HI, I have built a small laser engraver using an Arduino Uno and a Protoneer v3.51 CNC shield. I have uploaded GRBL 1.1h to the Arduino and am using LaserGRBL to test it. I have a few problems: 1. I have a limit switch at each end of both X and Y axis. I can move the laser head back, forward, left and right using the jog buttons in LaserGRBL, but when I hit home it just locks up. 2. Whenever I connect the 12v PSU to the machine the laser comes on at full power. I'm currently testing without the laser plugged in. When I start LaserGRBL it says it's locked and I have to unlock it before I can move anything. I've attached the configuration file from LaserGRBL if that helps. Can someone please point me in the right direction ? Thanks in advance, Andy
As it doesn't have a Z axis, and Z homes first. See Frequently Asked Questions · gnea/grbl Wiki to recompile without Z axis homing Normal, if homing is Enabled. See Grbl v1.1 Configuration · gnea/grbl Wiki and Grbl v1.1 Commands · gnea/grbl Wiki Either laser wired incorrectly, or see Grbl v1.1 Laser Mode · gnea/grbl Wiki Or, if you have a chinese Fake CNC shield (not an original Protoneer) know that is a Grbl 0.8 shield, and the pinout is incorrect for Grbl 1.1 - spindle PWM pin is not on the pin marked as such...
Hi Peter, Many thanks for your reply and advice. I had just downloaded the hex file and flashed that, so I'll try changing the config.h and try that. I think the laser module is wired correctly as connecting the signal wire to +5v switches the laser on and connecting it to ground switches it off. It's only when connected to the shield that the problem arrises. I may of course have it on the wrong pin on the shield. Do you know what pin is used for the laser ? It is a genuine Protoneer board, not a knock off. Thanks again, Andy
Then you can approach Protoneer for support and I am sure he has documentation for the boards too, showing the pinouts. The fakes has it wrong, his latest has the right labelling. PS: use the official gnea/Grbl 1.1 - LaserGrbl is not Grbl. Grbl 1.1 has a full laser mode: maybe LaserGrbl has the pinout screwey
Hi Peter, Sorry to be a pest here. I downloaded "grbl-1.1h.2019082" Added the libraries. Opened grblUpload.ico and included the grbl library. When I compile I get errors as below: In file included from C:\Users\andy.brown.ANDY\Documents\Arduino\libraries\grbl/config.h:30:0, from C:\Users\andy.brown.ANDY\Desktop\grbl-1.1h.20190825\grbl\examples\grblUpload\grblUpload.ino:1: C:\Users\andy.brown.ANDY\Documents\Arduino\libraries\grbl/grbl.h:68:4: error: #error "Required HOMING_CYCLE_0 not defined." #error "Required HOMING_CYCLE_0 not defined." ^~~~~ C:\Users\andy.brown.ANDY\Documents\Arduino\libraries\grbl/grbl.h:108:4: error: #error "WCO refresh must be greater than one." #error "WCO refresh must be greater than one." ^~~~~ C:\Users\andy.brown.ANDY\Documents\Arduino\libraries\grbl/grbl.h:111:4: error: #error "Override refresh must be greater than zero." #error "Override refresh must be greater than zero." ^~~~~ exit status 1 Error compiling for board Arduino Uno. All I did was change the two defines for the homing to what you suggested. Even with the original config.h I get the same error. Any idea ? I take it that it's something I'm doing wrong. Cheers, Andy
You shouldn't include the library to a sketch. Use the correct method (Files > Examples > Grbl > GrblUpload) as described in step 4: Compiling Grbl · gnea/grbl Wiki or, if you just want to Disable Z homing, easier way: OpenBuildsCONTROL > Wizards and tools > Firmware Flashing tool > Select 2 Axes, select Uno, Select port > Flash
Hi Peter, I did as you suggested and got the sketch uploaded and the machine now homes properly. I also noticed that I hadn't enabled "Laser Mode" in Grbl Settings ($32=1)so did that and now the laser switches on and off with the M3 and M5 codes. Many thanks for all your help, Cheers, Andy
