README deutsch
A GCode sender for GRBL under windows, using DotNET 4.0 (should also work with Windows XP)
Written in C# VisualStudio 2015.
If you like GRBL-Plotter, show it to me with a small donation :-)

• Control via Keyboard
• Improved import of images - check wiki
  • smoothing of outline contour
  • shrink contour to compensate pen width

• Improved import of images - check wiki
  • New filters for easy color quantization
  • Create outline contour to avoid wavy edges

• Tool table instead of color palette (incl. tool exchange positions (water color pos.))
• Drag tool compensation (to compensate offset when drawing with a brush)
• automatic subroutine insertion (to refresh brush after drawing a certain distance - Video)
• Show machine working area, alert on exceed
• Reduce CPU load by showing background picture instead of real object path during streaming
• Receive commands via serial port for DIY control pad / pendant

Check the Wiki for further information

Zip folder contains ClickOnce application setup. Exe can be found in sub-folder GRBL-Plotter/bin/release.

• VisualStudio 2015
• DotNET 4.0

• Several options to translate Pen Up/Down
  • controlling a Z axis
  • controlling a servo
  • controlling a laser
  • user defined commands
  • Create GCode absolute or relative (for further use as subroutine)
• Ruler and import units can be switched between mm or inch
• GCode import via file load, drag & drop or copy & paste
  • Loading GCode with optional replacement of M3 / M4 commands (helpful for 'Laser Mode' $32=1)
• SVG graphics import via file load, drag & drop (also URL) or copy & paste - tested with Inkscape generated SVGs
  • optional resize to fixed size
  • optional output of nodes only (generating drill holes for string art Video 'String Art' )
  • optional sorting of paths by used color
  • optional tool change
  • if text needs to be imported, convert text into path first
• DXF graphics import via file load, drag & drop (also URL) - tested with LibreCAD generated DXFs
  • few entities are missing
• Drill file import via file load, drag & drop
• Image import via file load or drag & drop
• GCode can be edited and saved
• Recent File List (Files and URLs)
• Export / import machine specific settings (Joystick, Buttons)

• Create Text
  • own created 'Dot Matrix' font Video 'Dot Matrix'
• Create simple shapes

• Transformation of GCodes (scale, rotation, mirror, zero-Offset)
• Transformation via camera teaching
• Axis Substitution for Rotary Axis

• Individual commands via user defined Buttons
• Joystick like control in user interface
• support of no-name USB GamePad
• Optional usage of a WebCam with separate coordinate system: graphics overlay of the current GCode, set zero point, measure angle, zoom, teaching
  • Shape recognition for easier teach-point (fiducial) assignment
  • Transforming GCode with camera aid, to match drill file with PCB view Wiki 'PCB drilling'

• Supporting subroutines M98, M99 Sub-Program Call (P, L)
• Internal variable to support probing, e.g.:
  • G38.3 Z-50 (probe toward tool length sensor, stop on contact - because of deceleration stop-pos. is not trigger-pos.)
  • G43.1 Z@PRBZ (Offset Tool with value stored on trigger of sensor switch)
  • examine SerialForm.cs for implementation

• Automatic reconnect on program start
• Supporting GRBL 1.1 (and 0.9 also)
• Supporting new GRBL 1.1 features
  • Jogging
  • Feed rate override
  • Spindle speed override
  • real time display GRBL states (in COM CNC window)
• Check limits of GRBL setup - max. STEP frequency and min. FEED rate in COM CNC window
• Controlling a 2nd GRBL-Hardware
• Supports 4th axis (A, B, C, U, V or W). Status and control (special GRBL version needed)

On my german homepage: my XYZ platform

Main GUI

Separate serial COM window(s) - one for the CNC, one for the tool changer (or 4th axis)

Setup import / GCode conversion
Setup import / GCode conversion
Setup import / GCode conversion

Setup main tool table

Setup main configuration

Setup user defined buttons

Setup GamePad

Setup virtual Joystick

Setup shape recogniton for fiducial camera

Text import

Picture import

Different scaling options

Feed rate overrid for Version 0.9 and 1.1