Maddie James
Candle is a GRBL controller application with a G-Code visualizer that is used to control a CNC machine. It is written in Qt and can be run on a Raspberry Pi 4, although it will also run on a Raspberry Pi 3 but with some lag. Candle can be installed on Windows 8 or later, and there are also instructions for installation on Linux and Ubuntu. The installation process involves downloading the .zip file, extracting its contents, and running the file from the designated folder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 8 or later, Linux, Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi |
| Requirements | Java, Qt5 (if modifying or recompiling source code), CH340SER.exe |
| Installation Process | Run CH340SER.exe as administrator, follow installation process, unzip .zip file, run file from designated folder, use shortcut from desktop |
| Post-Installation Steps | Disconnect offline controllers, check status in device window, configure router if necessary, check Baud Rate |
| Initial State | "Alarm" state, unresponsive until Homing Cycle run as a safety measure |
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What You'll Learn
How to install Candle CNC on Windows
To install Candle CNC on Windows, follow these steps:
First, ensure you have the correct software by locating CH340SER.exe. Right-click on this file and select "Run as administrator." Authorize the program to make changes to your computer and follow the installation process. Candle can be downloaded as a free and open-source program that communicates with your CNC via a serial USB connection.
Once downloaded, extract the contents of the .zip file to a designated folder. Do not run files directly from the .zip file. Place the folder containing Candle on your Desktop or another location on your C: drive. Running Candle from a USB or removable drive is not recommended as this may cause errors.
Now, locate the shortcut on your desktop and start up Candle. Check the status in your device window to understand if you have an active connection. Usually, "Not Connected" will be the status upon first loading Candle, which means it could not automatically find your router.
To address this, go to Service/Settings and check the Baud Rate. Set this to 115200 for 3018-PRO and other PRO series CNC models, or 57600 for other models. Candle needs to know the correct COM port of the mill to connect. Click on Service > Settings and set the COM port as per the one in the Control Panel. This is usually not COM1.
From here, you can set up user commands and home positions for your CNC machine.
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Installing Candle CNC on Linux
Firstly, you will need to download the Candle CNC software. This should be done from a trusted source, such as the official website or a reputable open-source software repository. Once downloaded, you will need to extract the contents of the file to a designated folder.
Next, you will need to check if the software has been compiled for your specific Linux distribution and architecture. For example, if you are using a Raspberry Pi, the software may need to be compiled for the Raspberry Pi OS. You can do this by running the "file" command in the terminal and checking the output.
If the software has not been compiled for your specific Linux distribution and architecture, you may need to compile it from source. This can be done by following the instructions in the README or documentation provided with the software. During the compilation process, you may encounter errors or warnings. These will need to be addressed before you can continue with the installation.
Once the software has been successfully compiled, you will need to run the installation script or commands provided with the software. This will install the software and any necessary dependencies.
Finally, you can try running the Candle CNC software to see if it works as expected. If you encounter any issues, there are community forums and resources available, such as Reddit or GitHub, where you can seek help and advice.
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Running Candle CNC on a Raspberry Pi
Candle is a GRBL controller application with a G-Code visualizer that is used to control a CNC machine. It is written in Qt.
To run Candle on a Raspberry Pi, you will need to download the relevant files. The GitHub page for pihnat/rpi-candle contains information on how to run Candle on a Raspberry Pi. It also provides a link to Denvi's site, which has further details.
According to the GitHub page, Candle runs well on a Raspberry Pi 4 (Raspi4) but can also run on a Raspberry Pi 3, albeit more sluggishly. This version of Candle communicates with an Arduino Uno running GRBL v1.1 firmware.
To install and run Candle on a Raspberry Pi, you can follow the instructions provided on the GitHub page, which include downloading the relevant .zip file.
If you encounter issues, it is recommended to refer to the original site for support and to address any software issues or feature requests.
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Downloading Candle CNC
Candle is a free, basic CNC machine control software that is perfect for beginners. It is uncomplicated and can be used to control and send G-code to your CNC. It is available for download on Windows 8 or later.
Before you get started, disconnect any offline controllers as your CNC can only connect to one controller at a time. You can download Candle on its own for Windows from this link. Note that the file is stored in a compressed .zip file. To use it, you must extract the full contents of the .zip file to a designated folder and then run the file from there. Running files directly from the .zip will not work.
If you are using Google Chrome and facing issues with the download link, right-click the download link and select "Save Link As". Once you have found CH340SER.exe, right-click it and select "Run as administrator" and authorise the program to make changes to your computer. Then, follow the installation process.
Candle 1.1.7 is the recommended software for controlling the Minimillr. It can be downloaded from here. Locate the zip file in your Downloads folder and extract the files to your preferred folder on your hard drive. Open the Candle folder and click on Candle.exe to launch the program.
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Configuring Candle CNC settings
Step 1: Install Java on Your System
Firstly, ensure that you have Java installed on your PC. Java is a prerequisite for running the Candle CNC software, so download and install it if you haven't already.
Step 2: Set the Correct COM Port
Candle CNC needs to communicate with your mill, so you must set the correct COM port. Access the settings by clicking on Service > Settings. Set the COM port as per the one listed in your Control Panel. Typically, this will not be COM1, but another available COM port. If no ports are visible, click the refresh icon to scan for available ports.
Step 3: Configure Baud Rate and Grbl Settings
Set the baud rate to the default setting of 115200. This ensures effective communication between your computer and the CNC machine. After setting the baud rate, a successful connection will be indicated by the display of 'Grbl 1.1g' in the console.
Step 4: Adjust Jog Panel Settings
In the Jog panel within Candle, adjust the Step amount to 10mm and the Feed to 1000mm/min. These settings control the incremental movements of the mill, ensuring precise control over your CNC machine.
Step 5: Enable Keyboard Control (Optional)
If you prefer using keyboard controls, enable the 'Keyboard Control' checkbox in the settings. This allows you to utilise the arrow keys on your keyboard to move each axis, providing an alternative to using the mouse or other input methods for axis navigation.
Step 6: Set User Commands for Convenience (Optional)
Customise your workflow by setting user commands to the four buttons on the interface. For example, you can set Button 1 to Home X and Y, and Button 2 to Home Z by inputting the corresponding G-code commands. This simplifies commonly used functions, making your CNC workflow more efficient.
Remember that the process may vary slightly depending on your specific CNC machine and setup. Always refer to the official documentation or seek support from the manufacturer if you encounter any issues during the configuration process.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle is a GRBL controller application with a G-Code visualizer that is used to control a CNC machine.
You need to be comfortable with the shell, be able to install dependencies, and maybe even build from source. For Windows, you need to have Java installed on your PC.
Find CH340SER.exe, right-click, and select "Run as administrator". Authorize the program to make changes, then follow the installation process. Download Candle, extract the .zip file to a designated folder, and run the file from there.
You can follow the commands listed in this post: sudo apt-get update, sudo apt-get install xrdp, etc.
Download the .zip file and follow the instructions on the Wiki page.
