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Update: GCodeCNCDemo 6 & StewartPlatformV2 11.1

2013-11-06 Dan

GCodeCNCDemo6 has a new sample, GCodeCNCDemo6AxisRumbaTimerInterrupt. Both programs now include timer interrupt logic so they can receive gcode commands while moving motors. Doing two jobs at once makes movement extra smooth. The source for both programs is available on github. Let me know what you think!

BTW, anyone who improves a project – even by asking a smart question – gets their name in the credits. You deserve to be recognized for your help.

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How to use the Arduino Timer Interrupt

2013-11-04 Dan

https://github.com/MarginallyClever/ArduinoTimerInterrupt has what you need on github. Call a single function to set the timer interrupt frequency, in hertz. The INO file also includes a test suite in the loop() method that will set many different frequencies. Each time the counter is called it will blink a light. Replace that with whatever non-blocking code you want. (That means calling Serial.print is a bad idea.)

Now that I’ve got this timer working correctly I’m going to reuse it in many places, starting with CNC machines – I can use the timer to move the motors while the main thread is still receiving instructions and queueing them into the system. That means no “hiccup” between steps. It also means the machine can “look ahead” several steps and plan speeds better.

Miscellaneous

Build a Quadcopter at the Vancouver Hack Space

2013-10-31 Dan

quadcopter

Give the gift of making this winter

Marginally Clever is underwriting a Build your own Quadcopter event at the Vancouver Hack Space this winter. With the help of the prodigious Jon Grieman we’ve designed a custom frame that’s easy to put together and built an list of tested parts. You have until November 13th to put $250 to get in on the group buy. This machine measures ~50cm across and is strong enough to carry a GoPro. It even comes with an extra battery and spare propellors.

Get all the details and sign up right here!

click for a detailed picture

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Marginally Clever is Switching to a New Twitter Feed

2013-10-30 Dan

I’ve been running Marginally Clever off my personal twitter handle since it was created. After careful thought I’ve decided the company needs it’s own feed. This post will be the last on the old feed. You can now keep track of everything Marginally Clever Robots, MC Laser cutting, and MC 3D printing are doing by following the brand new @MarginallyC.

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GCodeCNCDemo RUMBA control is MUCH faster

2013-10-28 Dan

Every time I need to use a new motion controller I add it to the GCodeCNCDemo. Keeps my life nice and simple and gives you the chance to compare firmwares, learn how they do what they do.

Updates GcodeCNCDemo release #5

  • removed memcpy sorting from all versions. Much easier to grok now.
  • added NUM_AXIES to 4axis v2 to be more consistent
  • added reprapdiscount RUMBA control board demo

Get it here

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