Is the M.A.R.S. Kit compatible with Ghost Gunner CNC machines?

Yes. The M.A.R.S. Kit is designed for desktop 3-axis CNC mills with GRBL-compatible controllers, including Ghost Gunner 1, 2, 3, and 3S. Included NC programs were developed with Ghost Gunner post-processor conventions. Pair the kit with HeliosForged for guided probing and operation streaming.

Does HeliosForged work with Coast Runner CR-1?

Yes. The Coast Runner CR-1 runs grblCR firmware (a GRBL fork) over USB serial. HeliosForged connects to any GRBL-compatible controller for jogging, probing, WCS management, and streamed G-code execution — including the Coast Runner CR-1 desktop CNC mill.

What other desktop CNC machines work with HeliosForged?

Any desktop CNC with a GRBL-compatible controller over USB serial. This includes Ghost Gunner, Coast Runner CR-1, and most open-source GRBL routers and mills. Contact Helios Systems with your machine model if you need compatibility confirmation before ordering.

GRBL desktop CNC

Desktop CNC compatibility for Ghost Gunner, Coast Runner & GRBL mills

Helios Systems builds operator software and precision fixture hardware for compact desktop CNC machines. Whether you run a Ghost Gunner, a Coast Runner CR-1, or another GRBL mill, HeliosForged and the M.A.R.S. Kit are designed to fit your workflow.

Explore HeliosForged View M.A.R.S. Kit

Ghost Gunner 1 / 2 / 3 / 3S Coast Runner CR-1 GRBL & grblCR USB serial control 3-axis desktop mills ER11 tooling

Ghost Gunner CNC

The Ghost Gunner is a compact desktop CNC mill from Defense Distributed, widely used for precision aluminum work. Ghost Gunner 1, 2, 3, and 3S models use GRBL-based firmware and standard G-code over USB.

HeliosForged: Live GRBL control, probing wizard, jog panel, WCS offsets, and streamed program execution — an alternative or complement to stock Ghost Gunner control software.
M.A.R.S. Kit: Precision fixture hardware with electrical isolation and multi-phase workflows. NC programs ship with Ghost Gunner post-processor conventions.
Tooling: 1/4" and 4 mm ER11 collets and end mills sized for desktop spindle work.

Ghost Gunner is a trademark of Defense Distributed. Helios Systems is not affiliated with or endorsed by Defense Distributed.

Coast Runner CNC (CR-1)

The Coast Runner CR-1 is a rigid desktop CNC mill from Coast Runner Industries, built for metals including aluminum, steel, and titanium. It runs grblCR — a GRBL fork — over USB, so you are not locked into proprietary control software alone.

HeliosForged: Connect via USB serial to the CR-1's GRBL-compatible controller for jogging, probing, status polling, and G-code streaming.
Open workflow: Run .nc, .gcode, .tap, and .txt files with preview before execution.
Fixture options: Contact us to confirm M.A.R.S. Kit fit on your CR-1 work envelope before ordering.

Coast Runner and CR-1 are trademarks of Coast Runner Industries. Helios Systems is not affiliated with or endorsed by Coast Runner Industries.

Why operators choose HeliosForged on desktop CNC mills

Desktop CNC owners search for better probing, repeatable setups, and shop-floor control without juggling multiple apps. HeliosForged unifies calibration, GRBL machine control, and M.A.R.S. operation streaming in one operator interface for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Guided probing GRBL jogging & macros WCS management Program streaming M.A.R.S. operation cards Cross-platform

HeliosForged — GRBL CNC software

Desktop operator app for probing, machine control, and program execution. Works with any GRBL-compatible mill over USB serial.

Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, Linux x64
Guided probing and NC file generation
Live coordinates, jog controls, and homing
M.A.R.S. operation streaming with reference imagery

Buy HeliosForged — $99.99

M.A.R.S. Kit — desktop CNC fixture

Modular Automated Receiver System — precision fixture hardware for desktop 3-axis CNC mills with HeliosForged integration.

Primary and secondary fixture bases with electrical isolation
Calibration blocks, alignment plug, and collets
1/4" and 4 mm 3-flute end mills included
Pre-configured control instructions and documentation

Buy M.A.R.S. Kit — $750

Not sure if your machine is compatible?

Send us your desktop CNC model and controller firmware version. We will confirm HeliosForged and M.A.R.S. Kit fit before you order.

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