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Drawbot wiki updates; one less configuration screen

Thanks to local user Alan who recommended several important updates to the Wiki. Wiring for red/blue/green/black wiring has been added, theory part of the layout is improved, and several other mistakes/out of date things/formatting errors have been spruced up. Remember: if you have an idea that might help, please don’t hesitate to share!

The “configure machine limits” and “configure paper limits” have been combined into a single configure dialog. The plan is to put a picture in the background of the dialog to visually explain what is going on.

Also big thanks to Michael who’s been helping debug 64 bit systems. You guys are awesome and I can’t thank you enough for the help. I’m sure everyone else facing these issues appreciates it, too.

So… should I create a forum for you to work together? I’d like people with drawbot variations to have a place to compare notes.

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Version numbers

I’ve never found an elegant way to track version numbers. I’m also looking for an easy way to track changes from one version to the next. Any suggestions?

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New Store Launched!

I finally bit the bullet and put this thing online. Spend lots of money so I can test this thing, OK? 😉

I’ve added the Skycam as a product and all the individual pieces for kits. Since the Etsy store hasn’t done me any business I’m going to move “Buy your own drawbot print” into my shop.

I’ve got the lightbox finished so expect new product pictures in the coming days. My cell phone camera isn’t up to scruff and my HD Pro, while awesome, warps every picture with its fish eye lens. Oh no, I might have to buy some new, slightly-used toys.

I’m really looking forward to the Life Tree Fundraiser party on the 11th, where Drawbot will be making an appearance. Drawbot is also going to be at the Super Happy Hacker House at the VHS on the 18th. See you there?

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WHERE now M114 like Repraps, jogging now reports current position.

Last night at the VHS Andrew showed me Gcode command M114 which tells the robot “tell me where you think you are right now.” I had this implemented as a WHERE command in Arduino. I’ve now switched it in both branches. I’ve also added it to every Jog Motor or Drive Manual button event, so every time you move the motors by hand it will tell you the current location. This can be handy for calibration: I can ship a 10x10cm grid with the kit that you tape around 0,0 and then you can jog to see if your pictures are going to come out square.

Would it be OK to store each Drawbot’s dimensions in the cloud? That way a given Drawbot would only have to be set up once instead of once per computer. I don’t know if there’s really a need, it just crossed my mind.

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A Big Day of Firsts!

Today is the first time I import product. UPS called and asked if I had a broker. I said “Yes.”
“Who?”
“Me?”
“Ok. Would you like the shipment number?”
It was that easy? I thought they’d try to talk me out of it or something. Wipes nervous sweat from brow. Now I need to get down to the airport and explain to them the situation. To whit:

Later today I’m also getting the final parts for another drawbot shipment and then I’m building a lightbox so I can start getting product photos into my shop. Zencart is hiddeous but it’s a start.

I’m really starting to grow into the role of businessman. Facilitating opportunities in a way where everybody wins while making money is ridiculously feel-good.

I’ll have another post later today with my experience at the CBSA.