NOTICE: This project is currently under development and is only recommended for air cutting in a controlled environment!

CNCInfusion is a Windows GUI frontend written in C# designed to control the flow of G-code to an Arduino-based Grbl G-code processor (Grbl GitHub).

• Basic Functionality: Concentrates on essential functionality for hobby use.
• User-Friendly GUI: Windows-based graphical user interface for easy interaction.
• Compatibility: Primarily tested with Grbl edge (Grbl 0.7d) using '?' for status reporting.
• Development Environment: Originally created using Visual C# 2010 Express (as of version 0.1.7.0).
• Target Framework: Updated to .NET 8, removing the dependency on .NET 2.0 framework.
• Graphics Library Update: Native DirectX replaced with managed SharpDX.
• Project Structure: Converted to SDK style for improved organization.

• Limited G-code Exposure: The developer's CNC exposure is based on a home-built mill, focusing on basic motion and spindle control.
• Coding Disclaimer: Acknowledges that the developer is not a professional coder. Encourages contributions for correcting and enhancing features.

• Development Tools: Visual C# 2010 Express (as of version 0.1.7.0).
• Target Framework: .NET 8.
• Components: See CREDITS.txt for additional information about the components used.

• Grbl Edge Status Update: Assumes Grbl edge (Grbl 0.7d) with status updates in the format:

  // Grbl edge status update looks like this: (Feb 2012)
  // MPos:[0.00,0.00,0.00],WPos:[0.00,0.00,0.00]
  

• Testing: CNCInfusion has been tested with Grbl edge but is expected to work with other versions if status updates remain disabled.

• Initial Release
• Initial version of CNCInfusion.

• Added feed hold and soft reset functionality.

• Restructured serial communication code.
• Identified known issue with feedhold/cyclestart.

• Fixed feedhold/cyclestart problem caused by ok response confusion.
• Addressed occasional re-running issues after abort.

• Modified delegates for use in threads (created at startup).
• Started creating a preprocessor that only accepts Grbl G-code.
• Fixed status update interval problem.
• Addressed re-run after abort problem (added lock in commreceive).
• Added timers for RX and TX indicators.
• Implemented basic preprocessor for Grbl code displayed in the backplotter.

• Grbl preprocessor modifications (needs more thorough testing).
• Changes to settings form, introducing more options.
• Initial code to support joystick.

• Implemented error checking to detect Grbl when opening the serial port.
• Added machine/world toggle on display.
• Utilized regex for parsing Grbl status report.

• Switched to Visual C# Express 2010 due to issues with SharpDevelop 3.2.

• Updated to .NET 8.
• Updated to SharpDX 2.6.3.
• Converted to SDK style project.
• Updated to Visual Studio 2022 Community Edition.

• Reporting: Grbl reporting of status is undergoing development.
• MDI, JOG, Zero Axes: Incomplete features yet to be coded.
• Joystick/Joypad Integration: Issues on X64 Win7 development box.
• Load/Save Settings, Color Preferences: Planned features for future updates.

• Feedhold Abort Stability: Abort when feedhold is active sometimes causes loss of sync with Grbl. Hard reset of Grbl from Settings page restores stability.

• Hardware (DTR) Reset: Available in Settings.
• Software Reset: Triggered by pressing 0x18 on the main form.
• Feed Hold / Cycle Start: Allows manual control during operation.

• Status Reporting: Placeholder for proof of concept; undergoing heavy development.
• Feed Override: Work in progress in Grbl.
• JOG, MDI: GUI components in place but not yet coded.
• Modal Gcode Status: Potential indicators for modal gcodes.