Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Candle VS Universal Gcode Sender

Compare Candle VS Universal Gcode Sender and see what are their differences

Candle logo Candle

GRBL controller application with G-Code visualizer written in Qt

Universal Gcode Sender logo Universal Gcode Sender

A full featured gcode platform used for interfacing with advanced CNC controllers like GRBL and TinyG.
  • Candle Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-28
  • Universal Gcode Sender Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-01-16

Candle features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Candle offers an intuitive and straightforward user interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
  • Integration with ROS
    Candle integrates well with the Robot Operating System (ROS), allowing seamless communication and control of robotic systems.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The software is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering versatility to users across different platforms.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, Candle allows developers to contribute to its development and customize it to fit their specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of Candle

  • Limited Features
    Compared to some other CNC control software, Candle might lack advanced features and tools that professionals look for.
  • Dependency on ROS
    While integration with ROS is an advantage, it may require users to have prior knowledge or experience with ROS, potentially limiting its accessibility to beginners.
  • Potential for Bugs
    As an open-source project, Candle might have unresolved bugs or issues that depend on the community for fixes, which could disrupt user experience.
  • Less Active Development
    The project's development pace might not be as fast as commercially funded software, possibly leading to longer intervals between updates and feature additions.

Universal Gcode Sender features and specs

  • Cross-platform compatibility
    Universal Gcode Sender is a Java-based application, which allows it to run on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This enhances its usability across different operating systems.
  • Ease of use
    The software features an intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate, even for beginners. It provides clear options and controls for operating CNC machines efficiently.
  • Comprehensive features
    UGS provides a wide range of features and functionalities such as visualizing tool paths, jogging, and machine control that cater to both basic and advanced CNC operations.
  • Open-source
    Being an open-source project, UGS is freely available for use and modification. This allows for community collaboration and development, enhancing the tool's features over time.
  • Community support
    With a robust user community, there are extensive resources and forums available for troubleshooting and peer support when using Universal Gcode Sender.

Possible disadvantages of Universal Gcode Sender

  • Java dependency
    Since UGS is Java-based, it requires a compatible version of Java to be installed on the user's system. This can be a barrier for users unfamiliar with Java setups or those experiencing compatibility issues.
  • Limited advanced functionalities
    While UGS covers basic and some advanced functionalities, it may lack certain features offered by more specialized or commercial CNC software, limiting its appeal to professional users with complex needs.
  • Performance issues
    Some users have reported performance issues with UGS, such as lag or slow response times during heavy operations, particularly on lower-end hardware.
  • Initial setup complexity
    The initial setup and configuration might be complex for new users, especially those unfamiliar with CNC operations and configurations, requiring time and patience to get started.
  • Infrequent updates
    The frequency of updates can be slower compared to commercial software, potentially delaying the introduction of new features, bug fixes, and improvements.

Candle videos

Best Luxury Candles Under 50 Dollars | My Top Picks

More videos:

  • Review - Top 5 Best Smelling Candles | UPDATED 2021 | Julia Friedman
  • Review - 5 Luxury Candle Brands I NO LONGER Recommend

Universal Gcode Sender videos

Universal GCode Sender Complete Setup and Starting a Job PLUS Tips and Tricks

More videos:

  • Review - Universal Gcode Sender (UGS) | What To Know | Ooznest
  • Review - CNC Router - Where's The Start Button? Universal Gcode Sender (UGS) - Garrett Fromme

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Candle and Universal Gcode Sender)
Photos & Graphics
43 43%
57% 57
3D
41 41%
59% 59
Tool
44 44%
56% 56
Development
42 42%
58% 58

User comments

Share your experience with using Candle and Universal Gcode Sender. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Universal Gcode Sender seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 4 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Candle mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Candle yet. Tracking of Candle recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Universal Gcode Sender mentions (4)

  • Building a CNC, step one done!
    I don't know what's on screen, but if you're looking for a nice, cross platform program to send some gcode, I really like UGS: https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Lightly Screeching axis motors, will not move.
    Connect the 3018 to a PC, use a gcode sender like Candle or gSender or cncjs or UGS and then type $$ in the console. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Billet Benchy... I got tired of printing the 3DBenchy so I machined it from Aluminum
    I'm a little cheap+lazy and I just use a simple electrical contact probe using https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ and the probe plugin. Flipping the part I generally butt the stock against a fixed parallel, then probe using the tool for X+Y (offset by the tool radius), and Z probe as well off some of the un-machined stock. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Can't start spindle with offline controller anymore (Sainsmart 3018)
    4 - Can you try to start the spindle from a PC (you will need a gcode sender: Candle, UGS/UGP, cncjs)? Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Candle and Universal Gcode Sender, you can also consider the following products

bCNC - Development

CNCjs - A web-based interface for CNC milling controller running Grbl, Marlin, Smoothieware, or TinyG. - cncjs/cncjs

OpenBuilds CAM & Control - OpenBuilds CAM & Control are two major applications that enable users to connect, manipulate, and convert drawings for use with DragKnife, CNC, Plasma, or Laser devices.

LaserGRBL - LaserGRBL for Microsoft Windows is an all-in-one, open-source GCode streamer for DIY Laser Engraver developed using pure C# code.

SourceRabbit GCode Sender - Cross platform 3-Axis CNC Machines control software - SourceRabbit/gcode-sender

PlanetCNC - PlanetCNC is an innovative CNC control system.