VG-L7X Custom Firmware development Thread

[arkypita]

Here we talk about the development of a new firmware for VG-L7x (ESP32 chip) that allow to use the standard grbl protocol without need the hardware hack.

[arkypita]

Hi @smoki3

I build my "fake board" again, to test your firmware.

I flash it on the ESP32 but when I connect to LaserGRBL this is what I have.

Purple text is something the ESP is sending to LaserGRBL via USB.
Don't know if it was something that I was wrong in the firmware flash procedure or what.

[smoki3]

So I got it working :)

Pin 22 have to be high on boot to hold the power. I also have to switch RX and TX

[smoki3]

So this is working :)

[smoki3]

So I did now a few test with light burn (because only have a Mac) this was working fine.

The two buttons, sd card and the beeper are now disabled. Maybe I have some good ideas in the future to use them.

[smoki3]

I detected a new problem. So telnet is not working.

The wired thing is, that if flash grbl 0.9 on my test setup to the m328p it is working. As soon I flash 1.1f (which is also on the vigo) it doesn't work.

Is telnet working for you with the latest grbl on any other device?

UPDATE: Pushed a fix. A soft reset was needed after connection

[smoki3]

So looks like everything is working now :)

[arkypita]

Well done! I am checking your work with my fake board.
I was able to use WiFi bridge with promising results.

Streaming 1'000'000 of gcode lines in $C check mode take 10min (1600 gcode line / sec) which is a very respectable value.

If I use the serial bridge I only have half of streaming speed (800 gcode line /sec)

Keep in mind that the "target" maximum speed using the atmega328 directly (classic grbl) without the ESP bridge is about 2200 gcode lines per second. The rest is all delay added by the ESP32.

[smoki3]

Yeah, I suspected that delay. But overall it looks very good and solid. The main point is that no commands are lost.
I also did some test and the connection seems to be pretty stable not matter if I use USB or WIFI.

[smoki3]

Could please upload the nc file? I will do some performace tests. May I found a solution to speed it up a bit more

[arkypita]

Please note that, with my board, I am only able to connect via USB after making a WiFi connection and closing it.

Otherwise, if I don't make any WiFi connection, the ManageUSBConnected section seems completely not effective.

[arkypita]

Please note that, with my board, I am only able to connect via USB after making a WiFi connection and closing it.
Otherwise, if I don't make any WiFi connection, the ManageUSBConnected section seems completely not effective.

Sorry, was my fault. The code is OK

[smoki3]

It should be like this:
If a wifi client is connected the ManageUSBConnected is without function. As soon no wifi client is connected it starts waiting for USB commands, right?

[arkypita]

Next step: support WPS button

https://github.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/blob/master/libraries/WiFi/examples/WPS/WPS.ino

Next step for LaserGRBL: auto discovery device IP (it is already in my roadmap, but being that few use it I have never developed it)

[smoki3]

WPS is a good idea. So we can use a free button. I have to measure which button goes to which pin

[arkypita]

You don't need a button from the board. The button is in your router side!
Just listen for WPS when it boot-up if not connection already configured/connected.

[smoki3]

I thought we do it as an extra option in addition to the wifimanager. I think it is not possible to use the WPS function while an hotspot is created

[smoki3]

So while I checked the pins for the buttons I saw the button2 directly goes to GPIO0. So its easy to flash now

[arkypita]

awesome!

[smoki3]

error:1
G-code words consist of a letter and a value. Letter was not found.
ok
error:2
Numeric value format is not valid or missing an expected value.
error:24
Two G-code commands that both require the use of the XYZ axis words were detected in the block.
error:25
A G-code word was repeated in the block.
Stream wird gestartet
Layer C00
error:1
G-code words consist of a letter and a value. Letter was not found.

Do you know this?

[smoki3]

Could this be a buffer issue? Because when I switch from buffered mode to synchron mode it is working

[arkypita]

Using LaserGRBL or Lightburn?

When GRBL reply with this kind of error, is reporting that he has received some weird/wrong g-codes block.
Assuming the source gcode is valid, usually there are two cause (in classic scenario):

• the sender streaming algorithm is not counting number of character correctly, so it send more data than the receiver can accept over-filling the RX buffer and scrambling the gcode inside it
• the sender send data correctly but some "electric noise" change the data value "on wire"

The first can be excluded, because the character count implementation is strong and well tested (in LaserGRBL), the second sometime was reported, but I don't think this is your case.

Can you tell me what LaserGRBL say when you put your cursor here?

[smoki3]

I tried it with Lightburn because I normally only have a mac.
Have to try it with LaserGRBL on my business windows computer.
I saw there were more reports with Lightburn and this issue

[arkypita]

Network discovery added: https://github.com/arkypita/LaserGRBL/releases/tag/v4.2.0

[smoki3]

So this is my result :)

The question what I have is the Wifi stored at the same place as with wifi manager? And how to start it via button

[arkypita]

The question what I have is the Wifi stored at the same place as with wifi manager? And how to start it via button

I don't know how to help you. I have very little experience with the WPS sketch, just downloaded and tried one time.

