Important G-Code Commands

This guide serves as a brief introduction to G-code commands. It will list the most useful and important commands to allow proper control of the Crane.

An Introduction to G-Code

G-code is frequently used programming language to control machine tools, such as a 3D printer. G-code is sent to the printer and promptly executed by a control board, in the Crane's case, the Duet Maestro. What each G-code command does depends on the firmware type the board is running. The Crane runs Reprap firmware, you can find an in-depth list of all supported G-code commands on the Duet3D Wiki: G-code.

G-code commands are sent and interpreted one line at a time. G-code commands typically include a letter followed by a number. In RepRap firmware the first letter of a command will usually be a G, M or T. This letter will then be followed by a number. Together, a letter and number specify a command. For example, G1 is the move command. However, there is little you can do with just the move command G1. So the initial command is typically followed by sequences of letters and numbers called parameters. For example G1 X100 Y200, which will move the printer to the 100mm X and 200mm Y position. X100 Y200 are both parameters in this case. Use the guide below to get an introduction to the most important and useful G-code commands to have as a beginner. There are many more G-code commands that RepRap firmware supports. Be sure to use the link above to continue learning new G-code commands.

Important G-Code Commands

• M112: Emergency stop, will stop all heaters and motors. A reset with M999 or power cycle will be required.

• M999: Reset the board. This has to be done after the board is emergency stopped or an error has halted the boards operation.

• G0 & G1: Move motors or axes, these are the primary movement commands of many printers. There is currently no difference between G1 and G0 for RepRap firmware. These commands are followed by parameters to identify distance, feedrate and motors to drive. G1 Xnnn Ynnn Znnn Ennn Fnnn Snnn

  • X, Y and Z represent the different axes. nnn represents the distance to travel along that axis.

  • E represents an extruder motor. The extruder motor distance is specified just like the X, Y and Z parameters. E50 will move the extruder to the 50mm position.

  • F Allows you to specify a feedrate in mm/s. Feedrates vary greatly depending on whether you are printing or travelling.

  • S Enables or disables the endstop check. If the endstop is toggled while moving the printer stops, the S1 flag enables detection, S0 disables detection.

• Tnnn: Tool select G-code. Where nnn defines the tool

• M106 Snnn: Turn on fans with speed nnn. nnn can be a value between 0 and 255. For older versions of config.g M106 P2 Snnn will enable fan control.

• G30: This command allows a single Z-probe at the current location. The z-probe should be properly configured before sending this command. Follow the Z-Probe Calibration & Bed Leveling guide for more explanation on this topic.

• G29 : This command runs the bed leveling procedure. Please properly deploy the Z-probe prior to sending this command, use the link above.