A0 (flexible) sized Plotter including software

This is a 'total' package of the design of a 2d Plotter. It includes:

• The STL files of the required components to build the plotter
• A manual with information how to build the plotter and how to install the software
• The source code of the Arduino board which controls the plotter
• The source code of the Python application

Note: When a zip file is uploaded to pinshape, then the file is automatically unzipped and only the recognized filetypes are shown. To bypass this, and to be able to save the source software as well, the zip file is renamed to pdf. So please rename PLOTTER_PACKAGE.pdf to .zip

You can download the manual, which should give you a good impression of what you can expect: Manual PDF

The plotter is build with 1 meter rods, but you can make it smaller as you wish. The software is 'as is'. The manual (PDF file) provides detailed information about how to build the plotter, which additional rods, bolts, etc are needed as well as which Arduino and RAMPS board is used to control the stepper motors. The interconnections (mechanical as well as electrical) is described. Also the download and install of the required Arduino and Python development environment is described in detail. The source code is added in the zip file.

This plotter can be used to create large (cheap) plots, but it could also be used by DIY learners to find out how the software is partitioned and why this is done is this way. There are of course many different ways to create this, it is just a choice to have the user interface software in Python and the HW control software handled by an Arduino.

The Python code includes a simple but practical 'simulator', which is shows the plot result as a drawing on your computer. This enables it to practice with the software without wasting paper.

I do not claim that the software is error free. If it isn't than the issue is not known by me (otherwise it would have been fixed). So the examples do work as expected. You can use this software as a starting point for further experiments. You can also change the simulator to be a 'live' simulator which actually shows the plot movements. Same applies to the Arduino graphical LCD, I did not use it, but you could extend the software to make use of it. So this 'example' of HW and SW could be used as a starting point for further exploration / learning / fun / ....