[smoki3]

WPS and WifiManager now working together :)

[arkypita]

Well done!

In the meanwhile I make WiFi discovery 10 time faster.

[smoki3]

I pushed a commit to improve serial performance a lot. Could you please do your benchmark again?

[smoki3]

WebServer httpServer(80);
const char* update_path = "/firmware";
const char* update_username = "admin";
const char* update_password = "admin";

What is it used for? We don't need a Websever or not?

[arkypita]

With "update the firmware via WiFi (firmware upload page)" i don't mean OTA via Arduino IDE, I mean a web-page where you can connect (http://your-esp-address/firmware) and where you can upload a .bin fine that the ESP self-apply as new firmware.

Code from here: https://hieromon.github.io/AutoConnect/otabrowser.html

[arkypita]

I loved this feature very much because I developed my engraver on an Arduino + WiFi board that has only one USB socket and that allows programming of the atmega or esp8266, based on the positioning of a dip-switch.

As the board mounts a motor shield on top of it, it is always inconvenient to reach the dip-switch to reprogram, so firmware upload webserver is optimal

[smoki3]

Yes this is also what I mean. It a kind of OTA for me. The Problem on the VGL7x is that it turn off it self as soon the ESP into the bootloader because pin 22 gets low. But I can implement a the updater function then you have to hold the power button while flashing.

I already have a version with Bluetooth and Updater but I don't know if changing the partition size have any influence to the performance of the ESP. Where is the serial buffer stored?

[smoki3]

So I tried to implement Bluetooth. But I am not able to get a stable connection. I will try if its better if I do a Bluetooth only version.

I also implemented a Webserver Updater. But only testet on my test setup for now.

[arkypita]

Yes this is also what I mean. It a kind of OTA for me.

You are right!

The Problem on the VGL7x is that it turn off it self as soon the ESP into the bootloader because pin 22 gets low. But I can implement a the updater function then you have to hold the power button while flashing.

Understand.

I don't know if changing the partition size have any influence to the performance of the ESP.

I have no knowledge about this.

Where is the serial buffer stored?

If you mean grbl's buffer this is on the atmega328, so it is not affected by these changes.

[smoki3]

So after some research the problem with bluetooth is that it shares the radio with wifi. So it is hard to get a connection on both. If I only enable bluetooth it is working fine.

I also tried you benchmark. But I can't reach your values with wifi neither with USB

[smoki3]

This is what I get over USB.

There must be something wrong or not? @arkypita

[arkypita]

Yes, there must be something wrong.

The correct behaviour is that it show 1 hour 39 minute (estimated time) before you start, and then when you start the projected time goes fast to few minutes.

Ensure you have "Insane" as threading mode.

[smoki3]

So yes I found that a delay was blocking it on the test setup because a pin was not high. I fixed this.

But I am still over 1 hour

[smoki3]

I use now the USBSerial2 option:
and wow this is fast:

[smoki3]

Is this normal?

@arkypita

[arkypita]

No it is not

LaserGRBL intercepts all those that are "complete" and recognizable messages, followed by a newline character such as:

"ok\n"
"<Idle,MPos:3.5000,1.2300,0.0000,WPos:-4.0000,1.0000,3.0000>\n"

All messages that are correctly recognized are managed internally and update the various parts of the LaserGRBL interface (status, position, cursor etc) and are not displayed as response messages in the command list..

If a message break inside another message (i.e. "<Idle,MPos:3.5000,1.2300ok\n") LaserGRBL is not able to handle that message correctly, so it display the message as an "unknown message" inside the console.

The thing that is happening to you shows that you are losing characters in some buffer (I would guess the one on the ESP32).

[smoki3]

Any idea to fix this?

[arkypita]

I believe that ESP32 has a limited space in hardware RX buffer, so if you don't remove chars fast enough the buffer is filled and exceeding character is lost.

While arduino and lasergrbl "respect" each other (thanks to the fact that lasergrbl doesn't send more characters than grbl can receive) the communication between grbl and your ESP32 has no mechanism to prevent this. For this reason esp32 must be as fast as possible to receive the data that arrives from arduino, otherwise it loses it.

Each line of code in "loop" function, outside the "ManageUSBConnected();" code, needs time in which you do not check the contents of the rx buffer, and in which you do not empty it. This can cause the buffer to fill up and you lose characters before going to read it.

https://www.google.com/search?q=esp32+hardware+serial+buffer+size
espressif/arduino-esp32#2507

When carrying out critical communication operations it would be better to rely on interrupts, and immediately evacuate the available data by retransmitting them.

Or, still using interrupts feed a larger circular buffer in which to "park" the received data, and then transmit it all together.

If you've never used interrupts in your own program this might be a bit of a complex concept the first time around, but you'll see that with a little research you should find examples.

