Line-us SVG Plotter

#1

I wrote a simple SVG plotter for the LineUs drawbot made with Processing 2.2.1 and Geomerative Plugin.

Usage:
You can simply open the code in Processing 2.2.1, install the Geomerative plugin (via menu) and run the sketch. Since this plotter is dependent on the SVG functions of Geomerative (flattening and polygonizer) we are stuck with Processing version 2.2.1.

Alternatively you can run the applications for Mac OS and Windows.

Github code
Applications

Lineus_SVG
Lineus_SVG.png2642×1670 455 KB

https://media.giphy.com/media/mXSotgSiGCCGqda0qO/giphy.gif(image larger than 4096KB)

Application interface / keys / shortcuts:

  • drawbot address: a (usually lineus.local in wifi and 192.168.0.4 in setup mode)
  • open SVG: o
  • zoom: +/-
  • move: arrow keys <>
  • rotate: r
  • show lines: l
  • connect Line-Us: c
  • plot drawing: p
  • hide menu: h

Known bugs:

  • The image seems to be slightly skewed on my machine
3 Likes
#2

Had a little play around with this and it it very nice! Thanks for sharing.

#3

Resolved - I finally got the connection made! Now to figure out why my svg file is filled in. Thanks again for this great plugin!

This is just what I’m looking for! However, I must be missing a step. I’ve downloaded processing, installed Geomerative and pasted the code into processing. I don’t know what the next step is to get it to work. When I run the processing code it says, “java.net.UnknownHostException: lineus.local”

#4

Are you running on Windows? If so you may need to install Bonjour from Apple it uses bonjour to connect to Line-us. Also, it’s using the default name so if you’d re-named your Line-us (in the app) that could also be the cause.

Just lastly, there are pre-packaged installers for mac and windows (the zip files rather than source) which will save you a bit of time if you just want to run the app rather than get the source.

1 Like
#5

Otherwise you could simple set the IP of the Line-us without Bonjour to 192.168.4.1 in the code or via key ‘a’.

1 Like
#6

Yes, although you’d need to find the IP - 192.168.4.1 would be correct for ‘Red Mode’ but if it’s connected to your WiFi it would be different. You’d be able to get it by logging in to your router.

1 Like
#7

Thanks Rob! I ended up just using the IP address the device was assigned on my home network. Thanks for the other ideas too!

#8

It seemed to work fine on my mac without the need for Bonjour - but that’s good to know for the future. thanks!

#9

Yes, macs have bonjour installed as default, it’s just Windows that needs it. Using the IP address is fine too though.

#10

Hi! I am excited about the SVG Plotter but struggling to make it work. Wondering about system requirements/compatibility? Or maybe I’m doing this wrong.

Issue 1.

  • I connect my Line-us via iPhone app. Then I launch the SVG Plotter app on my Mac running 10.12.1 (Sierra).
  • Line-us is connected to wifi. Address is lineus.local
  • Hit C, text goes green
  • Hit P to draw default venn diagram, nothing happens. App is frozen.

Issue 2.

  • Wondering about the SVG format that is compatible with this app. It seems anything out of Illustrator doesn’t open.

Any help would be super appreciated!

#11

Issue 1:
I suppose the address “lineus.local” might be not correctly resolved. Thus i’ve got several Line-us in class we are putting the drawbot in debug mode (red LED) and connect directly to the provided wifi network. The IP is 192.168.4.1. Maybe you could try that.
There are other discussions on this board regarding the address.

Issue 2:
The SVG interpreter is quite simple. Thus there may be some SVG commands or effects that might not work. Similar to other drawing programs like VisiCut.
You should try to avoid SVG effects and patterns. And please try to merge your paths and convert your fonts to path.
Illustrator provides several ways to export SVGs. There’s only one that flattens transforms. Unfortunately i don’t remember which one.

#12

Try line-us.local for the address (so hit ‘a’ and enter line-us.local). The default name has a hyphen.