Issue with paper cutter project

Projects General Guidance
1

I have put together the paper cutter project from the files offered by Mr Innovative. In the auto function the feed motor does not run. The blade motor will run the correct amount of times for the quantity selected but it never actually feeds any material. I am a complete beginner on this and have tried researching to see what in the code could be wrong or if it is something else. Can anyone look over this code and possibly help me out? I included the code as an attachment since it said it was too long for the post.

paper_cutter_code.ino (8.79 KB)

2

Please use code tags, the upper left symbol in the Quick Reply window, when attaching code. A lot more helpers will than be able to read the code.
A wiring diagram and a picture of the rigg would also be helpful.

3

Here is the code

#include <Wire.h>
#include "SSD1306Ascii.h"
#include "SSD1306AsciiWire.h"
#define I2C_ADDRESS 0x3C
#define RST_PIN -1
SSD1306AsciiWire oled;






int up = 10;
int down = 11;
int right = 12;
int left = 9;
int start = 7;
int select = 8;
int state;
int led = 13;
int state1;
int state2;




#define  MOT1_DIR   6       // Motor 1 direction
#define  MOT1_STP   5       // Motor 1 step
#define  MOT2_DIR   4       // Motor 2 direction
#define  MOT2_STP   3       // Motor 2 step
#define  M_RIGHT    HIGH    // set cutter motor direction
#define  M_LEFT     LOW
int FEED_STEPS=0; // Feed motor is configured for half-step
#define  CUT_STEPS      19000 // 12-tooth pulley 
   
//---------------------------- setup() ----------------------------------------
   
void setup() {
  Wire.begin();
  Wire.setClock(400000L);
  //Serial.begin(9600);
#if RST_PIN >= 0
  oled.begin(&Adafruit128x64, I2C_ADDRESS, RST_PIN);
#else // RST_PIN >= 0
  oled.begin(&Adafruit128x64, I2C_ADDRESS);
#endif // RST_PIN >= 0


  oled.setFont(Adafruit5x7);
  oled.clear();
  pinMode(up, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(down, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(left, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(right, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(start, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(select, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(led, OUTPUT);


  pinMode( MOT1_DIR, OUTPUT );
  pinMode( MOT1_STP, OUTPUT );


  pinMode( MOT2_DIR, OUTPUT );
  pinMode( MOT2_STP, OUTPUT );
  int state = 0;
  int state1 = 0;
  int state2 = 0;
  FEED_STEPS=0; 
}


//---------------------------- loop() -----------------------------------------
//--- Wait for a button press and then call matching function
  
void loop() {
 
   staticmenu();
   
   //-----------------------------------MAIN MENU-------------------------------------------------------------------

  if (!digitalRead(up) && state == 1) {
    mainmenu();
    cursorup();
    state = 0;
  }


  if (!digitalRead(down) && state == 0 ) {
    mainmenu();
    cursordown();
    state = 1;
  }
  
//-----------------------------------AUTO MENU QTY-------------------------------------------------------------------




  if (state == 0 && !digitalRead(select)) {
    delay(500);
    oled.clear();
    staticmenu();
    qtymenu();
    state = 4;


  }
  if (!digitalRead(right) && state == 4) {
    state1 += 1;
    delay(200);
    staticmenu();
    qtymenu();
    oled.set1X();
    oled.println();
    oled.set2X();
    oled.setCursor(30, 45);
    oled.print(state1, DEC);
    oled.setCursor(55, 45);
    oled.print("NO.");
  }


  if (!digitalRead(left) && state == 4) {
    state1 -= 1;
    delay(200);
    oled.clear();
    staticmenu();
    qtymenu();
    oled.set1X();
    oled.println();
    oled.set2X();
    oled.setCursor(30, 45);
    oled.print(state1, DEC);
    oled.setCursor(55, 45);
    oled.print("NO.");


  }

  //-----------------------------------AUTO MAIN MENU LENGTH-------------------------------------------------------------------

  if (state == 4 && !digitalRead(select)) {
    delay(500);
    oled.clear();
    staticmenu();
    lengthmenu();
    state = 5;


  }

  if (!digitalRead(right) && state == 5) {
    state2 += 1;
    delay(200);
    staticmenu();
    lengthmenu();
    oled.set1X();
    oled.println();
    oled.set2X();
    oled.setCursor(35, 45);
    oled.print(state2, DEC);
    oled.setCursor(65, 45);
    oled.print("CM");
  }


  if (!digitalRead(left) && state == 5) {
    state2 -= 1;
    delay(200);
    oled.clear();
    staticmenu();
    lengthmenu();
    oled.set1X();
    oled.println();
    oled.set2X();
    oled.setCursor(35, 45);
    oled.println(state2, DEC);
    oled.setCursor(65, 45);
    oled.print("CM");
  }