[arkypita]

I'm not 100% sure what I'm writing, but I understand that the ESP32 Serial class is already part of this job. I mean it intercepts hardware serial interrupts and transfers the hardware FIFO (limited in size) into a larger memory buffer, the one you set with setRxBufferSize so maybe setting a larger buffer might be enough.

[smoki3]

So I just pushed a commit that fixed the issues.
Looks like this was to much:

uart_dev_t * dev = (volatile uart_dev_t *)(DR_REG_UART_BASE) ;
dev->conf1.rxfifo_full_thrhd = 1 ;

Now I changed it to "56".

I think with setting this to 1 have created too many interrupts. Which was creating problems when receiving long message from the the 328p.

I know set 56 as a middle way of speed and stability. I tested it with LaserGRBL and LightBurn both was fine without any issue.

With LaserGRBL I get 1400 lines per sec and with LightBurn 2300 lines per sec

[calderjh]

Guys, how safe am I to install this new firmware? Can I revert back to Vigo if I need to?

Not concerned about warranty and pretty competent in flashing ESP chips etc.

How much of a difference would say... Lightburn make for me?

[smoki3]

The firmware is tested by myself and I did a few test it is working fine so far
Yes you are able to revert. Just do a backup or flash the uploaded firmware.

The difference is simply you can you use every software which support Grbl.

[calderjh]

Excellent, thank you, I'll give it a whirl and update you on how it goes in a week or so - I'm probably not going to have time to install this week.

[smoki3]

Feedback is welcome :)

[glr76]

Hi, i like try to flash the test firmware on my board, where i can download it? there is a tutorial to do this, in a treat i find that i need to do a welding, in another that no hw mod was necessary? thanks

[smoki3]

You can find it here:
https://github.com/arkypita/Vigotech-VG-L7X/tree/main/CustomFirmware-VG-L7x

Also with flash instructions. No mods needed for this

[glr76]

Thanks, but i can find a .ino file is correct? I not need a . Bin file?

[smoki3]

@glr76 You need to download the code (.ino) and compile and upload it with Arduino IDE.

[glr76]

Hi,
I have this error when i try to compile the firmware with arduino.

Thanks

Arduino: 1.8.13 (Windows 7), Board: "NodeMCU-32S, 40MHz, 115200"

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:51:3: error: stray '\302' in program

<title>Vigotech-VG-L7X/CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino at main · arkypita/Vigotech-VG-L7X</title>

^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:51:3: error: stray '\267' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:181:5: error: missing terminating ' character

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 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:228:7: error: stray '\342' in program

   <span aria-hidden="true" class="d-inline-block ml-1 v-align-middle">↵</span>

   ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:228:7: error: stray '\206' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:228:7: error: stray '\265' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:233:7: error: stray '\342' in program

   <span class="d-inline-block ml-1 v-align-middle">↵</span>

   ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:233:7: error: stray '\206' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:233:7: error: stray '\265' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:269:7: error: stray '\342' in program

   <span aria-hidden="true" class="d-inline-block ml-1 v-align-middle">↵</span>

   ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:269:7: error: stray '\206' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:269:7: error: stray '\265' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:274:7: error: stray '\342' in program

   <span class="d-inline-block ml-1 v-align-middle">↵</span>

   ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:274:7: error: stray '\206' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:274:7: error: stray '\265' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:301:7: error: stray '\342' in program

   <span aria-hidden="true" class="d-inline-block ml-1 v-align-middle">↵</span>

   ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:301:7: error: stray '\206' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:301:7: error: stray '\265' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:306:7: error: stray '\342' in program

   <span class="d-inline-block ml-1 v-align-middle">↵</span>

   ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:306:7: error: stray '\206' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:306:7: error: stray '\265' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:333:7: error: stray '\342' in program

   <span aria-hidden="true" class="d-inline-block ml-1 v-align-middle">↵</span>

   ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:333:7: error: stray '\206' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:333:7: error: stray '\265' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:338:7: error: stray '\342' in program

   <span class="d-inline-block ml-1 v-align-middle">↵</span>

   ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:338:7: error: stray '\206' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:338:7: error: stray '\265' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:387:5: error: missing terminating ' character

 <!-- '"` --><!-- </textarea></xmp> --></option></form><form action="/logout" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="post"><input type="hidden" name="authenticity_token" value="h/Jm/nKxOtZmpT4HABuZTtgmT/+PxtwkrXixkDHGG0lorDurlfW/uUbylFWjcBjr0bf3kwyqRDDgJlHyGC9+9A==" />

 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:547:11: error: stray '\342' in program

       Using the Hello World guide, you’ll start a branch, write comments, and open a pull request.

       ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:547:11: error: stray '\200' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:547:11: error: stray '\231' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:551:5: error: missing terminating ' character

 <!-- '"` --><!-- </textarea></xmp> --></option></form><form class="shelf-dismiss js-notice-dismiss" action="/dashboard/dismiss_bootcamp" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="post"><input type="hidden" name="_method" value="delete" /><input type="hidden" name="authenticity_token" value="taa4qQ3IRcLWGKa3KaSbMzr7OzTCxJZRO5KtVkamA79GxiH4mxa39NjA603WotBnOqAHg7EU1jf4uZEjPRn7YA==" />

 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:658:41: error: stray '@' in program

                   Participating and @mentions

                                     ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:661:93: error: stray '@' in program

                   Only receive notifications from this repository when participating or @mentioned.

                                                                                         ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:731:95: error: stray '@' in program

                 Select events you want to be notified of in addition to participating and @mentions.

                                                                                           ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:778:95: error: stray '@' in program

                 Select events you want to be notified of in addition to participating and @mentions.

                                                                                           ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:897:13: error: missing terminating ' character

         <!-- '"` --><!-- </textarea></xmp> --></option></form><form class="btn-with-count" action="/arkypita/Vigotech-VG-L7X/fork" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="post"><input type="hidden" name="authenticity_token" value="meFwvzZWp+MRT7siUr1RtKZhJMKdF0eDVJLEIbRLdbmJOBjCeJUi0LQEU1pOFxS/IgLqnp7XbTeEBxWwe5dKwA==" />

         ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1086:13: error: missing terminating " character

         data-action="

         ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1087:41: error: stray '#' in program

           input-entered:ref-selector#inputEntered

                                     ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1088:40: error: stray '#' in program

           tab-selected:ref-selector#tabSelected

                                    ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1089:38: error: stray '#' in program

           focus-list:ref-selector#focusFirstListMember

                                  ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1090:13: error: missing terminating " character

         "

         ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1103:13: error: missing terminating ' character

         <!-- TODO: this max-height is necessary or else the branch list won't scroll.  why? -->

         ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1130:13: error: missing terminating " character

         data-action="

         ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1131:41: error: stray '#' in program

           input-entered:ref-selector#inputEntered

                                     ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1132:40: error: stray '#' in program

           tab-selected:ref-selector#tabSelected

                                    ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1133:38: error: stray '#' in program

           focus-list:ref-selector#focusFirstListMember

                                  ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1134:13: error: missing terminating " character

         "

         ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1303:5: error: missing terminating " character

 <div class="Box mt-3 position-relative

 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1304:7: error: missing terminating " character

   ">

   ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1330:11: error: missing terminating ' character

       <!-- '"` --><!-- </textarea></xmp> --></option></form><form class="inline-form js-update-url-with-hash" action="/arkypita/Vigotech-VG-L7X/edit/main/CustomFirmware-VG-L7x/CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="post"><input type="hidden" name="authenticity_token" value="IVhwJxYag7gD63dYtdXRJL70HFVnNtCypFX6rO3vkodUyRfCzkYS9RErjy6ypzjP62i0XJHy6s2dsksMvKGz6Q==" />

       ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1336:11: error: missing terminating ' character

       <!-- '"` --><!-- </textarea></xmp> --></option></form><form class="inline-form" action="/arkypita/Vigotech-VG-L7X/delete/main/CustomFirmware-VG-L7x/CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="post"><input type="hidden" name="authenticity_token" value="06rsZRjTIRg1VQfslHpm1O3cOi1eDtfnPIpmT0NYEZXeYEHeSYr+wRnl7GwM9aO3CXvegJZxgz2X89KaI9Qe/g==" />

       ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1352:69: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC1" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">include</span> <span class="pl-s"><span class="pl-pds">&lt;</span>Arduino.h<span class="pl-pds">&gt;</span></span></td>

                                                                 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1356:69: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC2" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">include</span> <span class="pl-s"><span class="pl-pds">&lt;</span>WiFi.h<span class="pl-pds">&gt;</span></span> </td>

                                                                 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1360:69: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC3" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">include</span> <span class="pl-s"><span class="pl-pds">&lt;</span>DNSServer.h<span class="pl-pds">&gt;</span></span></td>

                                                                 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1364:69: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC4" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">include</span> <span class="pl-s"><span class="pl-pds">&lt;</span>WiFiManager.h<span class="pl-pds">&gt;</span></span>         <span class="pl-c"><span class="pl-c">//</span>https://github.com/tzapu/WiFiManager min v2 to support ESP32</span></td>

                                                                 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1368:69: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC5" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">include</span> <span class="pl-s"><span class="pl-pds">&quot;</span>esp_wps.h<span class="pl-pds">&quot;</span></span></td>

                                                                 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1372:69: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC6" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">include</span> <span class="pl-s"><span class="pl-pds">&quot;</span>soc/uart_reg.h<span class="pl-pds">&quot;</span></span></td>

                                                                 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1376:69: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC7" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">include</span> <span class="pl-s"><span class="pl-pds">&quot;</span>soc/uart_struct.h<span class="pl-pds">&quot;</span></span></td>

                                                                 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1385:69: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC9" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">define</span> <span class="pl-en">RXD2</span>              <span class="pl-c1">27</span> <span class="pl-c"><span class="pl-c">//</span>RX Pin to m328p</span></td>

