Chloe Adams
Candle is a GRBL controller application with a G-Code visualizer written in Qt. It is a free, basic CNC machine control software that is uncomplicated and perfect for beginners. It can be used with a Minimillr Desktop CNC Mill for 2D and 3D geometry, such as milling STL files created in a CAD package. Candle can be downloaded for Windows, and the installation process involves installing the Windows Serial port driver, disconnecting any offline controllers, and extracting the contents of the .zip file to a designated folder. The software incorporates a G-code visualizer and essential functions for running G-Code programs, making it a useful tool for those looking to explore CNC machining.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Software | Candle GRBL software |
| Type | Free, basic CNC machine control software |
| Functions | G-code visualiser, essential functions for running G-Code programs |
| Compatibility | Any CNC machine with an Arduino controller and no more than 3 axes (X, Y, and Z) |
| Use case | Hobby use, DIY CNC home conversions, small consumer-grade CNC routers and mills |
| Installation | Download and unzip the file, run from the designated folder, create a shortcut on the desktop |
| Offline controller | Ensure it is disconnected before starting Candle |
| Emergency stop switch | Check if it has been triggered, turn in the direction of the arrows to disengage |
| Homing cycle | Press the button with a house inside a magnifying glass to start, the CNC will move to the "Home" location |
| Test run | Click "Send" without spindle power to ensure the mill moves as expected |
| Workpiece clamping | Securely clamp the workpiece to the bed after the test run |
| Home positions | Set X, Y, and Z home positions to the lower left corner of the workpiece |
| Jog step increments | Use smaller increments for precise positioning |
| Cutter tip positioning | Use jog functions to position the tip just touching the top surface of the workpiece |
| Spindle connection | Connect with red and black connectors, set speed using the control knob |
| Cutting start | Start the spindle with the red rocker switch and click "Send" |
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What You'll Learn
Downloading and installing Candle/GRBLControl for Windows 8 or later
To download and install Candle/GRBLControl for Windows 8 or later, follow these steps:
First, download the Candle installation file from a trusted source, such as the official website or a reputable third-party website. The file is typically in a compressed .zip format, so you will need to extract the contents to a designated folder. It is recommended to save the extracted folder to your desktop or another location on your C: drive. Running the file directly from the .zip file will not work.
Once you have extracted the files, open the folder and locate the primary file, typically named "Candle.exe." Create a shortcut to this file on your desktop for easy access. At this point, no further installation is required, and you can start using Candle by double-clicking on the shortcut.
Before launching Candle, ensure that any offline controllers are disconnected from your CNC machine. This includes physically disconnecting any offline controller devices, as Candle may encounter issues if the CNC is connected to more than one device simultaneously.
Additionally, if you are using Google Chrome and encounter issues with the download link, right-click on the link and select "Save Link As" to manually choose the download location. After saving the file, you may need to select "Keep" to proceed with the download.
Note that for GRBL-based CNC machines with limit switches, it is normal to see an "Alarm" status when starting up Candle. This indicates that a Homing Cycle needs to be run for the CNC to become responsive. To do this, simply press the button with a house inside a magnifying glass, and your CNC will start the homing process.
Finally, to set up Candle with your CNC machine, ensure that the correct COM port is configured. Access the settings by clicking on "Service > Settings," and set the COM port as per the one listed in your Control Panel. Typically, this will not be COM1. Set the baud rate to the default value of 115200. A successful connection will display 'Grbl 1.1g' in the console.
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Troubleshooting common issues with Candle/GRBLControl
When troubleshooting Candle/GRBLControl, there are several common issues and solutions to keep in mind.
Firstly, if you are encountering crash or freeze problems, electrical interference could be the culprit. This can be addressed by modifying the serial port part of the software to ignore nonsensical data and request data again. Alternatively, changes to the grbl source code or using a double-shielded USB cable to connect the Uno to the computer may also help.
Another issue could be related to the "Port Opened" status, which can be resolved by ensuring your offline controller is physically disconnected from your CNC, as it can only connect to one device at a time. If you have an emergency stop switch, check if it has been triggered accidentally, as this can also cause issues.
If you are using Google Chrome and facing issues with download links, try right-clicking and selecting "Save Link As". Make sure to also install the Windows Serial port driver, labelled CH341SER.
For those using a 3018-PROVer, PROVerXL 4030, or any GRBL-based CNC with limit switches, it is normal to see an "Alarm" status when starting up Candle. This is a safety measure until a Homing Cycle has been run.
Additionally, if you are experiencing graphical issues with GrblControl, try updating your drivers and OpenGL version, or downloading different versions of GrblControl to find a compatible one.
Finally, if you are still encountering issues, ensure that you are not running other CNC programs simultaneously, as this can interfere with the connection.
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Using Candle to control a Minimillr Desktop CNC Mill
Candle or Universal GCode Sender is the recommended software for controlling the Minimillr Desktop CNC Mill. This software is used for sending GCode to the mill. The Minimillr mill uses open-source GRBL for gcode parsing and motion control, and Candle is a GRBL controller application with a G-Code visualizer.
To get started, connect the mill to your PC with the USB cable provided. In most cases, Windows 10 and Macs should automatically recognize the Minimillr as a USB Serial Device and install the correct drivers. You can then download and install the Candle software. When installing Candle, note that the file is stored in a compressed .zip file. To use it, extract the full contents of the .zip file to a designated folder and run the file from there. Do not run Candle from a USB or removable drive as this causes errors. Once the file has been unzipped, open the folder and find the primary file, Candle.exe, and create a shortcut to your desktop. Disconnect any offline controllers before starting up Candle.
