Development Roadmap

Here is a list of things that are considered likely to make it into the firmware. If you would like to work on anything here, please let us know on the Slack channel (request an invite, if needed). If you think something should be added to this list, please suggest it on Slack or start a new issue.

Donation

This project requires a lot of work and often expensive items for testing. Please consider a safe, secure and highly appreciated donation via the PayPal link below.

System Level

Grbl (Note: Donations help get roadmap items done)

• Fix COREXY midTbot resolution issue. Currently x asix resolution needs to be 2x actual. Verify feed rate during fix.
• Add M67 command to control analog (PWM) output to user defined pins
• Add option to turn off spindle enable in laser mode. This can be used to have a laser and spindle on the same machine.
• Support more trinamic driver types (UART).
• Backlash compensation
• Microstep level control via MS pins for stepstick drivers
• Allow multiple limit switches for an axis for use with flexible controllers
• Have the relay spindle refuse to operate in laser mode to prevent damage.
• Automatically generate #define LIMIT_MASK from defined pins.
• Spindle SpinUp and Spindown delay with settings and disabled for laser mode
• Spindle alarms. Misbehaving spindle will stop a job.

Suggested new settings to add(remove from config.h)

• #define SPINDLE_ENABLE_OFF_WITH_ZERO_SPEED
• #define INVERT_SPINDLE_ENABLE_PIN
• Individual Axis Disable
• #define INVERT_LIMIT_PIN_MASK (we have $Limits/Invert=On/Off, but probably can't change that due to backward compatibility)
• $Reset (Command...executes CMD_RESET ctrl-x which is hard from some consoles)

Bluetooth

• Add Password Support Apparently this is now in the ESP-IDF. What does it take to get into the Arduino Core version.

WebUI (Wifi)

• Add tool tips to buttons
• Add gcode viewer. Specification

Display

• Add support for a simple I2C display

--Not on near term roadmap now--

• Wired Ethernet:
• Spindle synchronization
• Automatic Torch Height Control
• Allow multiple spindles and coolant pins. (Examples: Dual machining/laser type machines and M7 turns on multiple relays)

Recently Completed

• Microstep pin control
• Individual axis enable/disable signals
• I2S Shift Register support to add additional output pins
• Motor Classes. This will allow a vast variety of motors to be supported without impact on the core code.
• Complete rewrite of $ settings. $S shows new format.
• Use DAC for spindles with analog voltage (typically 0-5v and 0-10V)
• Spindle Class: Spindles are now an object oriented feature in the firmware. You can easily change between (7) types. New spindle types are very easy to add.
• Daisy Chained SPI can now be ganged and squared.
• Added M56 parking feature control
• Refactored how machines are defined
• Send [ESP] to see a list of all [ESP] commands
• Now any axis can be ganged and squared. You can use either one or 2 direction pins for ganged axes.
• You no longer have to specify RMT channel numbers in the CPU map. The are automatically assigned as needed by firmware.
• $+ now shows all extended $$ settings.
• More homing options for special kinematics.
• $80-$84 to save some integer values for use on custom machines. kinematics, etc
• $90-$94 to save some float values for use on custom machines. kinematics, etc
• $170-$175 Settings for Trinamic Stallguard level
• Added Trinamic SPI daisy chain otion
• Add $33, $34, $35, $36 Spindle settings to allow changes without recompile
• Add $14x, $15x, $16x to allow changes to Trinamic run current , hold current and microstepping without recompile
• Added optional machine_init
• Added user defined homing
• Added Unipolar Stepper motor support
• Added Tool changing
• Added M30 Support
• Added arc G2,G3 support to kinematics
• Added M62 and M63 support for additional digital I/O control.
• Added Piecewise Linear Fitto compensate non linear spindle speed controllers.
• Added ability to invert the spindle PWM output
• You can now daisy chain Trinamic drivers.
• Now using TMCStepper library to support more Trinamic drivers
• New HOMING_FORCE_POSITIVE_SPACE feature to homing
• Forward kinematics for reporting position in regular cartesian space (optional).
• Add basic kinematics
• Added macro button feature - Execute things like homing with a button push
• Added additional axes up to 6
• Current cpu_map is displayed at startup
• Probe panel added to WebUI
• RC ESC Spindle Support
• Added TMC2130 Support
• RMT for step generation option
• Limit switch debouncing option
• Servo Axis: Servos can be used on any axis
• Push Notifications:
• Ganged Axes: with auto squaring