Building Tomuro's Circuit.

[TommyDee]

Yes, please contact Tomuro via email. tomuro@haxtom.com
There is obviously a premium to cover.

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To continue... SUCCESS! But not without trouble.

I had the shield test program loaded on the NANO so it was blinking at me as expected.
I change the batch file to talk to COM7, save and right-click "RUN".
Command window disappears and the lights are still blinking!
No error messages to read as the window closed down when the routine was done. Grrrrrr!!!!

Okay, I know enough DOS to navigate the shell. Find the batch file with "CD"'s and ran it from the command prompt.
This time the window stayed open to show the error. The file name in the batch file for the hex file is wrong!
Corrected it, reran the batch file and finally, data streaming to and fro.
I know I could have simply put a pause in the batch file, but hey, I like doing things the hard way.

Are you starting to get a sense for why this stuff can be so frustrating for non-coders!?!?!
I know a fair bit more than most ME's about computers and that seems to be my only saving grace.

Anyway, final comment has to be that yes, the Arduino IDE app we loaded earlier also serves as a terminal emulator using the serial monitor under tools.

I queried my 98% chip with commands 3; 4; 5; and 7; Error n,4,n shows up if contact is not made with the chip.
Also sent "8,75;" and it did indeed rewrite the chip to 75% as verified by the command "7;" and the Cube3 printer.

So after all that mulling around and asking (apparently only myself) all those pertinent questions, I found good reason to ask all of those questions.

But, this is all good news as this does solve everything this layman needed to know with regard to utilizing a com-processor.
Something I've been pondered a mere 35 years now when I was learning Basic on my Vic-20. Way to jump back to yesteryear!

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Couple of things that need covering... the batch string I used:

Avrdude\avrdude -C Avrdude\avrdude.conf -v -patmega328p -carduino -PCOM7 -b57600 -D "-Uflash:w:ReCube.ino.hex:i"

Consider adding 2 lines;
pause
exit

This will keep the screen open to see the results until you hit any key.

This is a proper response;

C:\<recubefolderlocation>\ReCubeV2Light>program.ba t


C:\<recubefolderlocation>\ReCubeV2Light>Avrdude\av rdude -C Avrdude\avrdude.conf -v -patmega328p -carduino -PCOM7 -b57600 -D "-Uflash:w:ReCube.ino.hex:i"


avrdude: Version 6.3, compiled on Dec 16 2016 at 13:33:19
Copyright (c) 2000-2005 Brian Dean, http://www.bdmicro.com/
Copyright (c) 2007-2014 Joerg Wunsch


System wide configuration file is "Avrdude\avrdude.conf"


Using Port : COM7
Using Programmer : arduino
Overriding Baud Rate : 57600
AVR Part : ATmega328P
Chip Erase delay : 9000 us
PAGEL : PD7
BS2 : PC2
RESET disposition : dedicated
RETRY pulse : SCK
serial program mode : yes
parallel program mode : yes
Timeout : 200
StabDelay : 100
CmdexeDelay : 25
SyncLoops : 32
ByteDelay : 0
PollIndex : 3
PollValue : 0x53
Memory Detail :


Block Poll Page Polled
Memory Type Mode Delay Size Indx Paged Size Size #Pages MinW MaxW ReadBack
----------- ---- ----- ----- ---- ------ ------ ---- ------ ----- ----- ---------
eeprom 65 20 4 0 no 1024 4 0 3600 3600 0xff 0xff
flash 65 6 128 0 yes 32768 128 256 4500 4500 0xff 0xff
lfuse 0 0 0 0 no 1 0 0 4500 4500 0x00 0x00
hfuse 0 0 0 0 no 1 0 0 4500 4500 0x00 0x00
efuse 0 0 0 0 no 1 0 0 4500 4500 0x00 0x00
lock 0 0 0 0 no 1 0 0 4500 4500 0x00 0x00
calibration 0 0 0 0 no 1 0 0 0 0 0x00 0x00
signature 0 0 0 0 no 3 0 0 0 0 0x00 0x00


Programmer Type : Arduino
Description : Arduino
Hardware Version: 2
Firmware Version: 1.16
Vtarget : 0.0 V
Varef : 0.0 V
Oscillator : Off
SCK period : 0.1 us


avrdude: AVR device initialized and ready to accept instructions


Reading | ################################################## | 100% 0.02s


avrdude: Device signature = 0x1e950f (probably m328p)
avrdude: safemode: hfuse reads as 0
avrdude: safemode: efuse reads as 0
avrdude: reading input file "ReCube.ino.hex"
avrdude: writing flash (17048 bytes):


Writing | ################################################## | 100% 8.03s


avrdude: 17048 bytes of flash written
avrdude: verifying flash memory against ReCube.ino.hex:
avrdude: load data flash data from input file ReCube.ino.hex:
avrdude: input file ReCube.ino.hex contains 17048 bytes
avrdude: reading on-chip flash data:


Reading | ################################################## | 100% 6.83s


avrdude: verifying ...
avrdude: 17048 bytes of flash verified


avrdude: safemode: hfuse reads as 0
avrdude: safemode: efuse reads as 0
avrdude: safemode: Fuses OK (E:00, H:00, L:00)


avrdude done. Thank you.

