{"product_id":"axidraw-minikit-2","title":"AxiDraw MiniKit 2","description":"\u003cp\u003ePrecision pen plotter: Compact DIY kit edition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AxiDraw pen plotters are a family of simple, modern, precise, and versatile machines; capable of writing or drawing on almost any flat surface. They can write with your favorite fountain pens, permanent markers, and other writing implements to handle an endless variety of applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe AxiDraw MiniKit 2\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AxiDraw MiniKit 2 is a special compact addition to the AxiDraw lineup. Designed for lighter-duty applications, It takes up less desk space and less storage space. It's considerably more portable, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AxiDraw MiniKit is also the only DIY kit model of AxiDraw that you get to assemble yourself. (All other AxiDraw models ship fully assembled, tested, and ready to use.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Mini Plotter\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AxiDraw MiniKit 2 has a working area of about 6 × 4 inches (150 × 100 mm): Big enough to be useful for a wide range of applications including short notes, postcards, and addressing envelopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's also ideally suited for use as a signature machine, for signing checks, letters, books, or artwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eApplications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AxiDraw is an extremely versatile machine, designed to serve a wide variety of everyday and specialized drawing and writing needs. You can use it for almost any task that might normally be carried out with a handheld pen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt allows you to use your computer to produce writing that appears to be handmade, complete with the unmistakable appearance of using a real pen (as opposed to an inkjet or laser printer) to address an envelope or sign one's name. And it does so with precision approaching that of a skilled artist, and — just as importantly — using an arm that never gets tired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's new in AxiDraw MiniKit 2?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVersus the original AxiDraw MiniKit, the MiniKit 2 has been redesigned for easier assembly, better precision, and higher performance. The key change is that the long linear rail that forms the base of the machine — a custom aluminum extrusion in the original MiniKit — has been replaced with a solid bar of machined aluminum. It's a solid billet of 6061-T6 aluminum, machined in the same precision process as the top-of-the-line AxiDraw SE\/A3, and then anodized for toughness and a satin-silver finish. This change simplifies a number of the assembly steps, but more importantly has a cleaner overall look and tighter manufacturing tolerances for improved precision. It also adds some mass, helping it to stay stable on your desk at higher speeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho uses AxiDraw?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAxiDraw plotters are used by a genuinely diverse range of people, including (to name a few):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDigital artists, using AxiDraw to plot their artwork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrities, politicians, and elected officials, using AxiDraw as a signature machine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUniversity officials and other educators, to sign diplomas and certificates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEducators, introducing students to digital design and fabrication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal estate and insurance agents, who would very much like you to open their \"handwritten\" envelopes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnline retailers, including a personalized thank you note with your order\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHotels that would like to leave a personalized welcome note for guests\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMakerspaces and hackerspaces, providing a versatile low-cost fabrication tool\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTinkerers, extending AxiDraw beyond writing implements (etching tools, lasers, LEDs for light painting, vacuum pick-up tools, etc.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePen and ink manufacturers, using AxiDraw to test their pens and inks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmartphone and tablet hardware makers, using a stylus to test their hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMobile device software authors, using a stylus to test their software\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeople without use of their hands, who would like to send \"handwritten\" letters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWoodworkers, laying out joinery markings directly onto wood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResearch scientists, as a low-cost XY motion platform\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalleries, for numbering of limited-edition artwork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalligraphers, who could use a little wrist relief for certain types of busywork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHandling pens and paper\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AxiDraw comes with a small mounting easel (board with clips) that can hold note cards, envelopes, gift tags and other papers. You can also set the AxiDraw directly on top of drawing surfaces like boxes, notebooks, and larger papers to add graphics in place. Your paper size is not limited to the working area of the machine; the unique design of the AxiDraw features a drawing head that extends beyond the body of the machine which allows for drawing on whatever object is positioned in front of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AxiDraw MiniKit 2 uses the standard AxiDraw pen holder. It fits a wide variety of pens, including Sharpie fine and ultra-fine point markers, most rollerball and fountain pens, small-bodied whiteboard markers, and so forth. It can hold a fountain pen at a proper angle of 45° to the paper. You can also use implements that aren't pens, such as pencils, chalk, charcoal, brushes, styluses on touchscreens, and many others. However, take note that AxiDraw is generally recommended for use with instruments such as fountain pens and rollerball pens, which do not require the user to apply pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGetting Started\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike other models of AxiDraw, the AxiDraw MiniKit 2 is a do-it-yourself kit that needs to be built prior to use. Assembly is straightforward with the comprehensive and highly illustrated instruction manual, which is provided as as a PDF download. You will need to provide certain tools for assembly: Scissors, and small Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers. No soldering is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you've finished building the AxiDraw MiniKit 2, the comprehensive AxiDraw user guide walks you through every step of using the machine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo operate AxiDraw, you will need a reasonably modern computer with an available USB port, plus internet access to download necessary software. Pens and paper are not included. (You can use your own! AxiDraw does not require proprietary pens or paper.