TECHNICAL DISCUSSION FOLLOWS:
Hello. I was playing around last night trying to use the Universal G code sender to talk to the Shapeoko. Got that working but had mixed results with the file created by Aspire using the shapeoko post processor. that just needs a little more exploration.
I noticed Easel will import and send externally generated G code as well. You simply had to download the Vectric Easel post processor which I did. The results were not what I expected. My gcode file was generated in metric since that is what we think the Shapeoko needs/wants. the first move is 25 (mm - 1 inch). The movement tried to move 25 inches. Z movements were also trying to plunge into the table. I took a look at the Easel post processor today, and sure enough the post proc is in imperial units and specifically generates the G20 code telling the controller we speaky English units. This would be an easy change to have the PP spit out metric units and a G21 code telling the controller it is metric. IF IT WORKS.
Now, here is the other interesting part. Using the shapeko metric post processor it generates a file that looks like it should work. It issues a G21 and the movements are in mm units (25.4 = 1"). However, loading that seemed like it was still in inch mode and was trying to move 25" on the first rapid move so the question becomes does the controller understand a G21?
I ran out of time so I’ll have to explore that some more. The main reason for this is I have a lot of existing files that can be cut on the Shapeko. Easel is a bit simplistic for my needs so it would be great to use my existing vectric product.
Anyway, this is all just FYI for anyone trying to use anything other than Easel which works just fine if everything is native to it and generated by it. Unfortunately, we can’t see the gcode being generated. Cheers!