Status: Draft · Early Development
Microstep Control is an experimental Python-based microscope camera and CNC control interface. It combines image streaming, serial CNC communication, and precise positioning into a unified GUI application. The goal is to build a flexible foundation for advanced analysis, prototyping, and automation workflows.
- Integrate a microscope camera with a CNC motion system
- Provide a real-time image preview using OpenCV
- Enable axis movement via GUI buttons (X/Y/Z with step size)
- Display CNC responses live without interruptive dialogs
- Prepare for AI-based image processing and control
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows now, Linux planned)
- Future-proof modular design with serial abstraction and pluggable components
- Detect connected serial ports and identify CNC boards
- Discover video capture devices using FFmpeg (Windows only for now)
- Connect and stream from selected camera using OpenCV
- Send CNC commands over serial (e.g., G28, G1, G91/G90)
- Live response feedback via console-style text box
- Step-based control for X/Y/Z axis via GUI buttons
- Adjustable step size in mm
- Modular backend design:
initial_communication_base.py,cnc_control.py,stream.py
- Python 3.8+
PySide6pyserialopencv-pythonffmpeg(binary must be present and configured in code path)
Optional (planned):
wmi(Windows-only, camera info via WMI)numpy,pillow,tensorflow(for AI and image analysis, future)
- Clone this repository:
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/microstep_v.0.001.git
cd microstep_v.0.001
## ⚠ Disclaimer / Warning
This project involves controlling CNC hardware and interacting with camera devices.
Improper use or configuration of this software can cause unintended hardware movement or damage.
**Use at your own risk.**
The authors and contributors are not liable for any damages or injuries that may result from the use of this software.
This project is provided _as-is_ without warranty of any kind.
Always test your setup carefully and ensure safety mechanisms are in place before operating real hardware.