Feature Request: Seperate "Last Directory" for import and save.

[danowar]

Zax,

I am using your software for g-code generation, but not for machine control.  I use a Raspberry Pi for machine control, in order to make my machine headless.

When importing images, the software remembers the last directory used, which is a great feature, but then when go to save my g-code, it remember the directory I imported the image from.  Then of course after changing to the directory I keep my g-code in, it remember that directory, so next time I import an image, it defaults to my g-code directory.

Would it be possible to to have the software remember different directories for importing and saving files?

Also, while I have your attention, could you add a button on the machine control panel to export g-code.  I typically bring up this window to preview the code before saving.

Both these issues are only a minor inconvenience, but if the change is trivial, it would make your software all that much better.

Thanks for you time.

[ggallant571]

Can you describe the tools and work flow to utilize the Raspberry Pi scheme?  Been thinking it was time to do the same.

[ThothLoki]

I am sure danowar will reply but I think he is using Grbl controller

Him and I were talking about trying out octoprint with the Grbl extension. I am going to try and getting it running on a Pi zero w as octopi v0.14 is better than v0.13 (would not work on a zero)

[Zax]

@danowar Those both sound like good suggestions, added to my list.

Eleks has a new module coming soon which works with the existing Mana board to provide headless operation. It has SD card, LCD and I think either Bluetooth or WiFi connection.

[danowar]

Thanks Zax, I will keep an eye out for that.

As for my workflow for headless operation, I have tried several methods, listed below.

LaserWeb 4:  Back-end is server running on the RaspberryPi. Front-end can either be in a web browser pointed at the Pi, or and executable version of LaserWeb installed on the client machine.  LaserWeb also can generate G-Code, and it is very feature rich.  IMHO T2 is much better at G-Code generation.  I ultimately moved on from this method due to the software being buggy.

VirtualHere:  This method emulates a COM port on the client PC that tunnels all communication to the COM port on the PI.  I found the communication to not be fast enough, and had stuttering of my machine.  It couldn't keep up with the speed in which the commands need to flow through.  I only tried the free version...they have a version that is optimized for the PI.  I reached out the the developer to ask how much faster the optimized version would be, no response.  I wish this method would work better, as it would let you do machine control through T2.

ChilliPeppr:  Back-end is a small server on the Pi that communicates with the serial port.  Front-end is a website that has custom "workspaces".  I think this method would work very well, the communication seems to be fast enough in my limited testing.  However, there is no "workspace" that I could find that is tailored to our diode lasers.  I toyed with the idea of creating one, but I don't have time right now.

CNCjs:  Kind of a mix between LaserWeb and ChilliPeppr.  Initial testing is promising, but I haven't been using it very long yet.

As ThothLoki said, my next test will be using OctoPi...unless he gets to it before me and reports back.  I have been using OctoPi for 3D Printer control for years, and have been happy with it.

[ThothLoki]

I have my Pi zero loaded with octopi but need to get some setup time. Hard when getting ready for thanksgiving

[ggallant571]

That is a little extreme!!! There are other more pressing characteristics that Sir Notingham might want to consider:

1. Can she bake an Apple Pie.
2. Is a new 100W laser cutter more important than an new dishwasher?
3. Does laser etching come before anniversaries?

[ThothLoki]

That is a little extreme!!! There are other more pressing characteristics that Sir Notingham might want to consider:

1. Can she bake an Apple Pie.
2. Is a new 100W laser cutter more important than an new dishwasher?
3. Does laser etching come before anniversaries?

Wrong thread but very true!!!!!

[ThothLoki]

Ok. So I have my Pi loaded with Octoprint.
I installed the grbl extension.
Finally got the pi/octoprint to see the nano on my L7 board
I grabbed a gcode file I generated from T2 and loaded it on.
Clicked load and print and then the nano disconnected with an error.

From what I can see, it is sending everything all at once. I am sure it is my fault and need to add something for buffer control

Thats where I am at so far