Getting Started with g2core

G2 is an Open Source CNC, 3D Printer, and general stepper-motor-based motion control firmware that runs on the next generation of TinyG hardware (currently in private beta) as well as the Arduino Due.

• Hardware Needed To Use G2
• Software Needed To Use G2
• Compiling G2 From Source

Hardware Needed To Use G2

You will need whatever machine you are trying to control, such as a CNC machine, 3D printer, laser cutter, etc., along with the general knowledge of how to use that machine safely.

You will also need software to generate GCode. (TODO: Add a page with GCode software list.)

The following is a list of the minimum you will need strictly for the use of G2, regardless of what project you'll be using it for.

Debugger/Programmer (Not strictly necessary, but very helpful) - Atmel-ICE.

• There are three ways they sell the Atmel-ICE: Standard ($85), Basic ($49) (Digi-Key has them for $55), and PCBA ($32). The standard comes with an adapter that you won't need for this project, and the PCBA is missing the $14 cable you will need for the project, so the Basic is just right.
• This is not the Atmel SAM-ICE or the Atmel JTAG-ICE, but just the Atmel-ICE. The Atmel SAM-ICE will work as well, but is older and more expensive, but has the advantage of being a (Atmel-limited) Segger J-Link. We will document here how to use the Atmel-ICE.
• You can program the Due and the TinyG v9 boards without a debugger, but you cannot debug them.

Compatible Target Board - Arduino Due ($50) (Adafruit, Maker Shed, Sparkfun, Digi-Key, Mouser, Newark)

• Currently the only publicly-available board G2 works on is the Arduino Due.

Adapter Cabling/Shield - gShield ($50) (Synthetos Store, Adafruit, Inventables), or roll-your-own cabling.

• Depending on the project and your level of expertise, you may be able to wire stepper drivers you already have (as long as they have STEP/DIRECTION/ENABLE pinouts) to the Due or roll your own shield. • The gShield provides three stepper drivers and pinouts for spindle controls and limit switches.

Software Needed To Use G2

If you are not planning on compiling the firmware yourself, then all you need the the Arduino 1.5+ IDE installed on your machine (for the bossac binary). You can then program any provided hex directly onto the Due or TinyG v9.

• Flashing G2 with Windows
• Flashing G2 with OSX
• Flashing G2 with Linux

TODO: Provide links to CNC software resources.