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAxiDraw is normally controlled through a set of extensions to Inkscape, the excellent, popular and free vector graphics program. Basic operation is much like that of a printer driver: you import or make a drawing in Inkscape, and use the extensions to plot your text or artwork. It's all handled through a straightforward graphical user interface, and works cleanly on Mac, Windows and Linux. Additional software interfaces available to AxiDraw owners include AxiDraw Merge, for auto-populating documents with data sourced from a CSV spreadsheet file.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMore about AxiDraw\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAxiDraw is a project by Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories, working in collaboration with Lindsay Wilson of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.eyejayinstruments.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eIJ Instruments Ltd.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAxiDraw machines are designed and manufactured by Evil Mad Scientist in Sunnyvale, California, with both foreign and domestic components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAxiDraw comes with lifetime technical support. They stand by their machines, and are here to help whenever you need it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat comes with the AxiDraw MiniKit 2:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll parts and materials necessary to build the AxiDraw MiniKit 2 writing and drawing machine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulti-plug power supply that includes EU, UK, AUS, and US style connectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall Easel (Board and clips) for paper holding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTools needed (not included with the kit):\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScissors or diagonal cutters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall Phillips-head screwdrivers: #0 and #1 sizes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall flat-head screwdriver: 2 mm or 5\/64\" blade width recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMiniature pliers (Recommended but not required)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall hobby knife (Recommended but not required)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAdditional specifications:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerformance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUsable pen travel (inches): 6.3 × 4 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUsable pen travel (millimeters): 160 × 101 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVertical pen travel: 0.7 inch (17 mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum XY travel speed: 10 inches (25 cm) per second\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNative XY resolution: 2032 steps per inch (80 steps per mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReproducibility (XY): Typically better than 0.005 inches (0.1 mm) at low speeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhysical:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMajor structural components are machined, extruded, or folded aluminum, manufactured and anodized in the USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHolds pens and other drawing instruments up to 5\/8\" (16 mm) diameter and 25 g weight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverall dimensions: Approximately 14.25 × 9.25 × 4.25 inches (36 × 23.5 × 11 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum height with cable guides: Approximately 9 inches (23 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFootprint: Approximately 13.5 × 1.7 inches (35 x 4.5) cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhysical weight: 3.2 Lb (1.5 kg)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShipping weight: 4.5 Lb (2 kg)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoftware:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrive directly from within Inkscape, using the AxiDraw extension\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComprehensive user guide \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/axidraw.com\/guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eavailable for download\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDriver software software free to download and open source\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternet access is required to download software\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdditionally, AxiDraw Merge software available at no cost to AxiDraw owners\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgramming interfaces:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: programming is not required to use the AxiDraw\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStand-alone \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/axidraw.com\/doc\/cli_api\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ecommand line interface\u003c\/a\u003e (CLI)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvailable \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/axidraw.com\/doc\/py_api\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eAxiDraw python API\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRESTful API available for full machine control, stand-alone or accessible by running RoboPaint in the background\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimplified \"GET-only\" API available as well, for use in programming environments (such as Scratch, Snap) that permit only retrieval of URLs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirect EiBotBoard (EBB) command protocol available for use in any programming environment that supports communication with USB-based serial ports\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCode that generates SVG files can also be used to (indirectly) control the machine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Evil Mad Scientist","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39362519662675,"sku":"EMS-2547","price":343.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0174\/1800\/products\/3_2x_fb897505-f412-44b3-82d4-c42e62d110be.jpg?v=1623074154","url":"https:\/\/shop.pimoroni.com\/en-eu\/products\/axidraw-minikit-2","provider":"Pimoroni Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}