                                                                 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1389:70: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC10" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">define</span> <span class="pl-en">TXD2</span>              <span class="pl-c1">33</span> <span class="pl-c"><span class="pl-c">//</span>TX Pin to m328p</span></td>

                                                                  ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1393:70: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC11" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">define</span> <span class="pl-en">MAX_SRV_CLIENTS</span>    <span class="pl-c1">1</span></td>

                                                                  ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1397:70: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC12" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">define</span> <span class="pl-en">LONG_PRESS_TIME</span>   <span class="pl-c1">5000</span></td>

                                                                  ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1401:70: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC13" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">define</span> <span class="pl-en">POWER_PRESS_TIME</span>  <span class="pl-c1">3000</span></td>

                                                                  ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1405:70: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC14" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">define</span> <span class="pl-en">SHORT_PRESS_TIME</span>  <span class="pl-c1">500</span></td>

                                                                  ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1409:70: error: stray '#' in program

     <td id="LC15" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">#<span class="pl-k">define</span> <span class="pl-en">ESP_WPS_MODE</span>      WPS_TYPE_PBC</td>

                                                                  ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:1954:9: error: stray '' in program

     <td id="LC147" class="blob-code blob-code-inner js-file-line">  serverClient.<span class="pl-c1">write</span>(<span class="pl-s"><span class="pl-pds">&quot;</span>ESP32 Connected!<span class="pl-cce">\n</span><span class="pl-pds">&quot;</span></span>);</td>

     ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:2495:7: error: missing terminating ' character

   <!-- '"` --><!-- </textarea></xmp> --></option></form><form class="js-jump-to-line-form Box-body d-flex" action="" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="get">

   ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:2553:5: error: stray '\342' in program

 You can’t perform that action at this time.

 ^

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:2553:5: error: stray '\200' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:2553:5: error: stray '\231' in program

CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:7:1: error: expected unqualified-id before '<' token

^

exit status 1

stray '\302' in program

This report would have more information with
"Show verbose output during compilation"
option enabled in File -> Preferences.

[arkypita]

Are you sure you have selected the correct board?

[glr76]

Ok thanks 👍 Il giorno dom 7 feb 2021 alle 21:17 Kevin <[email protected]> ha scritto:

…

@glr76 <https://github.com/glr76> You need to download the code (.ino) and compile and upload it with Arduino IDE. — You are receiving this because you were mentioned. Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#3 (reply in thread)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/ASYOJFV4JKMQJSOOJEL4DMTS53YNVANCNFSM4WXPXTPA> .

[smoki3]

I updated the readme so maybe its now a bit more clear

[glr76]

Thanks

[glr76]

Hi,
I took courage to program my VG-L7X,
I started backing up the original firmware, and I would need clarification, if I understand correctly I have to copy from the 0x00000 address to the 0x400000, is it always so or may it be necessary to expand the range? I'm sorry if the question is stupid :). Thank you

This is my output after backup
C:\esptool>python esptool.py -b 115200 --port COM4 read_flash 0x00000 0x400000 flash_4M.bin
esptool.py v3.0
Serial port COM4
Connecting....
Detecting chip type... ESP32
Chip is ESP32-D0WD-V3 (revision 3)
Features: WiFi, BT, Dual Core, 240MHz, VRef calibration in efuse, Coding Scheme
None
Crystal is 40MHz
MAC: xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx
Uploading stub...
Running stub...
Stub running...
4194304 (100 %)
4194304 (100 %)
Read 4194304 bytes at 0x0 in 379.4 seconds (88.4 kbit/s)...
Hard resetting via RTS pin...

[glr76]

Hi, i selected NodeMCU-32s, is corerct? thanks Il giorno sab 20 mar 2021 alle ore 13:55 arkypita ***@***.***> ha scritto:

…

Are you sure you have selected the correct board? — You are receiving this because you were mentioned. Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#3 (reply in thread)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/ASYOJFVUBGIVMETV4OKIWTTTESLLFANCNFSM4WXPXTPA> .

[arkypita]

Here is written NodeMCU-32s but i have not write this paper.

Sometime I use "DOIT ESP32 DEV KIT" as target board, or "ESP32 dev module" but I don't know if it really change something.
P.s. I don't own a VG-L7X so my test are on different board, so maybe it is better to ask to @smoki3 that write this paper

[smoki3]

I use NodeMCU-32s. But ESP32 dev module is also working

[angelo5619]

Just today i loaded the new firmware on my VGL7X, since the original program sucks. Everything ok, it works great and I had no problems installing it and using with LaserGrbl. Thanks a lot to arkypita and smoki3. Just a couple of requests. I would like the button management (for example: set to zero, focus beam, frame), power off and the temperature display (as on the original software) to be implemented. I then noticed that on the original board there are connectors marked: x-l, y-l. They could be for some possible limit sensors? who knows if they are internally connected? ... I'll try to do something myself.

[smoki3]

Hi angelo,

so a power off function is already there. Just press the power button 3 seconds.

