Most common asked questions
Here are the most common asked questions asked at this forum
The machine homes in the wrong direction what can I do? Turn the Y axis connector around or configure the Y axis homing direction in the firmware via “$3=0 or 2”
How do I send configuration commands to Gerbil? You can send commands to Gerbil via any G-code sender.
What are the commands to configure Gerbil? Issue a “$$” command and it shows all parameters.
What does LO stands for? Laser On. It’s a floating connection at the laser power supply which turns the laser tube on when connected to ground. Active ground or zero
How do I wire the PWM connection? It is a single wire from the PWM pin on the Gerbil K40 shield to the “IN” screw terminal on the laser PSU (power supply). Currently the middle lead of the analog potiometer or the digital control panel output goes to this terminal. Disconnect the current stock wired connection or add a three way switch so you can choose (manual or Gerbil). This manual option is handy when aligning mirrors and gantry.
The machine locks up when powered, do I do something wrong? why is that? Gerbil follows the CNC safety protocol. The controller does not know where the gantry is when it powers up and locks its motors to prevent to run into something like your hand. Unlock the machine by clearing the alarm mode: command is “$X”. This command is issued via a g-code sender or via the streaming feature on the Inkscape plugins. There is an option to disable this behaviour which means you need to alter the firmware code: main.c and rename state_alarm into state_idle. This also means you need to re-flash the firmware via the Arduino IDE or via an usbasp programmer.
The laser pulses three times when powered, why is that? When the controller is booting up, Optoboot pulses the output pin PB5 to alert the user that optoboot is searching for a potential flash file from the Arduino IDE via the usb port. Since pb5 is also used to switch the LO signal, the laser might flash when the laser fire button on the control panel is closed (pressed). Never leave the fire/on button ON but only push the button when everything is ready to do the cutting/engraving and the lid is closed. Use this safety feature, always close the lid and remind yourself that eyes cannot be replaced (you only have one pair that has to last a life time). There is an option to remove this toggling of PB5 pin in optoboot (set ledflashes=0 in optoboot.c and recompile the bootloader) which means you need to reflash the firmware.
What version of Inkscape can I use? 32bits Inkscape 0.92. The 64 bits does has bugs in the Python serial library
Where can I find the USB drivers? see the download menu (has a link to FTDI site)