Robin2:
One of the things that continues to intrigue me is the general decision (inherent in GRBL and other Arduino CNC / 3D printing programs) to interpret the GCode on the Arduino rather than on the PC. Doing it on the PC would seem to make the job of the Arduino a great deal easier thus allowing for fatser speeds.
...R
Good question. Seems that the actual gcode interpretation could/should be done client-side, ideally. I imagine it's to keep things as simple as possible. Certainly should be able to pre-process the translation from gcode into a flat file that the Arduino scans line by line. I will say that, from what I have seen, it is driving steps at a very respectable speed regardless.I would assume the developers are making future plans along these lines.
Most importantly is the concept of using small microcontrollers to totally replace the PC/parallel port standard way. Seem to make lots more sense. Horses for coarses. No more trying to get 'real-time' pulsing from a 'personal computer OS'.
I just ordered a Due and a gShield. With an Uno, Due, and gShield supposedly you can run GRBL and tinyG on the Due. I plan on putting through some paces shortly.