I receive this query often so I have requested our latest possible builder to post here.
Andrew, sorry bud your post ended up in an odd spot so deleted and sent here.
“… Regarding the R7, when using bCNC /Raspberry Pi 3 configuration, I’m confused about the procedure by which bcnc and raspberry pi function together. Is bcnc downloaded directly to raspberry pi? Do I need to download python and pyserial as well? In order to use rbp, do I have to use an sd card as well as do some programming in order for the step driver system to work? I’ve been doing some research in order to gain clarity. However, it still eludes me. Looking forward to your help.
Thank You, Andrew”
So guys I need to be very clear, I nor any of my team created bcnc. It, like many we use, is a free to use download and hack program. Any that know me closely through here know that I have recently moved everything over to this software.
TinyG guys. Be able to come back here for reference. I got a call the other day you too will soon be joining the bCNC way of life if all goes well.
Just laying it all out there for future new comers to understand.
Tool chain -
Make drawing (CAD) Sketchup, Fusion, Solidworks
Export to DXF
Import into CAM I like CamBAM.
Export Gcode
Now somehow you need to take those little bits of gcode and shove them in your machine.
Some of the options we all previously used, Chilipeppr, TGfx (if you remember using this you have been doing this as long as I) cnc.js. Each of these is a viable option and will get the job done.There are a multitude of other options.
I personally like bCNC.
I wont go into all the details why here, but rather how to get this running.
OK, a quick why, it is the lightest, fastest, most capable freeware with a developer that makes changes quickly. (And I don’t find silly faults when I dig into something, still didn’t slow this guy from fixing something almost immediately)
AGAIN TinyG guys do not jump at this yet, wait till I get the word the translator/interpreter is done. I will post here when it is.
How to get bCNC up and running.
Buy a Raspberry Pi.
Buy or use any HDMI monitor you have laying around.
Buy or use any wireless USB dongle keyboard and mouse.
Buy an SD card.
Buy a Raspberry Pi power source (5v micro USB, not hard to find)
Using a desktop or Laptop load Raspbian on the SD card, following these instructions:
NOTE to you guys out there that are savvy, load raspbian lite. Not suggested for first time users.
Put the SD card in the rPi (Raspberry Pi is often abbreviated this way)
Plug in monitor to rPi
Plug in keyboard and mouse to rPi
Plug, via USB cable, your M1 or TinyG, or what have you into the rPi.
Power up rPi.
Connect to the internet (some little bars on the top right of the screen, connect to your wifi)
Visit this link:
Download the Zip file.
Unzip the folder to documents, or desktop of the Rpi.
Open the bCNC folder, look for a folder with a settings looking wheel on it, click this. You will get a screen that ask if you would like to execute or execute in terminal. Click execute.
BOOM a screen pops up on the rPi.
Power M1 board.
ON the file tab in bCNC, click connect.
That is it your connected. You now have a Gcode sender on a 35.00USD computer. It will not need internet connected, there are no file limits I have found so far, the available options inside this software are amazing. It has never lost connection, never paused in a job, etc. It just runs.