Getting Started with g2core

G2core is an Open Source CNC, 3D Printer, and general stepper-motor-based motion control firmware that runs on the next generation of g2core hardware as well as the Arduino Due.

• Hardware Needed To Use g2core
• Software Needed To Use g2core
• Developing on g2core

Hardware Needed To Use g2core

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.

The following is a list of the minimum you will need strictly for g2core, regardless of what project you'll be using it for.

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

• Currently the only publicly-available board g2core works on is the Arduino Due.
• We plan to release the gQuadratic and gQuintic boards in fall 2016 that will also run g2core.

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.

Debugger/Programmer - Atmel-ICE debugger on Mouser and Digikey.

• You can program the Due and the TinyG v9 boards without a debugger, but to do realtime debugging you need an ICE of some sort.
• Note that the Atmel-ICE is not the Atmel SAM-ICE or the Atmel JTAG-ICE. The Atmel SAM-ICE will work as well, but is older and more expensive. All the examples on this site use the Atmel-ICE.

Software Needed To Use g2core

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.