Once Candle is up and running, it needs to know the correct COM port of the mill so it can connect. Click on Service > Settings and set the COM port as per the one in the Control Panel. Usually, this will not be COM1, but the other COM port listed. Click the refresh icon if no ports are visible. Set baud to 115200 (the default setting).
Before you start cutting, do a test run by clicking "Send" without spindle power to make sure the mill moves as expected. Sometimes Candle will pause if there is a tool change command, but this can be set to "Ignore" in Settings. If everything looks OK, securely clamp the workpiece to the bed. Set home positions for X, Y, and Z to the lower left corner of the workpiece. Use smaller jog step increments or turn the blue couplings manually to position the tip of the cutter so it is just touching the top surface of the workpiece. Jog Z to about 20mm above home so there is no chance of the tool scraping along the top surface on the first move. Connect the spindle to the mill with the red and black connectors and set the speed using the speed control knob. Start the spindle with the red rocker switch and click "Send" to start cutting.
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Understanding the 'Alarm' status on a GRBL-based CNC
Understanding the alarm status on a GRBL-based CNC machine is crucial for effective troubleshooting and ensuring the machine's proper functioning. Here are some essential points to comprehend about the alarm status:
GRBL Alarms and Error Codes
The GRBL firmware has an extensive list of alarms and error codes that you may encounter when operating your CNC machine. These alerts are designed to notify you of issues or exceptional conditions, requiring attention or action. Alarms can indicate various situations, from minor problems to critical failures. Understanding these codes is essential for prompt and accurate troubleshooting.
GSender Display and Handling
When using gSender, alarms are typically displayed as a question mark, providing additional information when hovered over. Errors, on the other hand, appear as pop-up boxes in the visualizer's bottom corner. Most alarms can be addressed by typing "$x" into the 'Console' tab and hitting 'Run'. Additionally, gSender offers safety settings, such as "Warn if invalid line detected", to help anticipate potential issues.
Alarm 1: Hard Limits Triggered
Alarm 1 specifically indicates that the "Hard Limits have been triggered." Hard limits are physical switches that prevent the spindle from exceeding travel limits on any axis. When activated, the CNC machine immediately stops to avoid surpassing these limits. This alarm can also occur due to electrical noise or voltage spikes, causing false triggers.
Alarm 2: Spindle Exceeding Travel Limits
Alarm 2 signifies that the CNC router's spindle has moved or is attempting to move beyond the set travel limits. This alarm is triggered when a g-code command or a jog move attempts to exceed the soft limits programmed into the firmware. Adjusting the workpiece position within the cutting area or modifying the g-code file to adhere to travel restrictions can resolve this issue.
Troubleshooting Tips
When encountering alarms or errors, it is recommended to verify your setup. Check your USB connections, try different USB ports, and ensure direct connections without hubs or sticks. Examine your equipment grounding and electrical shielding. Additionally, consider running tests with the router/spindle and dust collector turned off to isolate potential issues. Referring to the GRBL documentation and understanding your machine are crucial steps in effective troubleshooting.
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Using the 'Home' and 'Safe Position' functions in Candle
The Home and Safe Position functions in Candle are essential for establishing a reference point and ensuring the safe operation of your CNC machine. Here's a detailed guide on using these functions effectively:
Understanding Home and Safe Position Functions
The "Home" function in Candle allows you to set a predefined reference point for your machine. This is useful when your machine is equipped with limit or home switches. By homing your machine, you can ensure that it returns to a known position, making it easier to set up and control your CNC machine.
On the other hand, the "Safe Position" function serves as an alternative for machines without home or limit switches. By specifying the machine axes in the settings dialog box under "Safe Position" commands, you can effectively create a home position for your machine even without dedicated switches.
Setting Up Home Position
To set up the home position, follow these steps:
- Secure your stock material to the bed.
- Use the jog arrows or Jog functions to position the centre of the end mill directly over the lower left corner on the X and Y axes.
- Press the "Zero XY" button to set the X and Y coordinates to 0.
- To zero out the Z-axis, you can use a Z-probe or a piece of thin paper. If using a Z-probe, set it up and place it between the end mill and the stock material, then press the button to zero out the Z-axis. If using a piece of paper, bring the end mill close to, but not touching, the material. Set the steps in the Jog menu to "0.1" and then place a small piece of paper between the end mill and stock material.
- Jog Z to about 20mm above home to ensure the tool doesn't scrape the workpiece.
Using Safe Position
The "Safe Position" function is particularly useful when you need to halt a program or move the machine away from the stock material. Here's how to use it:
- Press the "Safe Position" button, which will move the machine back to its home position.
- If you need to adjust the safe position coordinates, open the settings box and type the desired coordinates in the "Safe Position" command box. For example, "G53G90X0.Y0."
By understanding and effectively using the Home and Safe Position functions in Candle, you can ensure accurate positioning and safe operation of your CNC machine, making your projects more efficient and successful.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle GRBL software is free, basic CNC machine control software. It is uncomplicated and perfect for beginners. It uses GRBL source code and can be run using Arduino hardware.
First, install the Windows Serial port driver, labelled CH341SER. Then, download Candle for Windows. Note that the file is stored in a compressed .zip file, so you must extract the contents to a designated folder and run the file from there. Once the file has been unzipped, find the primary file, Candle.exe, and create a shortcut to your desktop.
If the download link doesn't work, right-click the link and select "Save Link As" to download. Then, select where you want to save the file and hit "Ok".
The "Alarm" status is normal and means that until a Homing Cycle has been run, the CNC will remain unresponsive as a safety measure. To start the Homing Cycle, press the button with a house inside a magnifying glass, and your CNC will start to move. Once your CNC stops moving, the "Alarm" status should change to "Idle".
