Another dumb question and I am sure i have used it on Millmage, but what happened to the calibrate axix ?
There are no dumb questions!
We removed Calibrate Axis from MillMage (for now) because not every machine can use this.
(I’ll forward it to our docs team to update the page where it’s still mentioned, thanks!)
It only works if your firmware can change the GRBL $$ values via console.
Which machine and firmware are you using?
You could totally use Calibrate Axis in LightBurn to write the settings to the controller.
It’s the “Steps per MM” setting.
I’d recommend using the online calculator linked on the docs page, and manually entering the new values with the console.
For now i am using a 3018 with a grbl controler. I recently had a laser modul mounted on it that I used Lightburn as software
I plan on using this machine for cnc router and laser, swap out control board with each, that way laser settings will be on one board and cnc router board on another…no need for changing settings.
With the laser modul and Lightburn I had the axis calibrated to perfection.
now with another board for Millmage settings
I had a laser on my 3018 machine. The only thing I had to change was the $32 parameter when switching between spindle motor and laser module. There was no need to change any calibrations. The steps per mm and acceleration values are determined by the machine mechanics, not by hanging a laser on it.
Then leave it there. Mount the spindle and set $32=0 and you are done.
I may switch back and fortth between CNC router and 2 laser modules.
That is a perfect situation where a Macro could be useful. I would expect your Max Travel parameters to vary depending on which one you installed. Not familiar with your control, but the GRBL parameters are $130 & $131.
I believe macros are very usefull. But I thyink very few people actually now how to right them …I do not know
You need to know what GCodes or commands you want to send to the controller. But after that, it is just like writing a text file.
For example for my 3040 Pro mill, I have a Macro called “Laser Mode” that contains $32=1, and another called “CNC Mode” that contains $32=0.
I also have one called “Retract” that contains G0 X150 Y275 Z0.
I feel your pain. I literally built another machine to run laser separate from router. What seems simple for some is almost impossible for guys like me. I spent literally hours trying to switch back and forth on one machine.
I bought another machine due to the hassle of switching and module issues. Best move I ever made!