How to change tool and set zero for new tool while inside a running program

[karoria]

Hi all!

I have never tried to change blunt tool temporarily pausing the running program. Is there a way where I can pause the machine during running program, then manually jog the axis to preferred location for tool change and set zero for new tool by G10L20 or so and then resume the program?

Can I run automatic tool height probing (using a macro) during this period?

For longer programs of metal engraving, this is required to do.

I use teensy4.1 customized board with ethernet connected client running webui. Programs run from SD card.

Thanks.
Ravi

[terjeio]

Currently there is no way since a feed hold blocks new input. Adding such a pause function is on my todo list but it will take some time since it is not straightforrward to implement. The current input buffer has to be saved (code is already in place) along with the current state including the planner and stepper buffers (with associated data). And the sender has to support such a pause, it will be similar to the grblHAL specific tool change protocol.

A preliminary version of pausing that will be a lot easier to implement is to let the currently buffered motion run to completion first, but I am not sure this is worthwhile.

[karoria]

How about implementing it for programs running from SD cards first?

[terjeio]

How about implementing it for programs running from SD cards first?

No difference - the core (where the pause has to be implemented) does not care about which stream the commands are coming from.

[karoria]

Ok. I am just curious if a macro file should take over just like tc.macro jumps in to do tool change and hands over to running program when done. I don't know much about how you handle planner buffer in that case.