I bought Keith's plans and ordered all components in the last 10 days . Just done some preliminary bench testing and calibration . It all works as described. Haven't cut any foam yet . When all is considered : the plans , the patiently costructed videos , the ebook and the online support , this is a monumental body of work , just extraordinary. Thank you Keith PS I too had trouble setting the voltage on the 8825 drivers . Under a magnifier the potentiomter screw is not a standard Philips head , so using even a small Philips head screwdriver will not engage the head of the screw . I found a small flat head srewdriver works well.
Glad it's all working for you. Yes those potentiometers are a bit fiddly. Had a few guys with that problem. Working a new video to show the option's for generating g-code which can be a bit of a challenge. 😀😀😀
1) Since im using devcad software for CAM, i don't need to upload firmware, it takes care of it for me right? 2) Maybe i missed it, but with this board there is no special jumper to tell the 4th position to work independently? These past few months using devcad software, i haven't used the safety switches at all. The built in "origin" point of devcad works for me everytime and i have origin set a little forward and up from safety position anyways so its never a problem. Saves some time in wiring and complexity for sure.
Hi Nate Question 1 - Yes it just treats it as an Arduino Mega 2560. I tried it on mine and it worked fine. Question 2 - No it doesn't need any jumper it You don't need the switches it's just a nice to have but as you say adds more complexity with the wiring. I get a lot of question about homing with switches and it can take a bit of configuration. Good luck with your new drivers be good to see it working..
The MKS board seems to be available in the following types: Gen L1.0, Gen L2.1 and Gen V1.4. How are they different and which best suites this application? Hopefully I'm ready to start ordering everything. Thanks again Keith.
The Gen L V1.0 is the best option for the foam cutter. The 2.1 version has a slightly different pin layout which needs the firmware to match. Both are available on the website. Version 2.1 will only support 4 limit switches for homing whereas V1.0 will allow you to use limit switches for the MAX travel as well. But I only use 4 on the V1.0 board as well. I don't think the 1.4 board will work had a couple of guys try them without any success but I can't vouch for that. I have only used the V1.0 board but had a few guys use the V2.0 with the alternative firmware on the website with no issues. Hope that helps. I'm updating the e-book and website as I've only just released the V2.0 firmware publicly. Keith
Another great tutorial Keith. Thanks. My foam cutter is working great with NEMA 17's so I don't need the larger capacity for that. However, could this setup be used to drive a CNC router? What software could be used to control a CNC router with this MKS board setup? A CNC router would require the larger motors.
Thanks. Yes, it could be used for a CNC Router. You could the UGS winder.github.io/ugs_website/ or the software this 4 axis was based on called GRBL-PANEL github.com/gerritv/Grbl-Panel. My CNC Router is still running Mach3 and LinuxCNC very well so I don't think I would change unless my old Parallel port PC's die. But I have a few spares.
mr, where did the x loader application come from... I'm learning wiring mks dlc grbl and tb6600.. please guide me.. i'm from indonesia mr... it will be even better if your video is translated into Indonesian
I just found XLoader on the internet, can't remember where now. Making the videos takes a lot of time and I don't have the time to add subtitles. All the details are in the ebook from the website which you could use Google translate to your own language
The Rpi4 won't work because the foam cutter firmware is based on GRBL Mega 5X which will only run on the Arduino Mega 2560 based boards with the RAMPS 1.4. The MKS board is basically a Mega 2560 and RAMPS board in one unit. Keith
love your videos, kinda a unique question, i just recently acquired an old commercial 5x10 foot hot wire foam machine, had set outside so i would say all the electronics toast, how hard would it be to adapt your basic design to larger steppers (if even needed) like nema 23 or larger and their own drives at that point. like the idea of the adruino but not sure if it can run this large of a machine, i do have a lot of experience with cnc routers and some with mach 3 mostly uccnc though. right now this machine only looks like it moved in the z direction and side to side, only two motors would like to add more.. any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks for your kind word. You could use the MKS with external drivers have a look here ruclips.net/video/zbESZLDxY20/видео.html if you haven't already. Using external drivers the Arudino only needs to send step and direction pulses to the drivers. So you could use quite large motors with suitable drivers. That should work OK as long as you size the motors and drivers to suit. Hope that helps Keith
Hi, I think it should be OK as MKS say 12-24 volt. I haven't tried it myself. Just make sure your 18v source can supply enough current. There are details in my ebook on the website explaining how to size the power supply.
