Interface is great and handy and all but here is what I have been thinking as a user for improvements. Move x,y,z to zero function: Even if I raise Z before this operation, this currently moves z down then across which takes the bit through material. I think this should be changed to at last do z plunge last. Ideally IF there was any required x/y travel in the operation it would retract z to a known recent max z. Running control software via usb cable to the interface. Mostly we want it standalone but sometime we want g-code and logs, but connecting to computer on my MacBook take several attempts at booting blackbox/interface in various orders. As we are asked to remove the usb-mode jumper when installing interface, I assume the correct route is via interface. Sending files to interface. moving a usb stick around is inconvenient, would be great to have it like Octopi where a web interface allows you to upload files. Or even some private protocol where openbuilds control software can push a file over wifi.
It moves to Z5 (above material). Then XY. Then to Z0. The Z5 move is to raise it up above Z0 if someone was at or below zero. If you are dragging material at Z5 you have zero set incorrectly. Or machine is skipping steps / incorrectly calibrated You can connect USB cable to BlackBox directly again for those times. Type the IP shown on the LCD into a Browser...
Ok, that's great news!, good too know about the usb and ip interface, will check that's out later but wasn't obvious when I installed it and followed the instructions that this was available! In trying to use the benefits of a router with guided straight lines and depth of cut repeatability (ok a different use case) I was manually jog cutting grooves for some mdf between t-track, I set z=0 for my depth of cut so I could repeat 16 times and use goto-xyz=0 against my first t-rail to get consistent routing, sometimes we just want to use the router to cut a load of slots at set depth and jog through the stock like a manual mill, and z=0 is a good reference to get back to the same cut depth after changing stock, if the z=5 or z=0 was simply done last then I think this would work better for this as setting a cad job just to route a straight line. Even though I raised z above my stock and asked interface to goto x,y,z=0 I observed the z=5 happening before x and y traversal, my router was running and ploughed through stock on the return journey but didn't damage anything even moving pretty quick through the MDF, just thought I would tell you about an ordering of operations which would be easy to fix. I have other jobs planned for my router like cutting a slot down an edge of a length of wood which I will then make a window frame from and put acrylic in the slot for my machine enclosure, still think I makes more sense to drive this single line routing via jogging at 25% speed than setting this up in v-carve as a tool path. Hope it makes sense?
Thinking a bit more, if z<5 then a retract to safe distance makes sense, if user has decided to retract z>5 then best to leave it there and bring z==0 last
Then refrain from using the Goto Zero, being somewhat non standard use case. CAM up the slots, let the machine do the thinking
ok then, I thought it might be a simple tweak for you so people could use interface more like a traditional machinist might. I have see people using Haas and Tormach like this on NYCNC.
I do miss the goto individual axis 0s like control, could interface be coded like the set 0 menu on interface? Use case - it is nice to get the mill table back to a work start position but not have the Z in the way when setting up the next work piece. Thanks again for the interface, I finally got weaned off having the PC tethered thru it 8^)
