XYZDriver
Description:
A 3d printer can be used as a generic XYZ motion controller for your experimental needs through the use of a LabVIEW Instrument Driver. An Instrument Driver is a set of sub VI's that allows someone to quickly and easily build a VI using the instrument. Also included in the Instrument Driver are examples that can be used to either learn how to use the Instrument Driver, or the entire example can be used as your VI for your experiment.
Download:
Download the Marlin Instrument Driver for LabVIEW here:
Download Marlin Instrument Driver
Getting Started:
Below is a guide to installing, configuring and using the Marlin Instrument Driver for LabVIEW.
Installation:
Install "Marlin" instrument driver
Download (from course wiki or NI website)
Unzip
Place folder in "instr.lib" folder in LabVIEW installation folder
Something like "C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW 2017\instr.lib"
Configuration:
Open example VI named "Marlin XYZ Controller.vi"
Option A: Open the VI in *\instr.lib\Marlin\Examples
Option B: Navigate to the example in the LabVIEW example finder
With LabVIEW open go to Help>Find Examples… to open the example finder
Navigate to Hardware Input and Output > Instrument Drivers > LabVIEW Plug and Play
Then open "Marlin XYZ Controller.vi"
Select the correct COM port.
With the 3D printer plugged into the computer through USB, use the "VISA resource name" selector to select a COM port
Starting with the highest number is recommended
Run the VI
Run the VI
If Marlin controller reboots the LCD on the printer went to the boot-up screen for few seconds, you selected the correct COM port.
If nothing happened and the printer stayed on the ready screen, press the stop button on the front panel (not the abort execution next to the run continuously button)
Then select a new COM port and try again.
Using the Example
Use the example
Press arrow buttons to move the head (1)
Adjust speed and distance (2)
Enter an arbitrary G-Code Command (3)