1. How do I connect Fluid Control Pro to my CNC machine?
To connect Fluid Control Pro to your FluidNC-powered CNC machine, follow these steps:
- Open the FluidNC console via the installer and enter the following commands to set up Wi-Fi:
- Ensure FluidNC is installed with Wi-Fi support. You can install it from FluidNC Installer.
$STA/SSID=YourNetwork
$STA/Password=YourPassword
$WiFi/Mode=STA
- Restart your controller and check the assigned IP address in the console.
- Make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your CNC machine.
- Open Fluid Control Pro, go to Settings, enter your CNC machine’s IP address, and tap Connect.
For additional Wi-Fi setup details, refer to the FluidNC documentation.
2. Does Fluid Control Pro have a user manual?
Currently, we do not have a dedicated manual for Fluid Control Pro. However, the FluidNC documentation is very comprehensive and can help with most setup and troubleshooting issues. We are working on creating a step-by-step guide in the future.
3. I followed the setup instructions, but I still can’t connect. What should I do?
If you’re experiencing connection issues, try the following:
- Verify that Wi-Fi mode (STA) is enabled on your FluidNC controller.
- Check that you entered the correct IP address in the app settings.
- Make sure your controller and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Restart both your FluidNC controller and your phone, then try again.
- Do not use the WebUI for configuration — instead, modify settings via the console terminal (FluidNC Terminal) and the configuration utility in FluidNC Installer page.
If the issue persists, a clean install of FluidNC may help.
4. Is Fluid Control Pro a free app?
No, Fluid Control Pro requires a subscription to function. While you can download the app for free, CNC machine connection and control are only available with an active subscription.
Subscription Plans:
- Monthly – $4.99 (price will vary per region)
- Annual – N/A
Without a subscription, the Connect button will not work.
5. Can I use Fluid Control Pro to send files from an SD card?
No, Fluid Control Pro does not support sending G-code files from internal SD-card. FluidNC itself is a G-code sender, made to be easy to use, so we will are not planning to support the internal SD-card of controllers.
6. Why can’t I change spindle RPM while it’s running?
This is a design decision—in Fluid Control Pro, spindle speed can only be changed when the spindle is off. However, you can adjust speed while running using spindle override commands.
7. Does the app support custom macros for probing?
Yes! Fluid Control Pro (Pro version) allows you to create custom macros. If you need an offset for probing, you can define a macro with G38.2 commands.
Example macro for Z-axis probing with a 10mm plate thickness offset:
G90
G21
G38.2 Z-25 F100
G90
G10 L20 P1 Z10.00
G0 Z10
This allows you to set the correct offset for accurate probing.
8. Can I use Fluid Control Pro without Wi-Fi (USB only)?
No, Fluid Control Pro is designed for Wi-Fi communication only. If you require USB communication, this app may not be suitable for your needs.
However, Wi-Fi is often more reliable than USB, as TCP ensures data integrity by correcting errors and resending lost packets. In contrast, USB serial connections lack error correction and are more susceptible to interference.
9. I found a bug. How can I report it?
We actively improve Fluid Control Pro and appreciate bug reports. If you find an issue, please email with the following details:
- Your iOS version
- Your FluidNC firmware version
- Steps to reproduce the issue
- Screenshots (if applicable)
Bug fixes and updates are released regularly, and we appreciate your feedback!