This Devlog is from a day ago, I just realized I never hit post 😭
I got my software to work! While it’s fairly simple, it can write basic phrases. I used python for my script, and I primarily used googles “speech recognition” library for the voice detection. Then, using the Hershey fonts library and a function, I was able to convert the string of text into g-code that would then be sent to the printer (This part took a while to figure out). Currently, since my plotter doesn’t have a z-axis, I figured that using the cursive font would work best since there is not much lifting in cursive. I also went to my local library to use their computers fusion software to designa pen holder (My Mac refuses to download fusion for some reason, it’s always unresponsive). I added the photos below (Since this was on a library computer the blocks screen recording, I’m not able to record my time with timelapse. The design took me around 2 hours though since I’m not the best with fusion 360) While it definitely could be improved, it works for now. Additionally, I made it so that the size of the letters vary on the amount of letters said. For example, if I say a long sentence that would normally extend past the paper, the code will scale this sentence down until it fits onto the paper. Now, the basics to my project are finally done! There’s still so much to improve upon, but the idea works. For now, I’d like to add:

• code that will make the plotter write more than 1 sentence. (This would require it to move down the paper, which would drag the pen across the paper, so I gotta figure something out)
• A way to click/unclick the pen OR a way to move the pen up a down. A super simple z-axis
• A better pen holder, sometimes this one doesn’t write as well. I’ll be back at the library.
• Try and get the code onto a raspberry pi or arduino (Don’t know which would nworkbetter) To erase the need for a computer.