PrintNC — Machine Configuration Repository

This repository contains machine configurations and documentation for one or more PrintNC-based CNC machines using:

• LinuxCNC
• Mesa Ethernet motion controllers (e.g. 7i96S)
• Huanyang VFD (or similar spindle drives)
• Structured Bill of Materials (BOM)
• Electrical and commissioning documentation

The repository is designed to support multiple LinuxCNC configurations within a single version-controlled project.

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Related Projects & Documentation

For broader context on the PrintNC machine design and ecosystem, see:

• PrintNC main repository (archived) — https://github.com/threedesigns/printNC
  The original open-source CNC machine project and parts repository.

• PrintNC Wiki (official documentation) — https://wiki.printnc.info/en/home
  Comprehensive guides, build instructions, and documentation for PrintNC.

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Repository Structure

printnc-machine-config/
├── bom/                         # Bill(s) of Materials (CSV)
├── electronics/
│   └── vfd/                     # VFD parameter configurations
├── linuxcnc/
│   └── configs/
│       ├── machine-A/
│       │   ├── machine-A.ini
│       │   ├── *.hal
│       │   └── tool.tbl
│       ├── machine-B/
│       │   ├── machine-B.ini
│       │   └── ...
│       └── ...
├── resources/
│   └── docs/                    # Reference documentation & datasheets
└── README.md

Each subdirectory under:

linuxcnc/configs/

represents one complete LinuxCNC configuration.

A configuration directory must contain at minimum:

• One .ini file (entry point)
• Associated .hal files
• Tool table (if used)
• Any additional machine-specific resources

All configuration paths should be relative to allow relocation without modification.

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Configuration Installation

LinuxCNC automatically scans subdirectories inside:

~/linuxcnc/configs

To install this repository, clone it directly into that directory:

cd ~/linuxcnc/configs
git clone https://github.com/itsjute/printnc-machine-config.git

Resulting structure:

~/linuxcnc/configs/printnc-machine-config/

LinuxCNC will automatically detect all .ini files located anywhere within this repository.

No symlink or installation script is required.

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Selecting a Configuration

1. Open:

   LinuxCNC → Configuration Selector
   

2. Browse to:

   printnc-machine-config/linuxcnc/configs/<desired-machine>/<file>.ini
   

3. Select the appropriate .ini file.

4. Optionally click:

   Create Desktop Shortcut
   

This creates a launcher specific to the selected machine configuration.

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LinuxCNC Configuration Philosophy

Each configuration directory is self-contained and should include:

• Mesa hardware abstraction layer configuration
• Axis scaling and kinematics
• Homing configuration
• Tool table
• Spindle control integration
• Any custom HAL logic

Configurations should not rely on absolute paths outside their directory.

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PnCconf Project Files

Some machine directories may contain a *.pncconf file.

These files are PnCconf wizard project files and serve as optional hardware configuration metadata. They are included to:

• Preserve the Mesa hardware and pin-mapping snapshot
• Allow regeneration of a base configuration using the PnCconf wizard
• Improve long-term reproducibility

Important

The authoritative machine configuration is the hand-maintained .ini and .hal files.

If PnCconf is used to regenerate configuration files:

• Carefully review the resulting changes
• Compare diffs using Git
• Revert any unwanted modifications

PnCconf may overwrite generated sections of .ini and .hal files. Regeneration should therefore be performed deliberately and reviewed before committing.

The .pncconf file is included for convenience and traceability, not as the primary configuration source.

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VFD Configuration

Documented VFD parameter sets are located in:

electronics/vfd/

These files define the programmed parameters for spindle drives used by the machines.

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Bill of Materials

Machine BOMs are located in:

bom/

Multiple BOM files may exist if supporting multiple machine variants.

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Updating the Repository

To update the configuration(s):

cd ~/linuxcnc/configs/printnc-machine-config
git pull

All configurations inside the repository will be updated together.

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Design Goals

This repository structure allows:

• Multiple machine configurations in a single project
• Version-controlled LinuxCNC configurations
• Separation of configuration and documentation
• Clean LinuxCNC integration without system modifications
• Reproducible deployment
• Straightforward updates via Git

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Notes

• Each configuration is machine-specific.
• Always verify parameters before operating hardware.
• Ensure Mesa firmware and network configuration match the respective HAL configuration.