Nano3D Nano3D

Serial Terminal

Learn how to use the built-in serial terminal for advanced printer control and debugging.

Serial Terminal

Overview

The NanoDLP Serial Terminal provides direct communication with your 3D printer’s controller board, allowing you to send G-code commands, monitor responses, and perform advanced printer operations. This feature is essential for debugging, calibration, and advanced printer control.

Features

Direct Communication

  • Real-time Communication: Direct serial connection to printer controller
  • G-code Support: Send and receive standard G-code commands
  • Response Monitoring: View real-time responses from the printer
  • Command History: Track sent commands and responses

Advanced Control

  • Manual Control: Direct control over printer movements
  • Parameter Adjustment: Modify printer parameters in real-time
  • Status Monitoring: Monitor printer status and sensor readings
  • Emergency Control: Emergency stop and safety commands

Debugging Tools

  • Error Reporting: View detailed error messages
  • Status Information: Monitor printer health and status
  • Performance Metrics: Track printer performance data
  • Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve printer issues

How It Works

Connection Process

  1. Serial Port Detection: System detects available serial ports
  2. Baud Rate Configuration: Set appropriate communication speed
  3. Connection Establishment: Establish serial communication link
  4. Handshake Verification: Verify communication with printer

Communication Protocol

  • G-code Standard: Industry-standard G-code commands
  • Response Handling: Process and display printer responses
  • Error Detection: Identify communication errors
  • Timeout Management: Handle communication timeouts

User Interface

Terminal Display

  • Command Output: Display of sent commands
  • Response Display: Show printer responses
  • Status Information: Current printer status
  • Error Messages: Display error and warning messages

Input Controls

  • Command Input: Text field for G-code commands
  • Send Button: Execute entered commands
  • Command History: Access to previously sent commands
  • Auto-complete: G-code command suggestions

Display Options

  • Scroll Control: Navigate through terminal output
  • Text Size: Adjustable text size for readability
  • Color Coding: Different colors for commands, responses, and errors
  • Timestamp Display: Show command execution timing

Common G-code Commands

Movement Commands

  • G0/G1: Rapid/Linear movement
  • G28: Home all axes
  • G29: Bed leveling
  • G90/G91: Absolute/Relative positioning

Temperature Control

  • M104: Set hotend temperature
  • M140: Set bed temperature
  • M105: Get temperature readings
  • M109: Wait for hotend temperature

Printer Control

  • M84: Disable steppers
  • M112: Emergency stop
  • M115: Get firmware version
  • M503: Print settings

Advanced Commands

  • M501: Load settings from EEPROM
  • M500: Save settings to EEPROM
  • M851: Set Z probe offset
  • M420: Enable/disable bed leveling

Configuration Options

Serial Settings

  • Port Selection: Choose appropriate serial port
  • Baud Rate: Set communication speed (typically 115200)
  • Data Bits: Configure data bit count
  • Parity: Set parity checking
  • Stop Bits: Configure stop bit count

Terminal Options

  • Auto-scroll: Enable/disable automatic scrolling
  • Command Echo: Show sent commands in output
  • Response Timeout: Set response wait time
  • Buffer Size: Configure input/output buffer sizes

Display Settings

  • Text Color: Customize text colors
  • Font Size: Adjust display font size
  • Line Spacing: Set line spacing
  • Background: Choose terminal background

Best Practices

Command Usage

  1. Test Commands: Test commands on small movements first
  2. Verify Responses: Always check printer responses
  3. Use Safe Values: Start with conservative parameter values
  4. Document Changes: Keep records of parameter modifications

Safety Considerations

  1. Emergency Stop: Know how to use emergency stop
  2. Movement Limits: Understand printer movement limits
  3. Temperature Safety: Monitor temperature settings
  4. Backup Settings: Save current settings before changes

Troubleshooting

  1. Connection Issues: Check serial port and cable
  2. Communication Errors: Verify baud rate and settings
  3. Command Failures: Check command syntax and parameters
  4. Response Problems: Monitor for error messages

Advanced Features

Scripting Support

  • Command Sequences: Execute multiple commands in sequence
  • Conditional Logic: Add conditional command execution
  • Loop Structures: Repeat command sequences
  • Variable Support: Use variables in commands

Automation

  • Auto-calibration: Automated calibration sequences
  • Batch Operations: Process multiple commands automatically
  • Scheduled Tasks: Execute commands at specific times
  • Event Triggers: Respond to printer events

Integration

  • API Access: Programmatic terminal access
  • Logging: Comprehensive command and response logging

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