Category: News

Makelangelo News

Makelangelo 7.6.5 software update

2016-07-19 Dan

Get the files

[products skus=’FIRM-0001, SOFT-0001′]

multipass example

Added converter Multipass. You can adjust the angle and the number of passes.

Added converter Wander. You choose the number of lines, but not where they randomly travel.

machine size calculations

Added belt and servo wire length calculation to settings > machine panel. This will make it easier to order large-scale machines from Marginally Clever.

limit test

Added generator Limit Test. The gcode will travel around the outside edge of the paper and then return to home. This is very useful if you are running from an SD card.

preview electronics on makelangelo

Added visual of control box and stepper wires:

boxxy style

Improved Boxxy style (added infill):

new connect button

Simplified connect list & rescan to connect/disconnect button:

Also

  • Added ANSI, US, and Arch paper sizes
  • Improved DXF multilayer support, improved change tool message
  • Force log to bottom of file unless caret moved; shortened gui log for faster updates
  • Several bugfixes

Home position and calibration

Please print this calibration PDF, unscaled, on letter or A4 paper. Place it at the top center of your machine. the pen holder then lines up with the picture on the paper to get perfect calibration every time. This works extra good when you already have paper on the machine and you want to restart or continue a drawing using the “start at” feature.

firmware update

Please download and update to the latest firmware.

News

Jigsolve: Nozzle work

2016-07-07 Dan

The point of the robot is to let the internet finish a jigsaw puzzle. All problems trickle down from there. Starting at the frame was great fun, but maybe not the best place to begin. The nozzle head has gone through three redesigns and I suspect it will take three to five more before I get it right. It will affect the X carriage and gantry, which may affect the Y carriages, which may affect the corner mounts.

Anyways! Here’s the hollow shaft NEMA17 stepper motor I ordered.

Here’s the 3D printed adapter that will hold the vacuum hose on the back of the stepper.

I’ve sprayed the outside with white primer paint in the hope that it will seal microscopic holes in the print and maintain a good air-tight seal. I believe I need a thin layer of rubber between the plastic and the metal body of the stepper for a good seal. I tried a thin bead of hot glue, but testing shows the suction isn’t enough to lift a bottle cap.

Also the tonal pitch of the pump rises significantly when I put my finger over the pump inlet. It changes much less when I do the same at the silicone nozzle on the stepper, or on the stepper directly. I conclude there is an air gap in the 3D printed adapter and that this gap is on my hit list.

News

2016 Canada Post Strike changes shipping options (temporarily)

2016-06-24 Dan

Canada Post workers are threatening to strike July 2nd, 2016 for an unknown length of time.
We wouldn’t want your order to be stuck in a post office until the strike is over.
I have temporarily disabled Canada Post as a shipping option. Please use the UPS or FedEx options until further notice.

This week has been amazing! A record number of single-week orders, a bunch of new toys in the office, and release 21 of the Makelangelo software has everyone pleased. To Jen, Alec, Kington, and all our families, friends, and loyal supporters: thank you!

News

JigSolve: on loan for art project!

2016-06-02 Dan

Steven, a member of the local hackspace, is building an art machine. Imagine a table with a thin bed of sand. a metal ball rolls through the sand, making spirograph patterns all day. The metal ball is moved by a magnet from beneath the table, giving it an almost magical appearance. If you’ve been to the San Mateo fair, you know what I’m talking about.

So with two weeks before the local maker fair, his mechanism to move the magnet crapped out and he called me for the design files to JigSolve. “Why not just use the whole machine?” I asked. So he did.

Apparently he’s gone the extra mile and redesigned most of the parts and then laser cut them from acrylic. I’m not sure if he’s building a complete second system or if he’s modding the original. Either way, I should soon have some video of JigSolve being used for something other than jigsaw puzzle solving, which makes me feel better.

It’s odd – My booth has gone sideways and my hot new thing has fallen apart, but I’ll have four or five other booths showing stuff in which I played a significant role. Does it help my maker business? Only time will tell.

Check back ~June 12, I should have video from the Vancouver Mini Maker Fair of the system in action.