Utils

Utils are miscellaneous utility modules in Smoothieware that provide helpful functionality but do not represent physical Tools like extruders or lasers.

These modules handle system-level features like file playback, current control, configuration management, and user interface elements.

Available Utility Modules

File Management

  • Player - Play G-code files from the SD card
    • Handles file execution, pausing, and resuming
    • Supports progress tracking and time estimation

Motor Control

  • Current Control - Digitally control your stepper motor current
    • Adjust motor current via software instead of trimpots
    • Helps reduce motor heating and optimize performance
  • Advanced Motor Driver - Control SPI-based stepper motor controllers
    • Supports DRV8711 and TMC26X drivers
    • Provides advanced motor control features

Configuration

  • Configurator - Manipulate configuration using console commands
    • View and modify settings without editing config file
    • Useful for testing and debugging
  • on_boot.gcode - Execute G-codes every time the board boots
    • Automatically run initialization commands
    • Set default states and parameters

User Interface

  • Kill Button - Software-based emergency stop button
    • Provides instant machine halt capability
    • Can be wired to physical emergency stop button
  • Play LED - Visual indicator for file playback status
    • LED turns on when executing a file
    • Helps monitor machine status from a distance
  • Panel - Drive Smoothie without a host computer
    • Use LCD screens and click encoders for control
    • Supports various panel types (RepRapDiscount, Viki2, etc.)
  • Smoopi - Modern touchscreen control interface
    • Color touchscreen on Raspberry Pi
    • Web-based graphical interface

Configuration

Each utility module has its own configuration section in the config file.

For example:

# Player module
play_led_disable                false              # Enable play LED

# Current control
currentcontrol_module_enable    true               # Enable digital current control

See each individual module’s documentation page for complete configuration options and examples.