I am getting precious close to have having all the hardware completed for my custom reprap machine. I must admit, the choices and integration of the toolchain software looms as a major task. So... I would like to test out the subsystems independently before trying to exercise the *whole* system (input solid file through desk toy).
Question: I would like a simple set of software to test out the extruder on a fixed stand. Something that would give me simple, direct controls of the primitives involved with extruding.
I am using an Arduino Mega 2560 as the controller. The custom electronics are based on Pololu stepper drivers modules and simple FET PWM cartridge power. The extruder motor is a small stepper. The temperature monitor is based on a Honeywell thermistor (something like a 100Kohm unit that appears to be commonly used on reprap machines).
I would be extruding into free space (not onto a bed). So ideally, this software "tool" would allow me to try out the extruder at various feed rates, let me set the hotend temperature, let me play with PID hotend temperature control parameters and all without worrying about the other axes and complications from the rest of the toolchain.
Is there extruder test software that fits the bill? Or should I use one of the toolchain firmware versions (with the correct pindefs) as the test mule?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions from those who have further down the path.
Steve
