
GRBL accepts all its instructions via a USB cable and there are many options for sending those instructions since it is all 'just text'. GRBL-panel is nice for PC https://github.com/gerritv/Grbl-Panel Universal Gcode Sender will run on anything that supports Java https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender and there are many others (as always happens with open source). Mach3 is Windows only since it uses the parallel port, though there are some supported USB controllers IIRC. LinuxCNC also uses the parallel port, but is Linux based using the Gnome interface. I find it quite easy to set up and very easy to use, and is by far the best free controller around. You can even have it 'headless', ie no keyboard or monitor, and operate it remotely through the network from your Mac using standard SSH with X forwarding. (though you may need a keyboard and monitor for initial setup). and don't forget, Gcode generated by SketchUcam is universal and will run on all these platforms. The only thing that doesn't like it is Marlin, which is normally used for 3D printers not mills.
