Read/Write NFC Tags

[alkekmakerspace 5]

I finally spent some time looking into adding the ability to write the remaining weight to the tag in addition to the total through the UI. Originally, the UI would write the new total and remaining as the same value. Once I familiarized myself with the NFCSpool.py code, I realized that the functionality of writing the remaining amount was already coded into the MyFilamentSpool class. This was set to a default of None and if it is none, it will write it the same as the total.

Therefore I modified the NFCSPool.py, SpoolMaker.py, and gui.ui file to be able to write the remaining weight to the tag. The defaults are set to 1000000mg for each. I have attached all 3 files to this post. I don't have a github, so if someone wants to update these on there, they are more than welcome to.

 

Eventually I want to integrate this with a usb scale so that I can weigh a spool and write that weight in one, easy to use device. This is worth it for us because in a busy fall semester, we can burn through 2 spools a day and we are constantly moving materials around to 8 different Ultimaker material stations.

 

SpoolMaker.zip

Edited August 30 by alkekmakerspace

[Worfje 1]

Big thank you to Dale Osborn and Frans Grotepass for supplying the code/program to alter the NFC tags.

 

For some reason Cura is not listed in my Windows 11 registry at the locations probed by the python code.

Maybe since I installed it via the Windows Store instead of an 'installer'.

I had to 'hardcode' the path location and version number variable for getting it to work.

 

Now awaiting the arrival of the NFC reader/writer...

Edited September 4 by Worfje

[Dustin 160]

UltiMaker Cura from the windows store??? Thats not released by UltiMaker.. so not sure who published that.

[Worfje 1]

Sorry, my mistake. Cura must have been installed via an 'installer' and not via the Windows Store.

I was thinking out loud on why Cura's file/path location isn't visible in my windows registry.

[NTwoO 8]

On 9/4/2024 at 8:46 PM, Worfje said:

Big thank you to Dale Osborn and Frans Grotepass for supplying the code/program to alter the NFC tags.

 

For some reason Cura is not listed in my Windows 11 registry at the locations probed by the python code.

Maybe since I installed it via the Windows Store instead of an 'installer'.

I had to 'hardcode' the path location and version number variable for getting it to work.

 

Now awaiting the arrival of the NFC reader/writer...

Thanks, man! It's a pleasure. Unfortunately I'm not too focussed to debug any Windows issues. My stuff all runs Linux.

[NTwoO 8]

On 8/30/2024 at 6:05 PM, alkekmakerspace said:

I finally spent some time looking into adding the ability to write the remaining weight to the tag in addition to the total through the UI. Originally, the UI would write the new total and remaining as the same value. Once I familiarized myself with the NFCSpool.py code, I realized that the functionality of writing the remaining amount was already coded into the MyFilamentSpool class. This was set to a default of None and if it is none, it will write it the same as the total.

Therefore I modified the NFCSPool.py, SpoolMaker.py, and gui.ui file to be able to write the remaining weight to the tag. The defaults are set to 1000000mg for each. I have attached all 3 files to this post. I don't have a github, so if someone wants to update these on there, they are more than welcome to.

 

Eventually I want to integrate this with a usb scale so that I can weigh a spool and write that weight in one, easy to use device. This is worth it for us because in a busy fall semester, we can burn through 2 spools a day and we are constantly moving materials around to 8 different Ultimaker material stations.

 

SpoolMaker.zip 8.95 kB · 6 downloads

I'll check out the changes and incorporate it where possible.

[NTwoO 8]

Just so people here know. A number of pull requests were submitted to Dale Osborne but they were not inspected and/or merged. I'll maintain my fork for now. It includes a filter for filament diameter and a filter for filament on text sub-string. There was a stage during one of the upgrades where a directory was added (can't remember which right now) that broke the tool. Will look exactly what that was, as this was also tweaked in the current version. It would be great if someone is willing to help maintain the MAC and Windows branches of the tool as this is not my joy in life.

[Worfje 1]

I am sure I can help out with the Windows branches. 

FYI: I just received the NFC reader (ACS ACR122U) today and just tested it and it worked flawlessly! 

[alkekmakerspace 5]

I can also help with the windows side of things. I use this almost every day to rewrite tags. We also maintain the material profiles on 5 computers and 8 printers. You can see our filament usage metrics on our webpage if you scroll down to the power BI dashboard that shows patron demographics. The filament info is on page 4 of 8: https://www.library.txst.edu/spaces-technology/space-types/alkek-one/maker-space.html

[NTwoO 8]

24 minutes ago, alkekmakerspace said:

I can also help with the windows side of things. I use this almost every day to rewrite tags. We also maintain the material profiles on 5 computers and 8 printers. You can see our filament usage metrics on our webpage if you scroll down to the power BI dashboard that shows patron demographics. The filament info is on page 4 of 8: https://www.library.txst.edu/spaces-technology/space-types/alkek-one/maker-space.html

Wow! Awesome setup you've got rolling there! It would be good if the small problems in the Windows version can be fixed.

 

[alkekmakerspace 5]

6 minutes ago, NTwoO said:

Wow! Awesome setup you've got rolling there! It would be good if the small problems in the Windows version can be fixed.

 

I'm not sure what the small issues are. The version I have running is working fine. I know when I first try to compile the exe there is an issue and I have to run a different command.

 

This is what worked on my computer:

python -m PyInstaller SpoolMaker.py --onefile --windowed --icon=.\icon.ico --add-data="icon.ico;." --add-data="gui.ui;."

 

The readme files says this:

pyinstaller.exe --onefile --windowed --icon=.\icon.ico --add-data="icon.ico;." --add-data="gui.ui;." .\SpoolMaker.py

 

[NTwoO 8]

On 8/30/2024 at 6:05 PM, alkekmakerspace said:

I finally spent some time looking into adding the ability to write the remaining weight to the tag in addition to the total through the UI. Originally, the UI would write the new total and remaining as the same value. Once I familiarized myself with the NFCSpool.py code, I realized that the functionality of writing the remaining amount was already coded into the MyFilamentSpool class. This was set to a default of None and if it is none, it will write it the same as the total.

Therefore I modified the NFCSPool.py, SpoolMaker.py, and gui.ui file to be able to write the remaining weight to the tag. The defaults are set to 1000000mg for each. I have attached all 3 files to this post. I don't have a github, so if someone wants to update these on there, they are more than welcome to.

 

Eventually I want to integrate this with a usb scale so that I can weigh a spool and write that weight in one, easy to use device. This is worth it for us because in a busy fall semester, we can burn through 2 spools a day and we are constantly moving materials around to 8 different Ultimaker material stations.

 

SpoolMaker.zip 8.95 kB · 7 downloads

Doesn't it make more sense to make the "weight current" read/write? That way is is not more clutter. In the past I changed the Total value to tune this... It might also be handy to add a config file for the tool, so default new weight (and possible filters I have in my version) can be saved between launches.

 

My branch now has the remaining field read/write and this is used similar to how you added it. The UI is a rearranged somewhat to have a better layout. I can't tune or change the original version and pull requests are not accepted, so it would be good if the Windows version also works on my branch.

Edited September 12 by NTwoO