Keyboard Jogging

Does the current Repetier-host version support some sort of keyboard shortcuts so you can jog the printer head? What I mean is something like Mach3 where you can jog using the arrow keys for X/Y and PgUp/PgDn for the Z axis.

Not yet, but sounds like a good idea for the time no job is running and no text field has the focus. What do you think 1mm moves and 10 with shift key pressed. How does that sound?

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Tough decision as I did not expect the question

I myself would like a settings tab to set this up, instead of having them hardcoded, such as:
-jog distance normal
-jog distance shift key
-X/Y/Z +/- key bindings
However, if this is too much work, a setup like you mentioned is also welcome, of course.

Another path to go is jogging exactly like Mach3, based on how long you keep the key pressed and the feedrate you select (Repetier-host already has that Feedrate scrollbar that is effective during printing, but not during jogging). But this path needs a few extra lines of code, compared to the preset distance version).

Not sure I want a 5th tab for printer settings. It's getting too much options lately confusing most users. But maybe as an option in the config file.

Changing speed over duration is not possible with the firmwares. Path planning, communication, buffering add a delay. But I will experiment with it. Perhaps it works at least until the set jerk speed as there is no path planning involved.

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I probably explained it wrong, Mach3 doesn't change speed based on how long you keep the key pressed (well besides the intial acceleration to get from zero to the set feedrate, which being an acceleration is a change in speed). Working in a different system, the LPT way compared to the ATMEGA way, Mach3 sends signals to the drivers as long as you keep the key pressed. Anyway, forget about this idea, it doesn't sound right

About the extra settings tab, as long as there is a config with key mappings and all other goodies, I myself don't have a problem with it. It would be great to have some customizable G-Code shortcuts. I was using Pronterface before Repetier and I really miss those personalized cute buttons I was creating there.

I have another request regarding jogging: could it be possible to have a way to adjust the Z axis while printing? This could be very helpfull to adjust the first layer, during the first seconds of extrusion, to have a perfect sticking...

The idea is to send steps to the motor whithout using the planer or so, as it is only to adjust the zero position, in fact.

This could also be with 2 push buttons directly connected to unused inputs; the firmware would just have to monitor these keys, and send a few steps at each transition...

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Frédéric

It is possible but only for experts. First you have to change the coordinate system with

G92 Z0.1

then go to the current z height set previously

G1 T0.2

That should lift the extruder 0.1mm for 0.2mm height set.

I haven't tested it, but I'm quite sure it sould work that way.

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Ok, but it is not easy to adjust while printing; we need to keep an eye on the print, so it should not require to enter complex commands.

That's why I was thinking about 2 dedicated hard keys directly binded to the motor pulse...

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Frédéric

I think some customizable key-binding, like the pronterface buttons, would solve both many of the current user wishes and the eventually upcoming ones. So you would select the desired key (ctrl/alt/shift/F keys capability would be nice) and assign it a script. Then you would only have to deal with the buffer issue that lags your newly sent commands.

Yes, but the buffer *is* a problem!

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Frédéric

The next host version has key bindings for the 5 scripts. Buttons are still on the roadmap...

From the server side you will never solve the buffer problem. New commands always have to get to the fron of the queue. Direct printer buttons could be used to add new steps, but that is not really an elegant solution. The next firmware will have a z-probe and autolevel function, which should solve the problem in a much more consistent way. With a precise switch like the ones used in cnc machines for tool changes to measure the new height, you can even use it without a special mechanic.

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What precise switch are your refering? You mean to use such thing a low endstop? Or as specific Z probe? Is it mechnical or light-base switch?

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Frédéric

The one I currently use is this one: [www.sorotec.de]

only disadvantige is the weight of 140gr which might influence the bed height with springs. You can of course use any other switch that switches reliably at the same point regardless of the exact point where the extruder hits the surface. For this solution you get option that you need to hit the button once to start probing. That way you get time to position it beneath the extruder. Or you use a builtin z-probe with a switch.

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Repetier-Software - the home of Repetier-Host (Windows, Linux and Mac OS X) and Repetier-Firmware.
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Hi,

With the new plugin framework it's possible - and I wrote one yesterday. Feedback is appreciated!

[github.com]

BR/Anders