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I also learned another thing about the NANO and it may be worth pursuing with Tomura.

In looking through the arduino samples, the entire functionality could be done without this shield board (more commonly known in normal speak as "motherboard").
The indicators could be replaced with LED_BUILTIN. For a success burn, it could flash twice... for fail, it could flash once. It also appears we can reassign the button of the NANO. So why are we adding one?

Bottom line, a simple code hack by Tomuro would make this complete by adding a resistor in the range of 1.6-2.2K between the 5V power pin (pin 4) and pin 12 (logic pin A0). Pin 12 is one lead for the small pad on the chip and the large pad is connected to either ground pad (pin 4 and pin 2).

This effort is more than sufficient for my purposes. I'll need test that one-push solution for 100% cartridges but for now, this is excellent! Thanks you Tomuro!

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This is interesting... CubePro Gold is not listed as a "Metal" filament as it would associate with a different slicer profile. It lists as just plain ABS, color gold.
Cube 2 chips read 0% for some reason. They obviously need to be updated to one of the 3 supported platforms.

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recube_brd2.PNG

Board 2... I decided that rebuilding the 1st prototype was a good idea.
This is the same wire I use to unclog nozzles. Need to find some more!

Got another NANO on the way.

And if you can't tell, this is a pretty simple way to make these motherboards for the ReCube and NANO.
Stuff the components and solder them in, then tack the wire to the beginning and start bonding.
If you start with a plain Vector board, just trim to size and oversize the mounting holes to your liking.

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I wanted to update some thoughts on the pro version of Tomuro's code.
The suggestion of swapping pins or functionality is valid.
If you decide you want a pro-version, you can keep this in mind.
Tomuro is open to changes as each copy is personalized.
If you understand, or become highly familiar with Arduino, you will know if your request is reasonable based on not overtaxing core code changes.
One such request to consider is to have the one button refill go to 99% for those with "Upgraded F/W" that need to initialize cartridges. That way, you just need a USB power cell to reset or initialize cartridges. And you can always use that pro version to get to the more advanced features via the serial terminal.

I was suggesting using onboard functionality to replace the peripheral connections; the switch and lights. Which are in fact non-essential. You just need a resistor between pins 4 and 12 on the right bank (USB up; facing down). Ground and this same pin 12 are the two leads to the chip. The interface is the Arduino app. Done... both free and pro version. Therefore, the more extensive mods are pretty much moot. If you are in control via the serial communications, nothing really needs feedback. You can query the connection on-screen.

Tomuro may be able to re-assign the button to the built-in button on the NANO. That would further enhance the above minimalist setup. No extra parts, but you would be able to reset carts with just a power source to the NANO (and that afore mentioned resistor). Doesn't even need to be USB source.

But, if you want some elegance; for a limited time I will consider hand-building this motherboard for you, or "Shield" (corny!) if that is all that's holding you back.
Make it worth my while... if I can build a batch on commitments, I can do a run as small as 5.
You can do the NANO and the printing/contact wiring - I'll send wire - NANOs on eBay are going for under $3. Resistors are 10 cents...

Bottom line - there are options!
And thanks again Tomuro!

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Stay tuned for further developments on a ReCube Lite project.

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If anyone is interested in a very nice little PCB design app... check out DesignSpark PCB put out by Allied Electronics.

https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/pcb-software

If you know anything about designing and fabricating printed circuit boards, this is a one of those "cool tools" and very powerful!

This is not spam! I am using this tool to move my PCB design from mechanical CAD to a platform that can output Gerber.

AND IT IS FREE!

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ReCube_Shield_icon.PNG

Another very useful link when dealing with ordering circuit boards ^^
This viewer will show you exactly what you are going to get when having PC boards made.
Gerber-viewer.com outperforms the DesignSpark PCB Gerber viewer from what I've found so far.

BTW; Design Spark has a mechanical version too. Haven't looked but sounds promising for 3D design work.

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Would you look at that

03092019_recubebrd.PNG

[bolsoncerrado]

Sexxxxxy!

[TommyDee]

That wasn't too bad at all... Except the one where I switched the LEDs

03102019_recubeshield.PNG

Alex, do you have any Arduino NANO's on hand?

[bolsoncerrado]

Not atm

[TommyDee]

Not a problem. Just checking. Boards are ahead of schedule.

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03112019_9boards.PNG

[JohnTee]

Those look super spiffy.

Can the nano connect to a PC so you can use the ReCube Pro chip programming commands (i.e., change material, color, cartridge type)?

[TommyDee]

Let's see what I can configure for sale:

$5 Bare Board (0805 components; only have 1 right now)
$10 ReCube Shield Kit (all the components to build the ReCube Shield board assembly; NANO not included)
$15 ReCube Arduino NANO Shield Board (that which is pictured above)
$20 ReCube Light w/NANO (3rd party NANO programmed with ReCube Light and installed on the shield)
$25 ReCube Light Complete w/ Case (Work in progress, 3D printed case included)

Overselling or underselling?