Hi Mr.Keith my name is Leandro I am from Brazil, I am having a problem, I had to adjust the value of $ 100,101,102 e103 to 40,000, but when I move the engines they move very slowly how can I increase the speed when I move in the manual? I am using gt2 belt. I thank the Lord, because I learned a lot from you! A big hug!
I am working on a Nema 17 stepper version, and I am getting a lot of motor wine, when the motors are not moving, what should I do to reduce/eliminate this Thanks
Have you set the Vref for your motors on the stepper drivers. It sounds like you may be sending to much current. Which drivers are you using and what current rating are your stepper motors.
Steppers motors can make a little noise when connected, mine do. I would first double check the model number on the stepper motor to make sure it is 0.9A. You could try adjusting the Vref to eliminate most of the whine and make sure the machine still operates OK.
You can only use 8-bit boards so that rules out any 32-bit boards. The firmware will only run on boards that have a Arduino Mega 2560 and RAMPS board. The MKS Gen L has this built in. Keith
@@rckeith what i mean MKS BASE V1.5 board, it has MEGA 2560 but build in stepper driver. It might I will choose v.10 as you use in this video, so if I burn the driver I can swap it. anyway, im in ordering my parts, and watching your videos, its very helpful. and I have other question about homing switch, since it mechanical switches, it has offset, small but it will significant if we build long wire plus it mounts on 3d and we put it manually, so is there any in software to adjust that? or I need to manually align so the wire sit center not diagonal when in home position?
The MKS Base V1.5 drivers are not adjustable so you will not be able to set the VREF for the speeper motors. I not sure I understand the second part of your question about homing. All the settings can be changed on the settings tab of the software. Keith
@@rckeith my 2nd questions is, let say i have 2cm limit switch from the end rail. And the other rail i put 3cm limit switch, so when homing the wire will rest in diagonal position, not perpendicular to the wall. So either the software to compensate that, or i have to adjust so they both have same distance, My use case if we have 2 meters cnc, 0.5cm will effect to the end
Hi Keith, I set up with the MKS Base V1.4 board, and the 'X' axis is turning at less than half the speed of the other axes. I have swapped out the drivers, driven different loads, so it is something to do with the board, not with the steppers. I have been through the feed rates and steps, they are all the same as the rest, but it runs slower than the other ones and only does 2mm instead of 10 on test. Do you have any ideas?
Have you checked the jumpers under the driver chip? This set the micro-stepping. I'm not sure if the 1.4 boards works had a couple of guys said they couldn't get it to work. I don't have one so I can't confirm that. It works fine on the Gen L V1.0 and 2.1 Keith
Посетите веб-сайт rckeith.co.uk/use-the-mks-gen-l-board-for-cnc-foam-cutting/ На сайте есть языковой переводчик, который можно установить на русский язык.
Thanks Keith I will be using this this weekend
Your welcome, any questions just drop me a line.😀
Thank you, I really like how you explain.
Mr. Keith, thank you in advance!
I bought Keith's plans and ordered all components in the last 10 days . Just done some preliminary bench testing and calibration . It all works as described. Haven't cut any foam yet . When all is considered : the plans , the patiently costructed videos , the ebook and the online support , this is a monumental body of work , just extraordinary. Thank you Keith
PS I too had trouble setting the voltage on the 8825 drivers . Under a magnifier the potentiomter screw is not a standard Philips head , so using even a small Philips head screwdriver will not engage the head of the screw . I found a small flat head srewdriver works well.
Glad it's all working for you. Yes those potentiometers are a bit fiddly. Had a few guys with that problem. Working a new video to show the option's for generating g-code which can be a bit of a challenge. 😀😀😀
Fantástico material! Era o que eu estava precisando. Muito obrigado amigo.
