A colleague and I are collaborating on a project to construct an MP CNC machine at work. We are both apprentices, and we have successfully wired the motors (X, Y and Z stepper motors) and constructed the machine. We initially attempted to control the MP CNC via the TFT display, which was successful. We then proceeded to download Estlcam in order to complete the project. However, a problem has arisen: the USB that is being seen by the laptop will not get recognised by Estlcam, and the software states that this may be due to either incorrect control electronics or a connection issue. We have already attempted to resolve this by flashing new firmware on the SKR Pro V1.2 board as well as on the TFT35 V3 display, but we are running out of ideas. We would therefore be very grateful for any assistance.
The laptop we are using is a rather newer Hp one with windows 10 running on it.
Welcome to the forum, congratulations on your success in building.
I suggest you read the documentation that you find at the following link: EstlCAM Setup - V1 Engineering Documentation
I also built the MPCNC of the version previous to yours, to use it I load the Gcode File generated with EstlCam on an SD that I connect to the TFT and everything works properly. I hope I have been helpful, otherwise other members of the forum, more expert than me, will help you.
Unfortunately, we are unable to use Estlcam as it states that there is no response from the com port. The issue is not with the MPCNC itself, but rather with Estlcam’s inability to recognize it. This also prevents us from utilizing the simple y x z controller in Estlcam, We also can’t get any gcode from Estlcam.
Estlcam has 2 parts: the CAM side to generate gcode and the control side. Most people here just use the CAM part. You can not use the control part with a SKR.
The v1 firmware on the skr is likely marlin and estlcam does not talk to marlin firmware. To get it to work, you would need to get a different binary file for the skr, but according to this post there isnt likely one available:
So the issue with the connection is therefore due to the use of a Marlin-based control board? Estlcam is being used solely for G-code generation, which is then fed to the board via a microSD card, am I correct ?
From the post i referenced, estlcam control firmware appears to be precompiled and works with 8 bit processors while the skr is 32 bit and uses a different processor.
I dont use either marlin or estlcam firmware, but i do use the skr. It is a very capable board. I keep it tethered to a raspberry pi or a commandline linux system instead of the sdcard. One way you could run stock firmware with marlin and still have pc control would be to run octoprint to send gcode.
I believe that Estlcam talks to the Arduino Uno style boards with a CNC shield. There may be others, but they are quite limited. Estlcam wants to talk to its own specific firmware. It’s not as flexible as Marlin to run on dozens of different platforms. I have no doubt that it’s capable in its sandbox, but I’ve never had a machine based on a board that Estlcam can control.
I do use Estlcam, but only for code generation. I have used it with an SKR Pro board, and a Jackpot, and I use it with my Duet based machines. I like its feature set.
