Brooke Martin
Candle is a free, basic CNC machine control software that is compatible with GRBL-based CNC machines. It is a popular choice for users due to its ease of use and open-source nature, allowing for modifications without restrictions. The software can be downloaded from the USB flash drive that comes with the CNC machine package or from the manufacturer's website. When installing Candle, it is important to ensure that the correct COM port is selected for a successful connection. This guide will provide a step-by-step installation process for Candle, ensuring that users can harness the creative possibilities of their CNC machines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Compatibility | Windows 8 or later, Arduino hardware, GRBL-based CNC |
| Installation | Download from USB flash drive, CD, or online |
| Port | COM port number (e.g. COM4) |
| Baud | 115200 (default setting) |
| Connection | Serial USB |
| Functions | Multiple CNC operations, G-Code visualizer, machine control, limit calibration |
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What You'll Learn
Installation on Windows 8 or later
If you are using Windows 8 or later, here is a step-by-step guide to installing Candle/GRBLControl.
Firstly, download the software. If you are using Google Chrome and are having issues with the download link, right-click the link and select "Save Link As". You can then choose where to save the file.
Next, follow the installation process. Note that the file is stored in a compressed .zip file. After the driver has been successfully installed, open the Candle software (software -> grblcontrol -> grblcontrol.exe).
Now, Candle 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 Control Panel. Usually, this will not be COM1, but another COM port listed. If no ports are visible, click the refresh icon. Set baud to 115200 (the default setting). A successful connection will show 'Grbl 1.1g' in the console.
If you see "Not Connected", go back into the settings and try the next port on the list. If, after trying all the ports listed, you still see "Not Connected", contact support for assistance.
For a 3018-PROVer, PROVerXL 4030, or any GRBL-based CNC with limit switches, "Alarm" is the correct status to see with an active connection to your CNC. This is the default status for the aforementioned CNCs every time you start up Candle.
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Downloading Candle from the USB flash drive
To download Candle from a USB flash drive, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure you have the correct USB flash drive. The software should be included on a USB flash drive that comes with your CNC machine package.
Once you have the USB, insert it into your computer and locate the Candle software. The Candle software will be stored in a compressed .zip file. You will need to unzip the file and place the folder containing Candle on your Desktop or another location on your C: drive.
Do not attempt to run Candle directly from the USB or any other removable drive, as this can cause errors.
Next, install the driver. You can find this in the software folder on the USB drive, it should be named CH340SER. Once the driver is installed, your computer should recognize the software. If not, you may need to reinstall the driver or contact customer support for assistance.
After successfully installing the driver, open the Candle software by navigating to the software folder and selecting grblcontrol, followed by grblcontrol.exe.
Finally, set up a serial connection to your PC. If you are using a laptop without access to a PC, you can use a USB cable to connect your printer to the computer's printer port and then use the serial port for communication with Candle.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully download and set up Candle from the USB flash drive.
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Choosing the right port
To choose the right port, follow these steps:
- Check the Device Manager: The mill will appear in the Device Manager under the Ports section. Make sure the mill is connected to the computer for it to show up in the Device Manager.
- Identify the COM port number: Note the COM port number, such as COM4. Changing USB ports will change the allocated COM port, so ensure you have the correct number.
- Set the COM port in Candle: Go to Service > Settings and set the COM port as per the one in the Control Panel. Typically, this will not be COM1, but another COM port listed. If no ports are visible, click the refresh icon.
- Set the baud rate: Set the baud rate to 115200, which is the default setting.
A successful connection will be indicated by 'Grbl 1.1g' appearing in the console. This ensures that Candle can communicate effectively with your CNC machine via the selected port.
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Setting the COM port
Setting the correct COM port is crucial for the successful installation of the Candle software. The COM port setting ensures that the software can communicate effectively with your CNC machine. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting the COM port for Candle:
- Understand COM Ports: COM ports are communication ports that enable data transfer between your computer and external devices, such as your CNC machine.
