Most user requests could be resolved by simply implementing some kind of plugin framework. Rather than open-source the code, add endpoints that plugins could tie into. For example, events when something is about to happen, then after it happens.
If we had that we could code most user requests, and start implementing functional libraries. I know that’s a big ask, but we could take care of most of the other asks as a community.
I’d like more control over the tool library, being able to change the labels and maybe allocate feeds and speeds to a particular tool instead of having to do it every time I select a tool.
Also, I work in metric and CM seems to be a bit strange the way it gets back and forth between imperial and metric. I’d like to be able to lock it in to metric permanently. Even though I select metric, imperial seems to turn up in the tool library.
I get the impression CM is really working in imperial and is constantly converting back and forth with resulting rounding errors.
Of course, I could be doing it completely wrong.
Yes many proprietary software, like Excel has the ability to create macros and plugins but it remains a closed box. When you look at the competition, Vectric (VCarve, Aspire) lets users create gadgets with a free SDK and Easel has the ability to create plug-ins too while CC and CM remain a close box with no possible improvements until the code is upgraded which is not something done regularly.
Add to this - when a program finishes, CM flips back to the Info/Load tab. It’s nice if you’re changing programs, but I run the same program multiple times, so I have to go back to the Run tab to start my program again. Combining these tabs into one works for either workflow. Something like below?
Interestingly, CC an CM all work exclusively in metric internally.
Indeed, on a few occasions when working in imperial units I have noticed rounding errors as a result of the conversion. These are, of course, very small and insignificant discrepancies… and only become obvious when rendering the simulation in CC. For example sometimes a render of a cutout toolpath doesn’t quite make it through the entire stock thickness… leaving an onion skin in the rendering…
I like your rendering but I would add the est time for the job on the load side and a countdown (time remaining) at the top of the run side.
Now can you do the merging of the Jog, rapid position, probe and zero screen into one too?
A timer that displays the run time from start to finish. A level above would be to keep a history sheet that shows the name of the file, run time, feeds and speeds such as in the Rayjet Commander printer driver for Troteck Rayjet lasers.
Also, another bid for removing the requirement to hit DONE on the jog page. From all of the other pages you can select one of the tabs directly.
It would be great to be able to pause, jog and then resume. For the times the job moves part way and you need to fix and resume …
From what I see so far, CNCJS meets 90% of the requests/suggestions made in this thread
Some sort of rotary axis. I know this version of GBRL doesn’t support a 4th axis but I’ve seen a video of someone basically swapping the Y axis to turn the rotary tool.
And like with laser cutters they have an “outline” button that moves the tool on the outside boundry of the job in question.
Maybe there’s a simple work-around that I don’t know, but I can’t use a J-tech laser gcode file, because CC always pauses after “Laser On” for the spindle to spin up - which causes a big fat laser dot. An option to not pause for the spindle would be great. If there’s a GCode command to achieve the same, please let me know !
How about a workpiece / wasteboard surfacing “widget”?
Like this one:
Source
And a proper console for sending/receiving gcode and/or grbl commands.
Yes! And if we can do that, what about some simple conversational tools like square & round pocket and profile widgets? Where the user just punches in required dimensions, zeroes as required and hits go
I know it blurs the line between CC and CM but they would be awesome in the ‘pro’ version of CM
I vote for numbers 2, 3, and 4 here. Automatic HOME, multiple storable easily added HOME positions, and metric bit probing. These features would smooth workflow and eliminate potential errors. We’re doing a lot of two-sided machining and being able to set zero positions quickly would be a real timesaver. Love the multiple jig idea, as we’re doing small precise parts.
A Linux version would be nice.
A remote headless version that can run on a Linux SBC (like a Raspberry Pi) and controlled over the network from another (Linux) computer would be great.
There was a Linux version a while back, but it has been discontinued. To my mind, it doesn’t really make sense, since most folks running Linux want an all opensource toolchain.
A remote/headless version was actually announced as a product in development a few years ago:
https://carbide3d.com/blog/2017/feb-2017-update/
(scroll down to the bottom to see “Carbide Connect”)
While I prefer my softwares free (as in speech), it do make sense for me to have the option to use non-free software on Linux. When a non-free software clearly offers improvements over what’s is available as FOSS softwarse, many users don’t hesitate to pay and use them. In the software development world, the whole JetBrains software suite (IntelliJ, WebStorm, etc.) is available as closed source and paid for softwares on Linux.
I’ve no idea if Carbide Motion has any value because I wouldn’t go through the pain of running a Windows VM to try it when I’ve CNCjs perfectly working on a Raspberry Pi. Not making it available to Linux is a sure way to keep me not using it.
@pbuyle
I agree with you… I too run a headless raspberry pi with CNCJs. The nice thing about this is that I can control my Shapeoko from anywhere on any device with a browser. Usually a chrome book, sometimes my iPad and very rarely my android phone. It all works well together and cheaply.
As it happens I have just spent TWO whole days updating a windows 10 laptop for another project… which reminds me how totally overblown windows 10 is - if all you need to do is control a machine like a Shapeoko in your workshop! and expensive!
However, it is very likely that Carbide3D develops Carbide Motion further to give good extra and unique functionality that may make it desirable to use Carbide Motion… so in both yours and my workflow I would very much like to have a web browser controlled Linux version of Carbide Motion running on my headless pi! I suspect that there are many other headless raspberry pi Shapeoko users out there in the same boat!
Rather than a Raspberry Pi you can use an Intel Compute Stick running Windows 10.