Thanks, glad it was useful
Thank you so much for this! I am just beginning to plan my project.
1) Since im using devcad software for CAM, i don't need to upload firmware, it takes care of it for me right?
2) Maybe i missed it, but with this board there is no special jumper to tell the 4th position to work independently?
These past few months using devcad software, i haven't used the safety switches at all. The built in "origin" point of devcad works for me everytime and i have origin set a little forward and up from safety position anyways so its never a problem. Saves some time in wiring and complexity for sure.
Hi Nate
Question 1 - Yes it just treats it as an Arduino Mega 2560. I tried it on mine and it worked fine.
Question 2 - No it doesn't need any jumper it
You don't need the switches it's just a nice to have but as you say adds more complexity with the wiring. I get a lot of question about homing with switches and it can take a bit of configuration.
Good luck with your new drivers be good to see it working..
The MKS board seems to be available in the following types: Gen L1.0, Gen L2.1 and Gen V1.4. How are they different and which best suites this application? Hopefully I'm ready to start ordering everything. Thanks again Keith.
The Gen L V1.0 is the best option for the foam cutter. The 2.1 version has a slightly different pin layout which needs the firmware to match. Both are available on the website. Version 2.1 will only support 4 limit switches for homing whereas V1.0 will allow you to use limit switches for the MAX travel as well. But I only use 4 on the V1.0 board as well. I don't think the 1.4 board will work had a couple of guys try them without any success but I can't vouch for that. I have only used the V1.0 board but had a few guys use the V2.0 with the alternative firmware on the website with no issues.
Hope that helps. I'm updating the e-book and website as I've only just released the V2.0 firmware publicly.
Keith
Excelent
Thanks
Another great tutorial Keith. Thanks. My foam cutter is working great with NEMA 17's so I don't need the larger capacity for that. However, could this setup be used to drive a CNC router? What software could be used to control a CNC router with this MKS board setup? A CNC router would require the larger motors.
Thanks. Yes, it could be used for a CNC Router. You could the UGS winder.github.io/ugs_website/ or the software this 4 axis was based on called GRBL-PANEL github.com/gerritv/Grbl-Panel. My CNC Router is still running Mach3 and LinuxCNC very well so I don't think I would change unless my old Parallel port PC's die. But I have a few spares.
It works very quietly if you use the tmc2208
@@ugurdem My 3d printer has them and they are quite. Planning to try them on the foam cutter next year.
mr, where did the x loader application come from... I'm learning wiring mks dlc grbl and tb6600.. please guide me.. i'm from indonesia mr... it will be even better if your video is translated into Indonesian
I just found XLoader on the internet, can't remember where now. Making the videos takes a lot of time and I don't have the time to add subtitles. All the details are in the ebook from the website which you could use Google translate to your own language
Hello, thanks for the video, do you know if I can replace the mks board with an Rpi4? Or would I need both?
The Rpi4 won't work because the foam cutter firmware is based on GRBL Mega 5X which will only run on the Arduino Mega 2560 based boards with the RAMPS 1.4. The MKS board is basically a Mega 2560 and RAMPS board in one unit.
Keith
@@rckeith Could you guide me in the use of linuxcnc with an rpi4?
love your videos, kinda a unique question, i just recently acquired an old commercial 5x10 foot hot wire foam machine, had set outside so i would say all the electronics toast, how hard would it be to adapt your basic design to larger steppers (if even needed) like nema 23 or larger and their own drives at that point. like the idea of the adruino but not sure if it can run this large of a machine, i do have a lot of experience with cnc routers and some with mach 3 mostly uccnc though. right now this machine only looks like it moved in the z direction and side to side, only two motors would like to add more.. any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks for your kind word. You could use the MKS with external drivers have a look here ruclips.net/video/zbESZLDxY20/видео.html if you haven't already. Using external drivers the Arudino only needs to send step and direction pulses to the drivers. So you could use quite large motors with suitable drivers. That should work OK as long as you size the motors and drivers to suit.
