A playground to interact with a Roland DXY-1150 Plotter.
This repository provides a script to interface with the plotter and output generated HPGL files over RS-232.
Make sure the plotter's DIP switches are configured correctly before using!
The Plotter uses the RS-232-C implementation. This requires much greater voltage levels than modern transmitters are capable of producing. The MAX3232 is compliant and can be used for this.
The script as of right now sends and waits a set period. This can cause the plotters internal buffer to overflow. Apparently reading the remaining buffer capacity does not work (at least not reliably). Ways to fix this issue:
- (Hacky) Make sure the outbound data rate is slow enough. This is achieved by increasing the command delay
-dflag. - (Recommended) Use RS-232 Handshaking and only output data, once CTS is active (This behavior should be handled by hardware). Note: The CTS signal has the same voltage level requirements as the RX/TX lines. This solution requires dedicated hardware.
HPGL can be generated by various programs:
- KiCad offers an HPGL exporter
- vpype and its various plugins offer a vast selection of tools
- DIY, just write HPGL by hand, it's fun :)