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Implement G-code on MKR WiFi 1010 Using Arduino

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1 Arduino with MKR Wifi 1010

The MKR WiFi 1010 is powered by the SAMD21 microcontroller,  The SAMD21 provides a decent processing speed, allowing it to handle various tasks such as basic data processing, sensor reading, and control operations .  MKR WiFi 1010 comes with built - in WiFi capabilities, enabling seamless connection to wireless networks. This feature allows it to communicate with other devices over the internet, facilitating data transfer and remote control. For instance, it can send sensor data to a cloud server or receive commands from a web - based interface.

2 G-code

G-code, short for Geometric Code, is a fundamental programming language in computer - controlled manufacturing processes, widely used in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines and 3D printers.
Function in Manufacturing: In CNC machining, G-code commands precisely guide the movement of cutting tools. These commands determine the tool's position, the path it follows, and the speed at which it moves. This enables the creation of complex shapes by removing material from a workpiece. For 3D printers, G-code dictates how the print head deposits layers of material, building up a three - dimensional object layer by layer.
Common Commands: Some of the most frequently used G-code commands include G00 for rapid positioning, which moves the machine's axes at maximum speed to a specified location. G01 is for linear interpolation, making the tool move in a straight line at a set feed rate. G02 and G03 are for circular interpolation, with G02 for clockwise and G03 for counterclockwise circular motion. Additionally, commands like G20 and G21 are used to select units (inches or millimeters), and G90 and G91 set the positioning mode (absolute or relative).
Program Structure: A G-code program is composed of multiple lines of commands. Each line typically contains one or more G-code commands along with relevant parameters, such as coordinates and feed rates. The program may also include M-code commands that control functions like spindle operation (e.g., M03 to start the spindle in a CNC machine) and program flow (e.g., M02 or M30 to end the program).

3 Implement G-code in arduino

3.1 Install Library Files:

In the Arduino IDE, install the necessary libraries.  To control the motor movement, libraries for controlling stepper motors or DC motors, like the Stepper library or AccelStepper library can be options.

3.2 Parse G-code Instructions

Write code to parse the received G-code instructions. You can create a function to extract information such as the movement mode (G00, G01, etc.), coordinate values (X, Y, Z), and feed rate (F) from the G-code instructions according to their format (e.g., G01 X## Y## Z## F##). Use string processing functions such as indexOf and substring to parse the G-code instruction string.

  1. Control Movement: Control the device movement based on the parsed G-code instructions. For the G00 rapid positioning instruction, use the fast - moving function in the motor control library to move the motor to the specified coordinates at a high speed. For the G01 linear interpolation instruction, control the pulse frequency and number of steps of the motor according to the set feed rate to achieve linear motion. At the same time, consider the control of acceleration and deceleration during the movement process to avoid motor stalling.
  2. Communication Implementation: Establish a communication connection with the host computer (such as a computer) via WiFi. Use the WiFi.begin() function to connect to the specified WiFi network, and then use the WiFiClient class to establish a TCP connection to receive G-code instructions sent by the host computer. You can create a loop to continuously monitor whether new instructions arrive, and process and control the device movement in a timely manner. Serial communication is used as bacis communication.
  3. Error Handling: Add an error - handling mechanism. When parsing G-code instructions, if an unrecognizable instruction or format error is encountered, send an error message to the host computer and stop the device movement to prevent abnormal actions of the device. At the same time, during the device movement process, monitor the state of the motor, such as whether stalling occurs, and handle it in a timely manner if an abnormality occurs.

Install G-code parser library and test the following example code

image

The selected motors shall be controlled with arduino in G-code parser for precise control for this shift-it challenger.

This is not one CNC machine, but some sort of machine arm control. Use g-code as start.