this project has two parts:

• 1. c# HPGL processor for some manipulations with simple HPGL files (Hewlett-Packard graphics language) used for plotters
• 2. arduino project for receiving simple HPGL over serial port and using it to drive step-motors

Primary this was used to raise-from-groove of my old plotter MINIGRAF ARITMA A507.

simple utility to process HPGL file with 3 types of output

• image (bitmap) it can convert HPGL file into image (png by default)
• file just for doing some operations with your HPGL file (see more)
• serial port for sending your file to your home-made potter. It can be paused for changing your pen etc.

Utility supports only some commands of HPGL language: PU,PD (Pen Up/Pen Down) PA,PR (Pen Absolute, Pen Relative) LB (Label)

It can do some operations for you

• converting text to vectors (using embedded font)
• transform drawing (autoscale, rotate, move, zoom)
• optimize pen-up moves
• absolutize (remove PR's)

see commandline help for more

receives HPGL over serial port (at 57600 bauds) and drives step motors. It is assumed, that step-mottors already has TTL counter driver, so there are 3 X-pins (D7-D5), 3 Y-pins (D4-D2) and PEN pin (D12). There is also hard-coded timing for my plotter, so you can change it.

implemented HGPL commands:

• PU[x,y];
• PD[x,y]*;
• PAx,y[,x,y]*;
• PRx,y[,x,y]*;
• LBtext<0xD>

Enjoy

plotr - simple c# .NET 4.5 application. Open & compile with Visual Studio 2012. You can use SDK or express. minigraf - use arduino addin to Visual studio 2012