GRBL Software ： Basic knowledge of simple explanation

Decide which one to use CNC Software is a tough decision . Check out our response to GRBL Overview of software , See if it suits you .
When you encounter specific problems or need to ask questions , Having some preferred resources is always helpful . We found some useful resources , It can solve the problems of most beginners ：

• DIYMachining：GRBL A practical step-by-step guide for beginners , It also includes useful images .
• CNC Cookbook： One about CNC All the content of the website （ And ebooks ）, It contains some information about many GRBL Articles on related topics suitable for beginners .
• LaserGRBL： About laser carving GRBL Useful suggestions for setting .
• GitHub：GitHub Upper GRBL wiki Contains a lot of easy to understand information . There is also a forum for users to ask questions and a convenient FAQ .

Content

• What is it ？
• Set up
• Potential problems
• Extended reading
• Alternative solutions
• notes
• Related content

What is it ？

Arduino Uno Of DIY CNC Adapter （ source ：danizichi via Reddit）

The first thing to do ：GRBL（ It doesn't really mean anything specific , Pronunciation image “ gerbil ”） It's free open source software , It's for Arduino Developed for motion control of microcontroller board , have access to Arduino To operate CNC machine .GRBL Originally in 2009 Released to the public in , Since then, it has been used as the preferred software for motion control by many companies （ Beat similar proprietary applications ）.GRBL stay GitHub It is still free on , And the repository is currently owned by Sonny Jeon maintain .

GRBL Software in most Arduino It can be found on the board based on ATmega328 Running on a microcontroller , You can Directly through GRBL flow Type transmission G Code command . Many software applications can work with GRBL Use it together for free , for example Candle、Mastercam and Fusion 360 Personal use version of .

GRBL Made some adaptations , Make it available for countless projects , from Laser cutting To make all kinds of home crafts .GRBL It is used by thousands of people every day Reduced material manufacturing purpose .

GRBL Some ideas about the project or task , You can find easy to follow instructions on the Internet , Including the control of servo motor 、 manufacture Plotter 、 Wood carving wait ！

Set up

miniaturization Arduino and CNC Shielding settings （ source ：citruscnc via Reddit）

In order to use GRBL, You need three components ： One Arduino plate 、 One CNC Expansion board and several Stepping driver .（ The important thing is to pay attention , because ATmega2560 Micro controller , Basic GRBL Do not apply to Arduino Mega plate .）

The basic installation steps are as follows ：

1. Download the latest GRBL package （ It will act as .zip File download ）.
2. Download the latest version of Arduino IDE.
3. start-up Arduino IDE And will .zip In the document “grbl” Add folder as library .
4. Put your Arduino Connect to your computer and run GRBL Upload .

It's that simple ！ The actual compilation process should be relatively simple , stay GRBL wiki There is a detailed step-by-step guide on . perhaps , There are some useful YouTube Tutorials can be broken down GRBL Visual effect of installation ：

• DIY3DTECH.com
• jtech customs
• Zen Toolworks

Find out ！ first-class Arduino CNC Software

Potential problems

by GRBL Open one G Code file （ source ：Maker Tutor via YouTube）

Like any software ,GRBL Users may occasionally encounter various support problems . Common problems include encountering soft constraints 、 Trigger GRBL Alerts and prevents you from continuing , Reset required .

According to your CNC To configure , Another problem that users sometimes encounter is spindle control , For example, the spindle starts before it is needed . Sometimes the spindle may not respond or the software connection may be difficult .

Don't support G Code may also cause you to use GRBL I have some problems , Because the list of supported commands is not complete . If you want to use some extensions , understand GRBL Will use your Arduino The code space on may also be helpful .

Extended reading

And GRBL Used together CNC The protective cover needs some troubleshooting （ source ：Toxicturkey via Reddit）

When you encounter specific problems or need to ask questions , Having some preferred resources is always helpful . We found some useful resources , It can solve the problems of most beginners ：

• DIYMachining：GRBL A practical step-by-step guide for beginners , It also includes useful images .
• CNC Cookbook： One about CNC All the content of the website （ And ebooks ）, It contains some information about many GRBL Articles on related topics suitable for beginners .
• LaserGRBL： About laser carving GRBL Useful suggestions for setting .
• GitHub：GitHub Upper GRBL wiki Contains a lot of easy to understand information . There is also a forum for users to ask questions and a convenient FAQ .

Alternative solutions

Smoothieware Customized board （ source ：Griffin_459 via Reddit）

Of course ,GRBL It is not the only open source software of its kind , So here are some other open source applications and how they relate to GRBL Comparison ：

• Marlin： For specific software work , This may be more than GRBL More flexible options , but GRBL It may be more “ Streamline ” Or a more practical software choice .Marlin have 20 kHz Or higher step rate , and GRBL The maximum value of is 30 kHz.Marlin A popular feature of is “ Baby step ” function , however , Many users report GRBL Than Marlin more “ User friendly ”.
• Smoothieware： Although the two programs have something in common , But for some projects ,GRBL Comparable Smoothieware Run faster .Smoothieware A wide range of uses , Often than GRBL More compatible 3D Print . however ,GRBL Often than Smoothieware It has better grating performance .
• LinuxCNC： This is a Linux User's multifunction options , It has many functions , Including closed-loop servo control and 4 Axis and 5 Axis function . because Arduino Processing restrictions ,GRBL The configuration ratio of LinuxCNC More limited , But it has more advantages than LinuxCNC Advantages of easier learning .
  

Explore your choices 2022 Best of year CNC Software （ Some are free ）

Main image source ： LeejSm1th via Reddit