Python controlling ultimaker 2+

[nikitas 0]

I want a linear 2 D scanning in the X and Y direction and a device is connected to the print head is logging a data. I wanted to use ultimaker as a XY scanner in my application. Is there any simple python code, that I can use to sent g-code directly to the UM2+?

 

I wanted to send only g-code "G0 X1" (move forward or backward X and Y direction. and pause for specific time. I tried putty using "COM3" and baud rate 115200, it give random text, how I can send the g-code via serial port using python?

 

 

[ahoeben 1,948]

At the heart of the UM2 is the same chip as an Arduino Mega. You should be able to talk to open its serial port (using PySerial) and send any gcode to it line by line.

 

The default Baud rate is 250000.

[nikitas 0]

Dear @ahoeben, Thank you. Can I use "PUTTY" for the initial testing with "COM3" and Baud rate of "250000" to send the g-code?

 

should I need to send some other initial g-code for the initialization?

 

Thanks

[thopiekar 46]

@nikitas Just look into a GCode file. If there is anything specific, you will find it there, too.

Regarding Putty: You can also take a look onto "Termite" (https://www.compuphase.com/software_termite.htm), if you like to use a very simple tool.

 

Happy (printer) hacking! :) 

[ahoeben 1,948]

Putty should work. I am not entirely certain if the checksum that is normally added to every line is mandatory. In that case using Putty would require some math.

 

If you just want to move the head around, that should work without any initialisation. If you want to extrude material, you will first have to heat up the nozzle (the firmware prevents cold extrusions)

[gr5 2,173]

pronterface is easier to use.  I think there *is* a checksum on the end of every line sent through usb/serial.  If so then pronterface does this automatically and I think you can see what is happening (I think it shows you the checksum).

 

Pronterface is free and is here and has a command line utility also I think:

http://koti.kapsi.fi/~kliment/printrun/

 

Note that G0 X1

Moves to position 1mm (1mm from left edge) but this is absolute so you then need to do:

G0 X2

To get to the next spot.

 

If you just keep sending G0 X1 it moves there the first time but then keeps "moving" to where it already is from then on.

 

[nikitas 0]

19 hours ago, gr5 said:

pronterface is easier to use.  I think there *is* a checksum on the end of every line sent through usb/serial.  If so then pronterface does this automatically and I think you can see what is happening (I think it shows you the checksum).

 

Pronterface is free and is here and has a command line utility also I think:

http://koti.kapsi.fi/~kliment/printrun/

 

Note that G0 X1

Moves to position 1mm (1mm from left edge) but this is absolute so you then need to do:

G0 X2

To get to the next spot.

 

If you just keep sending G0 X1 it moves there the first time but then keeps "moving" to where it already is from then on.

 

Thank you all for their nice suggestions and comments. @gr5, suppose if I use command G0 X1 it will move the head once, later if I again execute this it will not move the head? If I want to scan the head from point 1 to point 2 with stem size 0.5mm, I have to pass a gcode such as "G0 Xk" where k is calculated as Pi where Pi previous location+0.5?

 

Thanks a lot.

 

[ahoeben 1,948]

There are two "modes" of specifying coordinates: relative or absolute. You describe absolute coordinates. In relative coordinates each time you use `G0 X1`, the head will move 1 mm.

You can change between absolute and relative modes with the G90 and G91 commands respectively.

 

http://marlinfw.org/docs/gcode/G000-G001.html

http://marlinfw.org/docs/gcode/G090.html

http://marlinfw.org/docs/gcode/G091.html