Smoothieboard - 32-bit CNC controller for 3D printers, laser cutters and milling machines

Kickstarter again pleased fans of 3D printing, announcing the draft Smoothieboard. This board is designed to replace RAMPS, Sanguinololu and Generation Electronics, which are used as controllers for 3D printers. While most modern open source electronics hardware uses 8-bit AVR microcontrollers (including Arduino), Smoothieboard has a 32-bit ARM (LPC1768 Cortex-M3), which allows it to perform fast and smooth movements, gives more accurate math and deep planning. In addition, the device firmware is modular and easily modified.
And the price depending on the version ranges from 100 to 185 US dollars.

Control

The device can be controlled via USB (console and file access), or a web-muzzle, by connecting an Ethernet cable, or by inserting a microSD card with a G-code recorded on it.
Print settings can be changed simply by connecting via USB and editing the file with the parameters.

Community

Since 2010, the project has got a good community.

1. IRC: (#smoothieware @ irc.freenode.net)
2. Mailing list : groups.google.com/group/smoothieware-support and http: //groups.google.com/group/smoothie-dev

Technical execution

Besides:

1. Stepper motor controllers are cooled by a printed circuit board with extensive areas of copper coating
2. All main connectors and contacts are located on the edges of the board, for ease of connection
3. Digital control of the current settings of the stepper motor, allows you to forget about measuring the current with a potentiometer, and simply prescribe the necessary in the configuration file

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Modularity

As mentioned earlier, the firmware here is modular, i.e. adding a new functionality is enough to add a new section to the configuration file.

Compatibility

Smoothie friendly. It communicates in the same language as RepRap (Marlin / Sprinter), as well as the good old GRBL. Those. if you used them before, then all your software will work with this board, which is called “out of the box”.

Documentation

Extensive documentation is available at smoothieware.org .

Data sheet

Microcontroller NXP LPC176x:

• 96MHz - 120MHz 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 Core, 64KB RAM, 512KB Flash

Bipolar stepper motor Allegro A4982:

• up to 24V 2A microstepping 16x, digital current control
• from 3 to 5 drivers depending on the configuration

Up to six field effect transistors:

• 3 supports up to 24V 5A and another 3 up to 24V 12A for controlling external devices such as hotends, fans and heated beds.
• 3X version has two small, 4X two large and one small, and 5X 3 large and 3 small MOS transistors

Many possibilities for expansion: 4 connectors for thermistors, 6 ports endstop, SPI, I2C, UART.
USB, microSD slot, Ethernet.
Easy setup:

1. Parameters are taken from the configuration file without recompiling.
2. The update supports binaries that also do not require replication.
3. Simultaneous access to files and console via USB

Configuration options

Board Types:

1. 3X ($ 100) and 3XC ($ 125) are suitable for laser cutters, small milling machines, such as ShapeOkos. They have 3 stepper motor controllers, two small MOS transistors and do not have an Ethernet connector.
2. 4X ($ 130) and 4XC ($ 150) are suitable for 3D printers with one extruder, laser cutters and CNC machines. They have 4 controllers, two large and small MOS transistors and an Ethernet port.
3. 5X ($ 160) and 5XC ($ 185) are enough for 3D printers with two extruders and complex experimental models. They have 5 controllers, an Ethernet port, and 3 large and small MOS transistors.

The X and XC configurations differ from each other only in that in XC all connectors and connectors are already soldered to the board.

Delivery

By December 20, delivery of all copies should be completed. International shipping is $ 15

UPDATE The required amount was collected within 48 hours.