What are my options for increasing the speed of XY Plotter v2.0?

#1

Hello,

I wish to increase the speed of the plotter (main method is using mDraw to draw SVG files). I tuned both ME Stepper drivers by turning the screw towards the “+” position to increase torque/speed as the manual suggested, but it still goes pretty slow. I am unsure if it is set to the maximum setting though because the screw just keeps turning.

I have the motors set to move in 1/16 movements as I need the accuracy. What are the things that may help increase the speed? Are there better stepper motors I can purchase? Better stepper drivers that I can purchase?

Thanks for any and all tips.

#2

Dig into the firmware - there are a few places that variables are dealing with delays (imposed so that the steppers are not driven faster than they can handle.) https://github.com/Makeblock-official/mDrawBot/blob/master/firmwares/xybot/xybot.ino

But generally, speed vs quality is a payoff you’re always going to have to balance. If you need the accuracy, its going to be slower. I’m assuming you’ve tried larger movements on the stepper drivers and actually found the quality to be unacceptable?

#3

Ok thanks, I tried editing a few things in that file before clicking “Update Firmware” in mDraw but there was no noticeable change (even when drastically changing the numbers). I am running it on Windows, does it look for the firmware in /xybot/xybot.ino? Could it be that it is stored in the executable already?

#4

I’m not sure about that - It could be uploading a precompiled hex (which is what I assume.)

To be sure, you could get the Arduino IDE and just upload xybot.ino with your changes.

#5

@invinceable, have you had any luck with increasing the speed? I am attempting the same on mSpider but have not had luck after changing the spider.info firmware and uploading .

Thanks

#6

Anyone know how to increase the speed of the servo?

#7

You need to look in the Arduino sources for feedrate and feedrate delay. I can’t currently remember more…

#8