# GRBL Controller

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/grbl-controller/86006>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [28 February 2024 15:02 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/grbl-controller/86006 "2024-02-28T15:02:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 8\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Fabian1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eada6e/32.png) [@Fabian1](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Fabian1)\
**Post date:** [28 February 2024 15:02 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/grbl-controller/86006/1 "2024-02-28T15:02:57Z")

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Can I program a Grbl controller with Node Red? If so, how does the serial port work? Ps.: I use an upgraded GRBL 1.1 control board.

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**Author:** ![Steve-Mcl](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/steve-mcl/32/4826_2.png) [@Steve-Mcl](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Steve-Mcl)\
**Post date:** [28 February 2024 15:16 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/grbl-controller/86006/2 "2024-02-28T15:16:02Z")

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> [@Fabian1](#):
>
> Can I program a Grbl controller with Node Red?

Probably.

> [@Fabian1](#):
>
> If so, how does the serial port work

You add a serial out node and send it data (string or buffer)

You use a serial in node to capture responses.

Your issue will likely by how to format the data into the correct structure. for this, there are several libraries on [npm](https://www.npmjs.com/search?q=GRBL) that you could potentially use in a function node. See [this article](https://flowfuse.com/blog/2023/06/import-modules/) on how to import npm modules.

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**Author:** ![Fabian1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eada6e/32.png) [@Fabian1](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Fabian1)\
**Post date:** [28 February 2024 16:10 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/grbl-controller/86006/3 "2024-02-28T16:10:11Z")

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How to use a serial out node?

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**Author:** ![Steve-Mcl](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/steve-mcl/32/4826_2.png) [@Steve-Mcl](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Steve-Mcl)\
**Post date:** [28 February 2024 16:14 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/grbl-controller/86006/4 "2024-02-28T16:14:20Z")

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Add one to the workspace, set up its connection details, send it a string or buffer.

Are you brand new to node-red?

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**Author:** ![Fabian1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eada6e/32.png) [@Fabian1](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Fabian1)\
**Post date:** [28 February 2024 18:08 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/grbl-controller/86006/5 "2024-02-28T18:08:01Z")

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Yes, I'm brand new to Node Red, so I don't know much about it. I need it for a project of mine because I want to display a user interface via a touchscreen. I need the CNC controller (GrBL) because I want to control stepper motors and want to display this visually on the dashboard. Thank you for your help.

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**Author:** ![Steve-Mcl](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/steve-mcl/32/4826_2.png) [@Steve-Mcl](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Steve-Mcl)\
**Post date:** [28 February 2024 18:15 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/grbl-controller/86006/6 "2024-02-28T18:15:47Z")

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> [@Fabian1](#):
>
> Yes, I'm brand new to Node Red

I recommend watching this playlist: [Node-RED Essentials](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyNBB9VCLmo1hyO-4fIZ08gqFcXBkHy-6). The videos are done by the developers of node-red. They're nice & short and to the point. You will understand a whole lot more in about 1 hour. A small investment for a lot of gain.

As for serial node specifics, once you have a basic understanding of node-red, you should easily be able to use the serial nodes but there are also LOTS of threads on the serial port in this forum.

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**Author:** ![Fabian1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eada6e/32.png) [@Fabian1](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Fabian1)\
**Post date:** [28 February 2024 18:20 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/grbl-controller/86006/7 "2024-02-28T18:20:36Z")

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OK, thank you very much for your help, I'll have a look around the forum and watch some YouTube.

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**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/1X/d073cd938eafa2e558d7c2cd59003b3ef4963033.png) [@system](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/system)\
**Post date:** [28 May 2024 18:21 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/grbl-controller/86006/8 "2024-05-28T18:21:28Z")

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