Pen/Laser Bot Controller
This a CNC controller I designed for small laser engravers and drawing machines. It is for sale on Tindie. It is designed for machines that are primarily 2 axis, but may use a servo for the Z axis. The controller is designed for use with Grbl firmware running on on an Arduino Nano controller. It uses plug in modules (not included) for the micro controller and stepper drivers. This keeps costs down and gives the user more options. Everything is pinned out for the default configuration of Grbl. This is compatible with all of my recent projects.
Features
- Power Connector: A standard barrel connector for motor power for the stepper drivers. Typically this will be 12V, but can be run up to 24V if your parts are compatible with higher voltages.
- Controller: Arduino Nano Footprint.
- 2 Stepper Drivers: Pololu Footprint
- Servo Connector: The connector is the standard pinout for most servos.
- 5V Power Supply: 1 Amp power supply to power the servo.
- Laser Connectors: There are 2 connectors. One is power and ground for the laser. The other is for the PWM signal to fire the laser.
- Aux Power Connectors: There is a connector with the primary motor power. This can be used for fans, relays, etc.
- Limit Switch Connector: X and Y limit switches are available on the connector with convenient ground pins.
- Control Switch Connector: Feed hold and start switches can be connected to this.
- Raspberry Pi Interface: This is an optional interface to plug in a Raspberry Pi or any compatible controller that shares the standard header connector.
Microcontroller
The footprint is designed for an Arduino Nano. These are available from many sources and can cost as little as less than $4. Be sure to install it in the correct orientation. The controller is typically powered by the USB cable, but will automatically switch to the 5V power supply is the USB is removed.
There are several other controllers that share the same footprint. They can be used, but you might need to change a few components if the voltage is not 5V. Make sure you plug it in correctly. While the pinout is the same it might need to be rotated 180 degrees. Contact me directly if you have questions regarding alternate controllers.
Use this view to confirm the orientation (note the pin labels on the Nano. Click to enlarge)
Stepper Drivers
This is designed to use Pololu compatible stepper drivers. The pinout is shown below. Insert them correctly or you could destroy them and possibly other items. There are dozens of compatible designs. Pololu makes very good ones, but much cheaper version can be found on eBay and Amazon.
Servo Connection
Std Grbl does not support Servos
Limit and Control Switches
Laser Connection
Note: Lasers are very dangerous and no system is completely safe. The firmware is not fail safe and the laser could fire at any time power is available to it. Use safety glasses at all times power is applied. Enclose the laser with an interlock to remove power if covers or doors are open. Evaluate the entire circuit including this controller to determine if it provides the safety you need. If this controller is part of a laser you built, you are responsible for all aspects of safety.
The lower white connector is for the laser power. It is labeled VMot and Gnd. VMot is the voltage that is supplied on the barrel connector. Make sure you have the right power for your laser module.
The upper white connector is for the laser on/off control. Pulse is the signal and there is a ground pin if you need it.
Raspberry Pi (Optional)
This can work as a HAT for a Raspberry Pi. It connects the hardware UART on the Pi to the Nano.
Solder in the supplied connector on the bottom of the board. It is not installed by default to allow more mounting flexibility if you don’t use a Raspberry Pi.
Setup the Raspberry pi to use the serial port. By default the port is used as a serial console. You need to stop that and free it up for your use. See this post for more information.
Do not use the USB while a power Pi is connected or the there will be two things trying to talk to the controller. This includes uploading firmware.
Note: Arduinos use a trick with a DTR control line in the USB-UART on the Arduino. This forces a reboot every time a connection is made. The Raspberry Pi cannot do this. Some senders are expecting Grbl to reboot when connected to and can be a little confused at startup. If you connect a serial terminal you will notice there is a no Grbl startup string at connection. Just type $I (with carriage return) to see the Grbl version info.
Open Source
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Is there a way to include a driver for a slave axis? I am building an OpenBuilds ACRO laser system and it uses two motors for one of the axis.
No, but this controller might work for you.
http://www.buildlog.net/blog/2017/08/using-the-grbl-hat/
Is there an approach to incorporate a driver for a slave hub? I am building an OpenBuilds ACRO laser framework and it utilizes two engines for one of the pivot.
If you want to run 2 motors on one axis, the best method is to run the step and direction signals to 2 separate motor drivers. If you need the motors to run in opposite directions, simply swap one pair of wires that go to one of the motors.
Hello,
I wanted to ask you how to switch from servo mode to LASER mode,
the firmware seems to be done only for the servo mode …
in fact the variable SPINDLE_VARIABLE is commented
do you have to recompile each time?
tank’s
Yes, every time you make a big change to the machine configuration you need recompile. If you want more power, try the ESP32 version of Grbl.