I never used the original software so I dont know what a the original button features. On my firmware one button is used for the wifi configuration.
For a set to zero, focus beam, frame feature you also need a software on your PC which supports this.

I assume that the x-l and y-l conntectors are used for limit sensors. But the handling of the endstops is controlled by the GRBL firmware not by the ESP32.

So you can try to connect an endstop and enable the endstops by a $22=1. I think there is a high chance that it will work

[angelo5619]

It's true, the set to zero, focus beam, frame feature buttons are already present in LaserGRBL, but I intended to use these functions from the buttons on the panel and not leave them unused, it can be handy.

To have this function it is necessary to inform LaserGrbl that the buttons are pressed which in turn should execute the commands. The same for the temperature information, for example, every 10sec. that LaserGrbl should display (as long as it does not slow down the communication between software and firmware).

Regarding the power off, I did not realize that it is already implemented, sorry.

Perhaps a good way not to leave the limit sensors unused (provided they are present) is to implement a function on the firmware of the ESP32 that, when you press one of the two buttons, sends the laser "home" until the sensors notice the limit reached. These are all non-essential functions, but I provide some ideas ...

Thanks anyway.
Angelo

[angelo5619]

I don't know why, but the VG-L7X doesn't store the $130-132 parameters (fixed at 500). So it is almost useless to implement limit sensors ...

[arkypita]

I would like the button management (for example: set to zero, focus beam, frame)ù

https://lasergrbl.com/usage/custom-buttons/

temperature display

This is a feature that is added by the ESP32, and not part of standard grbl protocol.
If @smoki3 want to add this feature I can try to implement the display in LaserGRBL, but I believe that this kind of task can slow down the communication performance between LaserGRBL,ESP32 and GRBL, that in this new firmware was optimized to be fast and reliable.

[Tigger86]

Hey, i tried to do the software hack but it doesnt work because one link is not working.
So. I want to try the hardware hack.
One question about it. Do i have to remove the smd resistors or is it enough when i connect the cables?
Then. After soldering. How and which Software do i have to flash? And how.. Thanks for help.

Marcell

[Not-the-mama]

@arkypita @smoki3 Thank you for your help and generosity - This is not to be taken as a complaint, just feedback on the fact that for me anyway the Custom firmware did not work.

I persevered with the dead links to the ESP32 Hardware library, installed the Wifi Manager Library in the Arduino IDE (checked that I downloaded and installed the correct versions-the best that I could anyway) , and tried to compile the code that you created for the Custom Firmware - Unfortunately the firmware will not compile returning several errors... mostly expecting different syntax, and it seems that the problem occurs over and over again - (or perhaps its the same error). I gave up after several attempts and several hours of trying - I don't have enough coding experience to know what the errors mean.

Are you interested in receiving a copy of these Arduiono IDE compilation errors? Do you have a ready compiled code that does not need the Arduino IDE procedure?

The Lx7 support that arkypita added to Laser GRBL kind of works but some of the LaserGRBL commands return errors. And some of the features that are available on the Vigo Software are not available on LaserGRBL... I may play some more with LaserGRBL in Vigo mode and provide more feedback.

The Vigo software is kind of ugly, but controls all the features of the LX7 well, including wireless control through WiFi which I found very useful. The only reason that I am looking for alternative software is that for whatever reason it crashes when trying to read DXF and G-Code, even though the manuals say that these are supported - Does anyone know if a fix or work around has been found for this?

[a81j]

This happened to me when using the new 2.0 version of the ESP32 Hardware Library. Using the 1.0.5 or 1.0.6 versions (from when the instructions were written) worked.

You can change the version in the Arduino IDE.

[MrMag101]

To me, this all sounds like a foreign language. All I want is to be able to use LightBurn on my VG-L7X. I don't care about WiFi. I just want to use my USB port. I have followed some of the instructions and loaded from arkypita, thanx for the learning curve, but I don't not C programming language. All I need is a working .bin file. Is there a working bin file that I can get from someone here?

I did manage to read and save the existing .bin file from the ESP board on my VG-L7X, but I don't know what to do with the .ino file you supplied. I tried to just compile it but I got a lot of errors and it didn't make me a bin file. If that is actually what Arduino IDE is supposed to do for me.

I would really appreciate any help in supplying me a .bin file.

Thanx for all the work guys!!!
Highly appreciated.
( and I actually did learn a little bit of something)

[MrMag101]

I'm a lost cause. I even took an extra Prevagen this morning!
I tried to compile the code with the 2 libraries attached and still got error messages. I know this should be easy, but it is my first time using these programs. I was an electrical engineer. I worked with vision systems, DCS systems, laser and x-ray systems. But I never needed to get down to the coding level. A few years ago, I was using 3 CO2 lasers with no problems. They had DSP boards and the software was relatively the same as LightBurn. This is why I want to change my machine over to it. The software supplied with the Vigo machine is useless. I only wanted to say this so that you know that I am not a complete fool. But I am when it comes to code. I honestly hate to keep bothering you. I know you have more important things to do. But I don't have a clue to where to even start to clear these errors. I hope you don't mind helping me hopefully for the last time.