  //-----------------------------------LAST SCREEN-------------------------------------------------------------------

  if (state == 5 && !digitalRead(select)) {
    delay(500);
    oled.clear();
    staticmenu();
    oled.set2X();
    oled.setCursor(0, 25);
    oled.print("QTY   =");
    oled.setCursor(90, 25);
    oled.println(state1);
    oled.set1X();
    oled.println();
    oled.set2X();
    oled.setCursor(0, 65);
    oled.print("LENGHT=");
    oled.setCursor(90, 65);
    oled.println(state2);
    state = 6;


  }

  //-------------------------------------------------------------------------

  if (state == 6 && !digitalRead(start)) {
oled.clear();
    staticmenu();
    oled.set2X();
    oled.setCursor(36, 25);
    oled.print("CUTTING");
    
FEED_STEPS=state2*100;


    Run();


oled.clear();
    staticmenu();
    oled.set2X();
    oled.setCursor(35, 25);
    oled.print("FINISH");


state = 12;
  }


if (state == 12 && !digitalRead(start)) {
    oled.clear();
    state = 1;
}
}

void staticmenu() {
  oled.set2X();
  oled.setCursor(0, 0);
  oled.println("CUTTER HMI");
  oled.set1X();
  oled.setCursor(0, 13);
  oled.println("---------------------");
  //oled.display();


}


void mainmenu() {
  oled.set2X();
  oled.setCursor(35, 25);
  oled.println("AUTO  ");
  oled.setCursor(35, 45);
  oled.println("MANUAL");
  //oled.display();


}

void automenu() {
  oled.set2X();
  oled.setCursor(35, 25);
  oled.println("LENGTH");
  oled.setCursor(35, 45);
  oled.println("QTY   ");
  oled.println("             ");
  //oled.display();


}


void cursorup() {
  oled.set2X();
  oled.setCursor(10, 3);
  oled.println(">");
  oled.setCursor(10, 5);
  oled.println(" ");
}


void cursordown() {
  oled.set2X();
  oled.setCursor(10, 3);
  oled.println(" ");
  oled.setCursor(10, 5);
  oled.println(">");
}


void lengthmenu() {
  oled.set2X();
  oled.setCursor(25, 25);
  oled.println("LENGTH");
  //oled.display();
}


void qtymenu() {
  oled.set2X();
  oled.setCursor(35, 25);
  oled.println("QTY   ");


}

void manualmenu() {


  oled.set2X();
  oled.setCursor(0, 65);
  oled.println("MANUAL MODE ON");
  oled.setCursor(50, 200);
  oled.println("ON");


}

//---------------------------- Feed() -----------------------------------------
//--- Feed motor operation
//
void Feed() {
  digitalWrite( MOT1_DIR, HIGH );     // select direction 
  for( int i; i<FEED_STEPS; i++ ) {
    digitalWrite( MOT1_STP, HIGH );
    delayMicroseconds( 10 );          // duration of step signal
    digitalWrite( MOT1_STP, LOW );
    delayMicroseconds( 1000 );        // pause between steps
  }
}


//---------------------------- MoveBlade() ------------------------------------
//--- Move cutting head in desired direction
void MoveBlade( unsigned int mDir ) {
  digitalWrite( MOT2_DIR, mDir );     // select direction 
  for( int k; k<CUT_STEPS; k++ ) {
    digitalWrite( MOT2_STP, HIGH );
    delayMicroseconds( 50 );          // duration of step signal
    digitalWrite( MOT2_STP, LOW );
    delayMicroseconds( 50 );        // pause between steps
  }
}  


//---------------------------- OneCut() ---------------------------------------
//--- Perform a single cut - blade moves back and forth to return it home
void OneCut() {
  MoveBlade( M_RIGHT );
  MoveBlade( M_LEFT );
}


//---------------------------- Run() ------------------------------------------
//--- Perform multiple cuts
void Run() {
  for( int j=0; j<state1; j++ ) {
    Feed();
    MoveBlade( M_RIGHT );
    MoveBlade( M_LEFT );
 }
}

void Feedin() {
  digitalWrite( MOT1_DIR, HIGH );     // select direction 
  for( int l; l<FEED_STEPS; l++ ) {
    digitalWrite( MOT1_STP, HIGH );
    delayMicroseconds( 10 );          // duration of step signal
    digitalWrite( MOT1_STP, LOW );
    delayMicroseconds( 1000 );        // pause between steps
  }
}
4

In function Feed You really apply "good speed". Could You make a test and increase the delay between pulses significantly? A factor 100, 1000 and see what happens? Listen to the motor, sense it with a finger.... Anything You can tell?

