Train yourself with "Estlcam"

[Coral]

Hi @all,

i like to introduce "Estlcam".
You can use it as long as you want.
It has some nagscreen but full function.

After installation you have todo some configuration.
Hints:
Setup > Basic (GRBL)
Setup > CNC Controler (picture)
Yes, it has its own firmware (Program Arduino).
The pic shows some configuration.
Green markers in pic must matching to your machine.
When this is done right, the machine can be controlled by "View > CNC controler".

Next:
Set Steps and Distance for syncronus movement with mesurement on display.
Use a ruler for this.
Tool ... laser1 diameter 0.2 speed 1000 is a startpoint.

Warning:
It is mostly for milling, laser is not his favorite.
The laser is working like a spindle (always on, changing this by insert M03, M05 in *nc file)!
Be warned, not all works out of the box, or like you think!
All mistakes are made by you!

I mention this programm 4 better understanding cnc related stuff.
Play a little with it and you know, what i mean.

[Zax]

I like Estlcam, it has some strange behavior (don't we all) but is a nice alternative to more expensive programs like ArtCAM.

[wild.bill]

I think there are a number of us that use Estlcam with CNC machines now, and as a side note I use the same build of firmware on the CNC machines and Laser machines. It does take a little while to learn to use well but I am not sure where I would want it over BCL or T2, but you could use it.

But I actually go the other way and when engraving images in acrylic using the CNC machine I like to use T2 because I get better results.

They are all designed to work with GRBL so you just need to find the feature set you need for your projects.

[Administrator]

As an FYI, about a year ago I contacted the developer and asked if he was interested in making some modifications to get his software to work with our laser machines. His answer: No.

[Zax]

He must have changed his mind as it works great for me with Grbl 1.1e firmware.

[ThothLoki]

As an FYI, about a year ago I contacted the developer and asked if he was interested in making some modifications to get his software to work with our laser machines. His answer: No.

Not something you hear everyday.

"No, I do not want another vertical market for my product"

[Coral]

Thanks for comment @all.
It works fine for me, not out of the box, but do its output (*.nc) very easy. 
After this, i edit the *.nc by my self to add M03 and M05.
And yes, i also remove some commands in the *.nc file.
Then, using gcodesender with seperate nano + firmware grbl1.1e.
For cutting it works.

@ Ralph: "Elstlcam" works stright and with focus.
The developer must it be also too (i think so, never known) , as his program is.
@ Zak: His mind, who knows.

Estlcam is also usefull for another job.
My machine has webcam mounted.
Together with "Estlcam" ,its display and the camera function, i use it for measure.
Webcam is used too for other things, set zeropoint, checking backslash and play and last, but not least, see how the laser is working.

[wild.bill]

Something to think about, Estlcam is designed to make parts so if you select part it cuts outside the line, and if you pick hole it cuts inside of the line.

Software designed for the laser will cut the line, not inside our outside of it.

Just something to think about.