While V3 isn’t fully recommended yet, I’ve been messing around with it. I saw that it has a keyboard control option. So, I bought one of these (1/8 inch endmill for scale):
8Bitdo Micro Bluetooth Gamepad Pocket-sized Mini Controller for Switch, Android, and Raspberry Pi, Supports Keyboard Mode (Green) Amazon.com
It has a keyboard mode with an app to configure the key mapping.
You do have to enable keyboard mode in the FluidNC settings. I had to change the Jog Cancel command because it didnt support key combos (it was Ctrl + S).
My current config:
Arrow keys : jog X and Y
+ and - : jog Z
X : home X
Y : home Y
A : cancel jog
B : home Z
Star : home all
Squares: emergency stop
Triggers : change jog distance
You can map to any macro as well.
This does have limitations but I’m thoroughly amused. You need to have the dashboard tab active.
It’s customizable. If you open the menu on the Dashboard, you can click “Use keyboard” to enable the keyboard shortcuts. You can select “Keyboard keys” to see the current mapping.
You can change the mappings under Settings → ESP3D Interface. It depends on what shortcuts you want to modify.
Jogging commands are under the Jog Panel. You’ll need to scroll down.
You can click on them to edit the mapping.
You can also change the mappings for Macros on the Macros panel. Click to edit and it’s the Key field at the bottom.
Hello Jason,
Thanks for the tip about the gamepad. I tested it and it works great. Keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl+S are also supported!
If you’re working with a PC (Windows, Linux), you can also use AntiMicroX (https://antimicro.net/) for the same purpose with any gamepad (wired or wireless) . Here’s my current configuration.
