ScottW514
cc927aca5f
- LIGHTBURN.md: mandatory "Before you cut" safety section; the walkthrough now reflects the firing machine (dry runs need the layer output off or M5; live first-cut instructions); the homing entry documents homing_mode and the gfcloud method; the machine address is a placeholder. - README.md: condensed safety section linking the full text and the regulatory notes. - INSTALL.md: "Regulatory and legal" section ahead of the install steps; routine updates route through the panel updater rather than the installer. - BRINGUP.md: the release signing key is described as held offline (no on-disk path); bench address and credential notes removed; Next-work item 7 corrected (the installer embeds the production release key); status entry for audit remediation Phases 0-1; the GATE A kernel drills join the pending image-flash checklist. - bench scripts: the target host comes from GF_HOST (or argv) instead of a hardcoded address. - laser_stream_test.py: per-session controller runs with a hermetic cooling-verdict publisher; new assertions that every stream terminates with FIRE clear (including M3 held to stream end) and that no FIRE bit rides a zero-step gap; a cycle-churn session exercises the stop/start seams. Audit findings D-1, D-2, D-3, D-5, D-10, D-12, B-10, and the harness half of D-4/G-1.
3.5 KiB
OpenGlow/ForgeFIRM Firmware for Glowforge
Open-source firmware for Glowforge brand CNC lasers. ForgeFIRM replaces the cloud-dependent factory software on the stock control board — no hardware modification — and gives the machine a local controller, a local web control panel, and a standard Grbl interface.
What it does
Two controller modes, selected in the web panel and switchable while the machine is idle:
- GRBL mode — grblHAL runs on the machine and speaks Grbl 1.1 over TCP port 23, so LightBurn, UGS, and cncjs drive the laser directly. Motion runs on the board's own hardware step engine (SDMA + EPIT), fed live by the planner. M3/M4 dynamic laser power, coolant-flow verification, over-temp holds, and an operator button press to arm the laser for each job.
- Cloud mode — the machine presents itself as a stock Glowforge to the Glowforge web service, so the phone and web apps work as they always did. Optional, and off by default; nothing about GRBL mode needs it.
Around both modes:
- A web control panel on port 8080: machine status and position, coolant and fan telemetry, safety-switch states, camera view, machine settings, hardware diagnostics, firmware updates, and boot-slot management.
- Both cameras as MJPEG streams and full-resolution snapshots — the lid camera feeds LightBurn's camera overlay directly.
- Camera-referenced homing:
$Hfrom any sender runs the factory-style camera homing cycle through the Glowforge service, and the machine records where it is. - Installs alongside the factory firmware in the unused A/B rootfs slot, archiving every factory version first, so the machine can be switched back to stock at any time without the Glowforge cloud.
Hardware
The control board is common to Glowforge Basic, Plus, and Pro. The 5 MP (OV5648) camera modules are fully supported; the 8 MP (OV8856) modules found in "HD" units bind but do not capture yet — see the camera note in kas/README.md.
Roadmap
- Limit-switch homing as an alternative to camera-referenced homing.
- Camera lens calibration and bed alignment for the LightBurn overlay.
- Capture support for the 8 MP (OV8856) camera modules.
- Cloud mode: stream jobs into the motion ring during the run, lifting the job-length cap that buffering the whole job imposes.
Safety
This machine contains a Class 4 CO₂ laser: it burns, blinds, and starts fires. Never defeat the lid switches or interlock, always vent the exhaust outdoors, and never cut PVC or other chlorinated plastics. Never leave a running job unattended — keep a fire extinguisher within reach. Read Before you cut — safety before your first job, and the Regulatory and legal section before installing.
A very important warning: this is experimental software. Use of this software could seriously maim or kill you or others, and voids your warranty. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Glowforge. Use it at your own risk.