Author Archives: davidcrocker

Using exceptions in C++ embedded software

Posted on December 27, 2019

For several years I have been the lead developer of RepRapFirmware, which is firmware for 3D printers running ARM Cortex processors. Until recently I saw no compelling reason to use exceptions, so I compiled the firmware with gcc options -fno-exceptions … Continue reading →

Posted in Embedded software | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Dangerous failures

Posted on December 21, 2019

Sometimes, equipment that is supposed to be designed with safety in mind turns out to be unsafe. Here’s an example I came across a few years ago: a mains-powered smoke alarm installed in a top-floor flat:

Posted in Electronics | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Switching from Sage 50 to Xero Accounting Software

Posted on February 17, 2019

For once, here is a non-technical post from me. I’ll describe my experiences of changing from Sage 50 to Xero accounting software. In particular I’ll highlight a number of pitfalls that you might wish to be aware of prior to … Continue reading →

Posted in Accounting | Tagged | Leave a comment

Improving the Robotdigg SCARA printer

Posted on September 24, 2017

In the first post in this series I described how I strengthened the bad T-frame of the printer and added adjustable levelling feet. These improvements made it possible to produce prints. The conversion to Duet electronics described in my second … Continue reading →

Posted in 3D printing | Tagged | 3 Comments

Converting the Robotdigg SCARA printer to Duet electronics

Posted on August 27, 2017

In my previous post I described the Robotdigg SCARA Arm 3D printer in its original form. This post covers the conversion to Duet Ethernet electronics. It may seem odd to use top-of-the range electronics with budget mechanics, and I am … Continue reading →

Posted in 3D printing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Testing the Robotdigg SCARA Arm 3D printer

Posted on August 9, 2017

A colleague spotted this Robotdigg SCARA Arm 3D Printer which sells at just US$280 + shipping and import VAT. As I was working on SCARA printer support in RepRapFirmware, this seemed an ideal low-cost platform to test it on. So we … Continue reading →

Posted in 3D printing | Tagged | Leave a comment

Time to rebuild my large Kossel

Posted on March 22, 2017

It’s more than a year and a half since I published my large Kossel build blog entry. Since then I have upgraded it many times. Several people have built 3D printers based on this design, and some have asked for … Continue reading →

Posted in 3D printing | Tagged , | 70 Comments