So once we get a fixed release of fluidnc 4.1 do we no longer need the rj122 port on the jackpot. The main use was for the pendants so esp-now fixes that.
The RJ12 can be used for an expansion board but so can the module port.
Am I understanding this right?
I’ve been playing with ESP-NOW, it seems to be a better option for a pendant.
There’s also other developments in the ecosystem. Bart and Mitch have been playing around with the STP16CP05, which is a 16 channel IO driver that is better than what used to be used on Bart’s board and what we use in Jackpot.
I might start playing with the Ethernet module because that would be an interesting option for wired gcode senders (AKA Lightburn/MillMage etc.) or other things needing “reliable” network interface as well.
It’d be interesting to make an ESP-Now tutorial for using a Pi / PC / Mac or other system to send gcode directly to the jackpot with that protocol.
There’s still IO expansion possible over the RJ12 port which is a niche market but I don’t see anyone else in our community playing with that right now.
The CYD firmware page says that esp-now is superior so there is no more wifi in the cyd at all on the current versions. That is what made me realize there is a lot more to this.
ohhhh, 3 drivers per chip instead of two. so we could free up more pins. I suspect if we ever used this though we would just change out to the s3 as well and gain even more pins.
Gotta keep my eye on this stuff.
Yeah, exactly. But a key note: More pins, not much more cost.
Some people seem to prefer a wired connection (I’m not one of them.) But it seems there is a collection of options - wifi, esp-now, rj11, usb host, ethernet…
Oh I will leave it on there for now but I am not seeing a reason for the next version to have it.
Just trying to keep track of al the new software and firmware stuff going on lately.
This Zen is just about ready to be released then I am going to get to work on some more hardware for a while.
Wired connection with LR4 means that somehow the comms have to travel with the machine. I already have to watch my power cords.