[Grbl_Esp32 Issue#640] Solenoid setup problems

#1 – bdring 于 2020-10-12

The solenoid pen feature became obsolete when we moved to motor classes in the firmware. You can control a solenoid with several other methods.

– Using a relay spindle
– With mist and flood coolant using M7,M8, & M9
– As a digital output using M62 and M63
– As a PWM output with M67

A solenoid motor class could be added, but I don’t think any developers would see it as a priority at this time.

#2 – cbvicious 于 2020-10-12

So, the board which I bought from you on tindie, a few months ago, is no longer usable?

#3 – cbvicious 于 2020-10-12

Would a reasonable solution be to run the MotorClass branch from the GIT?

#4 – bdring 于 2020-10-12

Do you have a machine designed yet? I think a servo makes a better axis than a solenoid.

If you need the solenoid axis, I could add it. Do you just need the solenoid to activate when the axis is above 0? Is you solenoid rated for continuous duty?

#5 – cbvicious 于 2020-10-12

I bought the Pen/Laser controller board, specifically to restore an old pen
plotter machine which uses a solenoid. Conversion to a servo would require
removal of the safety shield. I considered that option, but I have children
around the house and don’t want little fingers to enter moving parts.

The solenoid should be rated for constant duty, as far as i know.

The solenoid should only need to be active during pen/blade down
conditions.

>

#6 – bdring 于 2020-10-12

Can you send a snippet of the g-code that goes from pen up to pen down and back?

#7 – cbvicious 于 2020-10-12

I am hoping to use this tool.

https://www.calvertcreativesolutions.com/category-s/146.htm

> Oddities to “Normal” CNC:
> X Axis – rollers to pull vinyl in and out
> Y Axis – carriage
> M3 – Solenoid On
> M5 – Solenoid Off
> M8 – Vacuum Fans On
> M9 – Vacuum Fans Off
> S – PWM for solenoid pressure
> F – Feedrate instead of rapid move * Optional
> All other commands should work as expected.

I have no interest in the fans commands

#8 – bdring 于 2020-10-12

We already support that. Use this in your machine definition.
“
#define SPINDLE_TYPE SpindleType::PWM
#define SPINDLEOUTPUTPIN GPIONUM16
#define DEFAULTSPINDLERPM_MAX 1000.0 // this should be the max of the S parameter range you are using.
“

#9 – cbvicious 于 2020-10-12

That appears to be working, but is there any way to implement the holding power function which was available with solenoid control?

#10 – bdring 于 2020-10-12

We would not want to do that in firmware. M3/M5 is spindle g-code and your request does not make sense for spindle.

It could be done in g-code
– S100 (full power)
– M3 (turn on)
– G4P0.25 (wait 1/4 second)
– S50 (reduce power)