Hope that helps
Keith
@@rckeith yup watched more of your video and realized that prob. was possible. thanks greatly
Hello...I have a mks v2.1 and I wanted to ask you if I can connect it to an 18v source without having problems.
Hi, I think it should be OK as MKS say 12-24 volt. I haven't tried it myself. Just make sure your 18v source can supply enough current. There are details in my ebook on the website explaining how to size the power supply.
@@rckeith ok...thanks for taking the time to answer
Do you plan to connect a touchscreen and work without a pc in the future?
Hi, No the firmware would need lots of work and I don't have the skills to do. Sorry
Hi Mr.Keith my name is Leandro I am from Brazil, I am having a problem, I had to adjust the value of $ 100,101,102 e103 to 40,000, but when I move the engines they move very slowly how can I increase the speed when I move in the manual? I am using gt2 belt. I thank the Lord, because I learned a lot from you! A big hug!
I replied from the website where you made a comment.
I managed to solve the speed problem by configuring the drivers, what is the diameter of the hot wire that you use? Thank you sir!
I use 0.4mm wire. You can use many types of wire including nichrome.
ok, I will test with 0.4
I am working on a Nema 17 stepper version, and I am getting a lot of motor wine, when the motors are not moving, what should I do to reduce/eliminate this
Thanks
Have you set the Vref for your motors on the stepper drivers. It sounds like you may be sending to much current. Which drivers are you using and what current rating are your stepper motors.
@@rckeith I am using anet a8 nema 17s, I being they are rated at .9 amps. I am also using the DRV8825 drivers, set to .45 Volts
Steppers motors can make a little noise when connected, mine do. I would first double check the model number on the stepper motor to make sure it is 0.9A. You could try adjusting the Vref to eliminate most of the whine and make sure the machine still operates OK.
what about newer ver MKS board that build in stepper driver? is there any good or should I avoid it?
You can only use 8-bit boards so that rules out any 32-bit boards. The firmware will only run on boards that have a Arduino Mega 2560 and RAMPS board. The MKS Gen L has this built in.
Keith
@@rckeith what i mean MKS BASE V1.5 board, it has MEGA 2560 but build in stepper driver. It might I will choose v.10 as you use in this video, so if I burn the driver I can swap it.
anyway, im in ordering my parts, and watching your videos, its very helpful. and I have other question about homing switch, since it mechanical switches, it has offset, small but it will significant if we build long wire plus it mounts on 3d and we put it manually, so is there any in software to adjust that? or I need to manually align so the wire sit center not diagonal when in home position?
The MKS Base V1.5 drivers are not adjustable so you will not be able to set the VREF for the speeper motors. I not sure I understand the second part of your question about homing. All the settings can be changed on the settings tab of the software.
Keith
@@rckeith my 2nd questions is, let say i have 2cm limit switch from the end rail. And the other rail i put 3cm limit switch, so when homing the wire will rest in diagonal position, not perpendicular to the wall.
So either the software to compensate that, or i have to adjust so they both have same distance,
My use case if we have 2 meters cnc, 0.5cm will effect to the end
Hi Keith, I set up with the MKS Base V1.4 board, and the 'X' axis is turning at less than half the speed of the other axes. I have swapped out the drivers, driven different loads, so it is something to do with the board, not with the steppers. I have been through the feed rates and steps, they are all the same as the rest, but it runs slower than the other ones and only does 2mm instead of 10 on test. Do you have any ideas?
Have you checked the jumpers under the driver chip? This set the micro-stepping. I'm not sure if the 1.4 boards works had a couple of guys said they couldn't get it to work. I don't have one so I can't confirm that. It works fine on the Gen L V1.0 and 2.1
Keith
Я не понимаю говорите пожалуйста по русски
Sorry I can't speak Russian
Посетите веб-сайт rckeith.co.uk/use-the-mks-gen-l-board-for-cnc-foam-cutting/
На сайте есть языковой переводчик, который можно установить на русский язык.