5

In function feed if I increase the delay it slows the speed of the feed motor. The issue I keep having is that the function feed and the function moveblade are used to create the function run. I think there is something missing from the function feed. The loop will cause the feed motor to output one time, and then the blade motor runs correctly. For example if I put a quantity of 3 and length of X, the feed motor will spin to move X amount of material one time, then the blade motor will run 3 times. It acts like it doesn't know it needs to feed again before each cut.

6

You tell, in the first post, that the feed motor does not run.....

7

@jpater211641, please post links to the datasheets for the stepper motors you are using and tell us what stepper motor drivers you are using. Also tell us what stepper motor power supply you have (volts and amps).

Have you correctly adjusted the current limits on the drivers to match your motors?

I suggest you test each motor separately with this Simple Stepper Code. Start with a very slow speed and then work up to the speeds that are used in your own program.

...R
Stepper Motor Basics

8

Sorry, I guess I was unclear in the original post. Its a project taken directly from a paper cutter that was shown on this website. I downloaded all the files and created it directly from there. It is an arduino Mega 2560 board, the stepper motors run off A4988 drivers and a 9V 1A power supply. Theres a manual mode and auto mode in the code. The motors themselves function fine. Once I go through the menus and hit start for auto mode, it immediately feeds and then the blade motor moves right to left however many times I put in for the quantity. It never stops between cuts and feeds more material. The feed motor only runs that initial time.

DIY Arduino Based Paper Cutting Machine - YouTube - This is the link for the video tutorial when he made it if that helps.

9

Again, Your wiring please. And a link to the power supply, or its detailed data.

10

Try this much shorter program and see what happens. It should do a feed and a cut with a one second interval between repeats.

#include <Wire.h>
#include "SSD1306Ascii.h"
#include "SSD1306AsciiWire.h"
#define I2C_ADDRESS 0x3C
#define RST_PIN -1
SSD1306AsciiWire oled;


int up = 10;
int down = 11;
int right = 12;
int left = 9;
int start = 7;
int select = 8;
int state;
int led = 13;
int state1;
int state2;


#define  MOT1_DIR   6       // Motor 1 direction
#define  MOT1_STP   5       // Motor 1 step
#define  MOT2_DIR   4       // Motor 2 direction
#define  MOT2_STP   3       // Motor 2 step
#define  M_RIGHT    HIGH    // set cutter motor direction
#define  M_LEFT     LOW
int FEED_STEPS=0; // Feed motor is configured for half-step
#define  CUT_STEPS      19000 // 12-tooth pulley 
   
//---------------------------- setup() ----------------------------------------
   
void setup() {
  Wire.begin();
  Wire.setClock(400000L);
  //Serial.begin(9600);
#if RST_PIN >= 0
  oled.begin(&Adafruit128x64, I2C_ADDRESS, RST_PIN);
#else // RST_PIN >= 0
  oled.begin(&Adafruit128x64, I2C_ADDRESS);
#endif // RST_PIN >= 0


  oled.setFont(Adafruit5x7);
  oled.clear();
  pinMode(up, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(down, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(left, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(right, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(start, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(select, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(led, OUTPUT);


  pinMode( MOT1_DIR, OUTPUT );
  pinMode( MOT1_STP, OUTPUT );


  pinMode( MOT2_DIR, OUTPUT );
  pinMode( MOT2_STP, OUTPUT );
  int state = 0;
  int state1 = 0;
  int state2 = 0;
  FEED_STEPS=0; 
}


//---------------------------- loop() -----------------------------------------
//--- Wait for a button press and then call matching function
  
void loop() {
  FEED_STEPS = 200; // my guess, may need to be changed
  Feed();
  MoveBlade( M_RIGHT );
  MoveBlade( M_LEFT );
  delay(1000);
  

}


//---------------------------- Feed() -----------------------------------------
//--- Feed motor operation
//
void Feed() {
  digitalWrite( MOT1_DIR, HIGH );     // select direction 
  for( int i; i<FEED_STEPS; i++ ) {
    digitalWrite( MOT1_STP, HIGH );
    delayMicroseconds( 10 );          // duration of step signal
    digitalWrite( MOT1_STP, LOW );
    delayMicroseconds( 1000 );        // pause between steps
  }
}


//---------------------------- MoveBlade() ------------------------------------
//--- Move cutting head in desired direction
void MoveBlade( unsigned int mDir ) {
  digitalWrite( MOT2_DIR, mDir );     // select direction 
  for( int k; k<CUT_STEPS; k++ ) {
    digitalWrite( MOT2_STP, HIGH );
    delayMicroseconds( 50 );          // duration of step signal
    digitalWrite( MOT2_STP, LOW );
    delayMicroseconds( 50 );        // pause between steps
  }
}

...R

11

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