Jog2K [project on github with detailed readme] is a keypad pendant which connects to the Flexi-HAL or GRBLHAL2000 via USB-C cable and communicates over I2C.
It features RGB LED feedback for most buttons, and a 128x64 pixel OLED screen showing a DRO with current Work Coordinate System, feed rates, machine status etc.
The Jog2K's Function Shift [Fn] button allows access to macros stored on the board, jog speed etc.
¶ Why do I want one?
A Jog2K pendant interfaces directly with the Flexi-HAL or GRBLHAL2000 board, which allows you to control your CNC machine whether or not a sender PC is turned on or even plugged in. You can home the machine, jog around (and change your jog speed/distance), enable/disable coolant, spindle etc. run macros all just with the jogger.
It doesn't allow completely “headless" operation though as sender software is still required to load .nc files and run jobs. But to get simple setup tasks done (or just move the gantry out of the way without needing to turn on a PC) it is a huge quality of life improvement.
¶ Enclosure and Buttons
The enclosure and buttons are designed to be 3D printed and model files are available on github. As of the A6 “slim” revision, the Deluxe Edition is the recommended case. It allows a larger OLED screen (1.3" rather than 0.96") and features buttons designed for FDM or resin printing.
¶ Function Shift Key Combinations
- Fn + Start unlock and clear alarm
- Fn + Coolant adjusts the Jog Mode
- Fn + Mist adjusts the Jog decimal
- Fn + Home toggles between the active WCS: G54, G55 etc.
- Fn + [Jog Direction] triggers macros, explained below.
- If you have a 4th Axis enabled on your machine Fn + Raise and Fn + Lower jog the 4th axis (this removes two macro slots)
You should see jog changes reflected on the screen. It'll tell you feed vs step. The base numbers are set in the jogging settings in IOSender.
- Fn + Halt flips screen orientation 180º - There is no orientation standard for the OLED screens, so if yours is showing as inverted use Shift + Halt and then power cycle the jogger.
¶ Onboard Macros
Macros are configured in ioSender and stored on the Jog2K's internal eeprom memory, so they can be run without the ioSender PC powered on.
Each macro can be a maximum of 128 characters, and is triggered by holding Shift and pressing the appropriate macro button (Up, Right, Down, Left, Raise, Lower)
- Fn + [Jog Direction] trigger stored macro
- Fn + Spindle executes the special spindle macro - This is a macro that starts/stops the spindle at a slow speed for manual edgefinding.
If the spindle is running, Shift + Spindle executes an M5 command to turn it off. This command is hard-coded and can't be changed.