G-code sender supporting rotary axis - XYZA

Root Controller Advice
1

Hi,

I’m in the process of re-commissioning my 4 axis CNC now that I have switched to the Root controller.

I have all 4 axis working and the 3-axis fully commissioned using bCNC on a RaspberryPi as the local (to machine) G-code sender. I’m looking for a G-code sender that works with a 4 axis machine and was wondering if anyone has a recommendation.

My requirements are for a G-code sender that supports 4 axis (XYZA) and that runs on a RPi 3b+ and connected to the Root Controller 3 using the USB connector. Ideally a python app.

I have found the GitHub - dguerizec/bCNC-4axis: GRBL CNC command sender, autoleveler and g-code editor repository but the project does not appear to be maintained and I have not yet managed to install successfully.

alternative keywords: GCode, 4Axis, 4-Axis, Rotary

Cheers,

Maurice

2

I think I have solved my sender problem. I have UGS and bCNC loaded and both work okay. I also discovered that bCNC can be configured for a 6 axis machine with a simple click of a config tickbox.

Jogging worked for all four axes. Tomorrow I’ll see if I can actually do a job.

I’ll leave this post up as it may be helpful.

1 Like
3

Well done. I was going to suggest Universal Gcode Sender.

Ive never used bCNC, is it any good?

4

I’ve been using bCNC for many years and it works reliably and it’s quick (python). I have tried UGS but on a RPI 3B+ it is slow. If I upgrade to a RPi4 I’ll give USG another go.

5

I should try it out!

USG is super heavy as program, my old laptop takes a fair few minuets to get it to load, so no idea how long it would be a RPI!

It does have some cool options and plugins, its been my go to for a while now.

6

The RaspberryPi 5 runs UGS without a problem although the RPi5 does seem to be more susceptible to EMI.

7

I would suspect the PSU for the Pi isn’t a very good one and/or the PI needs some additional shielding put around it.

8

Yes I tried adding shielding and moving the Pi away from the controller/VFD but I still had problems even when I shut the controller down. Something appears to get corrupted on the Pi5 which affects bCNC too. I don’t know how many times I refreshed the Pi SD card only to be frustrated by the problem. Out of desperation I have solved the problem by using Armbian OS rather than Pi OS. Go figure! It seems to be working fine now.

9

I’ve just been trying gSender (g-code sender) from Sienci Labs. It now supports 4 axis but there is one problem, Fluidnc doesn’t use them ‘standard’ grbl configuration codes, specifically $23, which causes an issue with one of the homing controls on the UI. Otherwise it seems to work well.

Has anyone else tried gSender? Maybe you have a different g-code sender. I’ve used UGS and bCNC but both UIs are a bit clunky.