- Check Device Manager: Before setting the COM port in Candle, ensure that your CNC machine is properly connected and appears in the Device Manager on your computer. The specific COM port number assigned to your device may vary, and it can change if you use a different USB port, so always check the Device Manager to confirm the current COM port number.
- Access Candle Settings: Open the Candle software and navigate to the settings menu. Typically, you can access this by clicking on "Service" in the menu bar and then selecting "Settings."
- Set the COM Port: In the Candle settings, look for the COM port setting. Adjust this setting to match the COM port number assigned to your CNC machine, as shown in the Device Manager. It is important to note that the COM port number is usually not COM1, so look for the alternative COM port listed.
- Refresh if Needed: If you cannot see any available ports in the settings, click the refresh icon to update the list of ports.
- Set Baud Rate: After setting the correct COM port, ensure that you set the baud rate to the default value of 115200. This ensures that the data transfer rate is standardized for effective communication between your computer and the CNC machine.
- Confirm Successful Connection: After applying the COM port and baud rate settings, check if a successful connection has been established. A successful connection will typically display "Grbl 1.1g" in the console.
- Troubleshoot if Necessary: If you encounter issues during the setup process, such as the "port opened" message instead of "Idle," try troubleshooting steps. Ensure that your baud rates match between the port and Candle settings, and verify the firmware on your Arduino board.
Remember that choosing the right COM port is essential for the successful installation and operation of the Candle software with your CNC machine.
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Calibrating limits
Calibration is a crucial aspect of ensuring the precision and accuracy of your CNC machine when using GRBL software. Here are some detailed instructions on calibrating limits for your GRBL-based CNC machine:
Choosing the Right Port
The first step is to ensure that you have the correct port selected for your machine. The choice of port is crucial for the successful installation of the Candle software.
Setting Home Position
The Home button is an essential feature for calibration. When correctly configured, the Grbl candle home function will return your machine to a predefined home position. This is particularly useful if your machine is equipped with limit or home switches. If your machine lacks these switches, you can use the Safe Position command in the settings dialog box to define a home position.
Tuning GRBL Settings
Tuning the GRBL settings involves adjusting parameters to set limits and optimize the performance of your CNC machine. Here are the key aspects to consider:
- Maximum Travel Limits: Set the maximum travel distance for each axis (X, Y, and Z) in millimetres. This is done using the $130, $131, and $132 parameters in the Grbl Configuration guide. These settings are especially useful if you have soft limits and homing enabled, as they prevent your machine from exceeding its physical limits during motion commands.
- Maximum Spindle Speed: The $30 parameter in the Grbl Configuration guide sets the maximum spindle speed in RPM (revolutions per minute).
- Axis-Specific Speed Limits: GRBL allows each axis to have its own independent speed limit. This is beneficial for slower axes, such as the Z-axis. To determine these values, test each axis individually by gradually increasing the maximum rate settings. For example, to test the X-axis, send a command like G0 X50 with sufficient travel distance for the axis to reach its max speed.
- Preventing Excess Speed: GRBL includes a feature that automatically checks if a planned move will cause any axis to exceed its maximum rate. If so, it will slow down the motion to ensure none of the axes surpass their speed limits.
Final Testing
As a final verification, jog the spindle near the limits of travel on all axes to ensure smooth movement without any issues. If you prefer not to experiment, you can refer to predefined values from the Grbl Configuration guide or similar resources.
Remember to consult the official documentation, guides, and community forums for specific details pertaining to your CNC machine and the GRBL software version you are using.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle GRBL software is basic CNC machine control software that is free to use and perfect for beginners.
Candle GRBL software can be downloaded from the USB flash drive that comes with your CNC machine package. It can also be downloaded from the SainSmart website for Windows 8 or later.
After downloading the software, follow the installation process. Then, install the driver (software -> drive -> CH340SER).
Establish a home position at the positive end of each axis travel, homing the machine to this position at the end of each program and before switching off the machine.
Choosing the right port is very important for the successful installation of Candle GRBL software. You can check if the software has been installed successfully by checking the Device Manager.