I have a total of 9 NANO's on order. 3 units are spoken for.

Once we get past this batch, I will consider a production order.

This is just a thought. If you really can't live without one of these, please post what you prefer.
Actual shipping cost is on you; origin: Oregon, USA.

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Those look super spiffy.

Can the nano connect to a PC so you can use the ReCube Pro chip programming commands (i.e., change material, color, cartridge type)?

Oh, absolutely. I plan to extend Tomuro's value added level of support by allowing people who know how to use a terminal emulator (serial comm) to read the information Tomuro provided for the Pro version. That way, those who buy this shield can interface with Tomuro for the upgrade.

Note that I've broken down the level of integration to a level with which the customer is comfortable with.

Bottom line; People with no knowledge of what a terminal emulator is can use the ReCube Light by simply providing USB power from any source. A button push and the cartridge of choice is recharged when the green light tells you it is. No fuss, no hassle.
But for those that know what Arduino is and know how to interface with a terminal emulator, they can maximize utilization of this tool by upgrading with Tomuro.
This also gives rise to the number of options for making this work for them in keeping with the DIY "I don't want to spend money" philosophy. This gives rise to 5 levels of integration options. Came out kinda symmetrical, didn't it

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I received two of the NANO's yesterday so we are moving forward.

The 3D print parts are done. Printed with Cube3 they are simple and solid.

03122019_ReCube_Light_Shield.PNG

And above all, functional! This one works like a charm. Probably should spend more time testing it, but can't see a downside to this.

For you tinkerers, I've also maintained a spare set of contact points on the PCB for those that prefer flying leads or some different means of making contact.
The holes are plated through at 1mm (.040") diameter. They will fit .025 square pins with no trouble or a 22awg wire.

03122019_ReCube_Light_access.PNG

The plastic piece is there to protect the contacts.

The right way to use this is to put a finger on the PCB to hold the wand to the cartridge.
There are no live traces on the top of the board so no worries about changing impedance by holding the wand in this manner.
This is a Cube3/Ekocycle recharge:

03122019_ReCube_Light_cube3_recharge.PNG

This is a similar action for CubePro cartridges.

If you need to interface with the Serial Comm, You will find that this hold is not too bad.
For most occasions for a simple refill, just push the button and in milliseconds, either the red or green light will come on.
Red means it didn't make good contact, green means it did and your cartridge is at 100%.
You will get some reasonable tactile feedback from a good hold v. not.
If you are working with the Serial Comm, you will only need one finger to hold the finger tab on the ReCube Shield to the cartridge.

Please remember that I will not load ReCubePro onto NANO's. If you want the NANO installed, it will have the ReCube Light installed and tested.

One last disclaimer; there are not official NANO's from Arduino. There are one of millions of clones that are fabriocated under the Arduino open license.
To date, all these Nano's are using an older bootloader supported by the Arduino IDE app.
My Win10 computer recognized the 340 chip for communications without issue.
When you open a Serial Comm window, the process of doing so causes the ReCube Light software to display a help and information page.
There you will find everything else you ever wanted to know about your ReCube Wand.

[JohnTee]

Personally, I think you are at least 50% low on your pricing!
Would it be reasonable to bump it up enough to make it worth your while, plus maybe even include something for Tomuro in each sale?
(Sorry - I can't seem to keep from meddling.... |}

BTW - I got the Arduino IDE set up on my Linux Mint PC - so now I can ReCube without the help of Microsoft!

[TommyDee]

I'm old school. Share what ya brought Na, I'll have to add eBay charges so they will have to go up some there. But when you consider that you can build a cut-rate version of this for $3, I cannot justify more.

Tomuro will handle Pro upgrades. This is pretty much advertising for him. I really don't want to meddle in that. I'll point people to the terminal window and that's enough.

One would think that Arduino would run on Linux... Was it a challenge?

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03122019_ReCube_Light_options.PNG

[JohnTee]

<Thumbs Up> on not getting entangled - hadn't thought about that aspect.
Point taken on the fact someone can buy a $3 nano and make it work...BUT... that requires thinking, and figuring, and working, and downloading, and troubleshooting, and, and...
If you had had this ready when I stumbled through my $4 implementation a year ago, I would have readily paid $35 for one. In fact, I might still - it's so purdy!

[QUOTE=TommyDee;45902]

One would think that Arduino would run on Linux... Was it a challenge?

QUOTE]

Nope - it was easy. Just followed the instructions at https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Linux

Download, unpack, run the script.

There is a version of the IDE in the Linux repositories, but it is a pretty old version.

It did take a while to find out that with the 3rd party nano's using the CH340 chip, you have to select Tools / Processor = "ATmega328P (Old Bootloader)" instead of "ATmega328P". After that it worked as advertised. Before, it would fail to communicate when you tried to download a sketch.