Here are the errors that I get:

C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\ESP-IDF\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino: In function 'void startWPS()':
C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\ESP-IDF\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino:220:25: error: no matching function for call to 'onEvent(void (&)(arduino_event_id_t, system_event_info_t))'
WiFi.onEvent(WiFiEvent);
^
In file included from C:\Users\Tim\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp32\hardware\esp32\2.0.2\libraries\WiFi\src/WiFiSTA.h:28,
from C:\Users\Tim\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp32\hardware\esp32\2.0.2\libraries\WiFi\src/WiFi.h:32,
from C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\ESP-IDF\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino:3:
C:\Users\Tim\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp32\hardware\esp32\2.0.2\libraries\WiFi\src/WiFiGeneric.h:147:21: note: candidate: 'wifi_event_id_t WiFiGenericClass::onEvent(WiFiEventCb, arduino_event_id_t)'
wifi_event_id_t onEvent(WiFiEventCb cbEvent, arduino_event_id_t event = ARDUINO_EVENT_MAX);
^~~~~~~
C:\Users\Tim\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp32\hardware\esp32\2.0.2\libraries\WiFi\src/WiFiGeneric.h:147:21: note: conversion of argument 1 would be ill-formed:
C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\ESP-IDF\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino:220:16: error: invalid conversion from 'void ()(arduino_event_id_t, system_event_info_t)' to 'WiFiEventCb' {aka 'void ()(arduino_event_id_t)'} [-fpermissive]
WiFi.onEvent(WiFiEvent);
^~~~~~~~~
In file included from C:\Users\Tim\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp32\hardware\esp32\2.0.2\libraries\WiFi\src/WiFiSTA.h:28,
from C:\Users\Tim\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp32\hardware\esp32\2.0.2\libraries\WiFi\src/WiFi.h:32,
from C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\ESP-IDF\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino:3:
C:\Users\Tim\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp32\hardware\esp32\2.0.2\libraries\WiFi\src/WiFiGeneric.h:149:21: note: candidate: 'wifi_event_id_t WiFiGenericClass::onEvent(WiFiEventSysCb, arduino_event_id_t)'
wifi_event_id_t onEvent(WiFiEventSysCb cbEvent, arduino_event_id_t event = ARDUINO_EVENT_MAX);
^~~~~~~
C:\Users\Tim\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp32\hardware\esp32\2.0.2\libraries\WiFi\src/WiFiGeneric.h:149:21: note: conversion of argument 1 would be ill-formed:
C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\ESP-IDF\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino:220:16: error: invalid conversion from 'void ()(arduino_event_id_t, system_event_info_t)' to 'WiFiEventSysCb' {aka 'void ()(arduino_event_t*)'} [-fpermissive]
WiFi.onEvent(WiFiEvent);
^~~~~~~~~
C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\ESP-IDF\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino: In function 'void wpsInitConfig()':
C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\ESP-IDF\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino:231:10: error: 'struct esp_wps_config_t' has no member named 'crypto_funcs'
config.crypto_funcs = &g_wifi_default_wps_crypto_funcs;
^~~~~~~~~~~~
C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\ESP-IDF\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino:231:26: error: 'g_wifi_default_wps_crypto_funcs' was not declared in this scope
config.crypto_funcs = &g_wifi_default_wps_crypto_funcs;
^~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\ESP-IDF\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino:231:26: note: suggested alternative: 'g_wifi_default_wpa_crypto_funcs'
config.crypto_funcs = &g_wifi_default_wps_crypto_funcs;
^~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
g_wifi_default_wpa_crypto_funcs
C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\ESP-IDF\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino: In function 'long int buttoncheck(int)':
C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\ESP-IDF\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x\CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.ino:217:1: warning: control reaches end of non-void function [-Wreturn-type]
}
^
Compilation error: exit status 1}

[arkypita]

Give me time, I'll try to build a .bin for you tonight

[arkypita]

Well, I have uploaded a pre-built .bin
Bin file: https://github.com/arkypita/Vigotech-VG-L7X/raw/main/CustomFirmware-VG-L7x/CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.bin

Hope it works for you

[arkypita]

@MrMag101 so?

[MrMag101]

Still couldn't get it to work.
This is what happened.

Erase the flash:

PS C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\esp-idf> esptool.py erase_flash
esptool.py v3.2-dev
Found 1 serial ports
Serial port COM4
Connecting.....
Detecting chip type... Unsupported detection protocol, switching and trying again...
Connecting...
Detecting chip type... ESP32
Chip is ESP32-D0WDQ6 (revision 1)
Features: WiFi, BT, Dual Core, 240MHz, VRef calibration in efuse, Coding Scheme None
Crystal is 40MHz
MAC: a4:cf:12:94:81:18
Uploading stub...
Running stub...
Stub running...
Erasing flash (this may take a while)...
Chip erase completed successfully in 8.2s
Hard resetting via RTS pin...

Load the bin file CustonFirmware-VG-L7x.bin:

PS C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\esp-idf> esptool.py -b 115200 --port COM4 write_flash --flash_freq 40m 0x00000 CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.bin
esptool.py v3.2-dev
Serial port COM4
Connecting.....
Detecting chip type... Unsupported detection protocol, switching and trying again...
Connecting...
Detecting chip type... ESP32
Chip is ESP32-D0WDQ6 (revision 1)
Features: WiFi, BT, Dual Core, 240MHz, VRef calibration in efuse, Coding Scheme None
Crystal is 40MHz
MAC: a4:cf:12:94:81:18
Uploading stub...
Running stub...
Stub running...
Configuring flash size...
Flash will be erased from 0x00000000 to 0x000ccfff...
Compressed 838848 bytes to 470840...
Wrote 838848 bytes (470840 compressed) at 0x00000000 in 41.4 seconds (effective 162.2 kbit/s)...
Hash of data verified.

Leaving...
Hard resetting via RTS pin...
PS C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\esp-idf>

**After loading this bin file, the machine would only stay on as long as I was holding the power button. I tried to run LaserBurn while holding the button on. LaserBurn found the board, but when I tried to send a program, it told me that the laser was busy. Possibly because I had help the power button in.

Then I reloaded the bin file that I got out of the machine.**

PS C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\esp-idf> esptool.py -b 115200 --port COM4 write_flash --flash_freq 40m 0x00000 20200807.bin
esptool.py v3.2-dev
Serial port COM4
Connecting....
Detecting chip type... Unsupported detection protocol, switching and trying again...
Connecting...
Detecting chip type... ESP32
Chip is ESP32-D0WDQ6 (revision 1)
Features: WiFi, BT, Dual Core, 240MHz, VRef calibration in efuse, Coding Scheme None
Crystal is 40MHz
MAC: a4:cf:12:94:81:18
Uploading stub...
Running stub...
Stub running...
Configuring flash size...
Flash will be erased from 0x00000000 to 0x003fffff...
Compressed 4194304 bytes to 1278705...
Wrote 4194304 bytes (1278705 compressed) at 0x00000000 in 115.3 seconds (effective 291.0 kbit/s)...
Hash of data verified.

Leaving...
Hard resetting via RTS pin...

**Now it is back to how it was.

Any Ideas??????**

[MrMag101]

It is now working. The problem I had in Arduino IDE was that the ESPRESSIF library I loaded was the newest one. When I installed version 1.0.6, it compiled correctly, went to the laser, and is now working with LaserBurn. A BIG thank you to arkypita for all the help!! I think it would be worthwhile to highlight that the older 1.0.6 version of the EXPRESSIF library be installed.

[Stuckalf]

I have a Vevor L4681 machine which seems to have the same controller (VigoTec with WiFi and USB).
I tried unsuccessfully to flash the bin-image (CustomFirmware-VG-L7x.bin) with different tools (LaserTool, XLoader among others). It seems I have difficulties getting the controller into the correct mode for flashing the firmware.

The controller panel has three buttons: a red power button and two white buttons, all in one row.
I tried the description in this link: https://github.com/arkypita/Vigotech-VG-L7X/tree/main/CustomFirmware-VG-L7x
But I always end in a blinking light (I think it's blue) on the controller board and no flashing software can connect to the controller to flash the firmware.

I have the CH340 driver installed and my machine is indeed working with VigoWorks 3.3 and the newest LaserGRBL. But it would be nice to get it running with Lightburn, too.

I have Arduino installed with the WiFi Manager and the ESP Board Library (it took a while to find the correct Board Library - the link in the description is outdated). I can select the Node MCU32s board.
But while compiling the sketch is running into the same errors given above in another post and ends with:
"CustomFirmware-VG-L7x:7:1: error: expected unqualified-id before '<' token
exit status 1
stray '\302' in program"

Anyway, even IF the sketch would compile I'd run into the same error of not getting the controller board to get into boot mode for flashing the firmware.

I'd be glad if someone could help me flash this controller.

[Not-the-mama]

I've tried these mods and they either didn't work or they disabled useful features of board that came with my L7x. As I understand it the L7x board has an ESP32 chipset that enables WiFi connection but interferes with the way it handles GRBL commands.

I know that we are tinkerers and that some of this is being done for fun, but engravers like the VG L7x are just not worth this much hassle IMHO.

The Vigo- software may be ugly, but it works... well, you can get it to work as long as you present it with JPGs. If I really wanted Lightburn, Laser GRBL etc. and did not mind NOT having WiFi connection. I would just purchase a more standard GRBL board from one of several online "Chinese Amazons" for about $20 AU and swap it out. Swapping out the board may be as interesting a project as mucking about with the board that came with the L7X, and provide the ability to add useful features like limit switches etc.