I have my license and a controller (DIY breadboard, as I had the parts in stock) up and running.

VERY nice. If you don't want to fool with Mach3 on a single or dedicated machine like a PhlatPrinter, I think this is a great solution!

Features I Noticed:
Jog controls that allow you to move the machine without being connected to a PC or having the control software running
Dedicated Min and Max limit switches for each axis (including A) (Note: can't use the A min limit switch if you use the I2C pins for an LCD display option currently. I only found this out as I was pounding all the inputs/outputs at the same time just to see how well it ran).
"Calibration" mode that figures out the steps per inch/mm for each axis for you (Very handy for us with multiple machines).
Can save settings for each setup, if you have more than one machine, or want to save inch and mm settings (at least that 's what I'll use it for).
Firmware updates built in with releases of new PC software (Hold down Jog A+ while you power up controller and you enter firmware update mode)
Simple interface to G540, Relay boards, etc.
Extremely simple board based on a very fast MPU. Plenty of speed in reserve if it's needed. The board is running with an 8Mhz osc. I believe it can go up to a 20mhz osc with the chip running at 48Mhz. This chip is a beast among PIC's.
I ran a 45 minute cut off a laptop (just a worst-case test) and no problems. (everything is currently jumper wires, so if this mess worked, a clean setup should be bulletproof).

Again, just some quick tests, but this sure looks like a winner, and should compliment the MK3 very nicely. Also looks like there is plenty of power left for expansion and enhancements!

JohnB

 

Thanks, for the detailed review. I got one coming, so I welcome the info.

 

Mark, Trish, No problem! I love the direction this board is going in, and having multiple machines and types of controllers (EasyCNC, HobbyCNC, Probotix, Gecko G540) gives me a good test bed to try out stuff. My largest machine has a working area of 59" x 39" x 8" and I use it to cut everything from foam to aluminum.

I went the route of building the board on a test fixture, just so I could easily make wiring changes and quickly adapt to various controllers.

Andrej has been extremely responsive to my many questions, and is a pleasure to work with. I think it took 10 minutes from the time I ordered my license to when it appeared in my in-box!

I will say that every so often when I use a smoothstepper (through Mach3), it "loses" connection on a large file. (I have both smoothstepper and parallel configurations in my controller boxes). Using the same file that sometines bothers the smoothstepper doesn't seem to affect the Planet-CNC board at all!

If there are any features or configurations you want me to test, I'll be happy to. Just be aware I'm using a home-built test board, so my "adapter" cables are definitely non-standard!

John

 

I created the attached cross reference wiring list that can be used for an EasyCNC, Probotix, or G540 controller. I'm assuming most everyone will use a relay board for Spindle, Light, Vacuum, whatever like the Mechatronics Twin CNC Relay Board.

Basically, you provide the Dir and Step signals from the Planet-CNC board to your driver board via a 25 pin conn. Relay drive comes from the Planet-CNC board. Jog switches go to the Planet CNC board, Limit switches (how ever many you want!) go to the Planet CNC board. This board becomes the brains of the machine.

This setup is truly modular! Our existing workflow does not have to change at all, but is highly flexible.

Create the "cut" file (.cnc) however you want (Sketchup, TurboCAD, CamBam, manual g-Code, etc)

Send it to you "G-Code to Movement converter" (Planet-CNC, Mach3, etc., etc.)

Converter sends it to the driver/relay boards of your choice.

This approach ensures the oldest to the newest machine out there is compatable. A MKI/MKII could obviously use any of the above, as well as a MK3. I am glad to see you are following this modular approach, as it gives both you, the manufacturer/designer and the end user the maximum flexibility to upgrade and innovate in the future.


John Attached files Planet CNC USB Controller - Pin Cross Reference.pdf (110.8 KB)Â

 

Andrej just released a new beta (BETA version 2.10.1010.1601 is available)

New visual design is awesome.
4 decimal precision for for tool diameter checks ok.
New keyboard jogging seems to work ok . Keyboard jogs, arrow keys up/down step through gcode.
I like the large Spindle,Flood and Mist buttons! Also like the large ESTOP button in RED.
Tooltips are a nice touch. Very professional.

I'm running a large file now (Full scale boat dash with lots of cutouts, pockets, outlines drill holes and engraving). So far no problems.

I'm not checking the DXF issue that was reported as I'm not sure what the issue was, and typically don't do much DXF importing at this point.

John

 

New BETA is 2.10.1010.2001 is available.
This version will probably be released in few days.

 

Kroko, you are such a teas. Telling us there is a new version but telling us we have to wait!!! You remind me of my wife.

 

Andrej,

A couple of questions/future requests for the usb controller. Not all of these pertain to the Phlatprinter.

1. Can we use a touchscreen monitor will your software?

2. for a flat bed cnc with 2 steppers on the x, is there a auto squaring routine? I believe Mach can do this, not for sure.

3. Can we use on of those cheap digitals probes to scan a 3d part?

4. Can a pendant like this be used. This is a nice diy pendant that you can customize starting around $69. http://texasmicrocircuits.com/images/MP2CPPoster.jpg

5. or this cheap optical scanner solution http://www.tormach.com/blog/?p=1038

Thanks for your help.

Phil

 

Short quick answers
1. Yes. I use it myself.
2. No
3. No
4. No. It is even more simple. Just connect normal switches/buttons to jog connector.
5. I neet to check this first.

 

Andrej,

Looks like the Texas Microcircuits pendant may work. It is just a keyboard emulater(runs through usb). Hence, arrow keys and Pageup/pagedown keys etc are just duplicated by the pendant. Please check out there guide at http://texasmicrocircuits.com/MP2.htm and verify that this will work.

Also, anyway in the future you can program for a cheap digitizing probe like this? http://cgi.ebay.com/CNC-3D-Digitizing-P ... _565wt_905

Thanks again for your help.

Phil

 

The new Beta has some extra parameters such as Interpolation and speed tolerance in the misc tab.

Can you elaborate more on these and how one might tweak them? What value ranges would be appropriate for example doing mesh work vs normal milling?

I noticed while running a very large gcode file for a mesh that the feed rates were erratic and one point dropped down to .15 IPM. I thought the machine had stopped but realized it was still in the process of cutting.

My SPU values on the MK1.5 do vary wildly from the X,Y, to Z axis, especially the Z since it is the only axis using a threaded rod and direct drive, so I expect it is a worse case senerio.

While I had not noticed any problems using the latest beta while doing normal FFF cutting, when I tried to do a 3D carving where there is a lot of Z movement, the problem showed up twice during cutting when the process was set to do 10 IPM feed rates.

Some guidance on how to manipulate these settings would be helpful.

 

Does anybody know if you can setup a slave axis in the usb software?

 

I didn't see any place in the setup screens that would allow slaving two axis together. I was specifically looking for this at one time in order to run two slaved steppers on my X axis (large gantry machine).

John

 

Slave axis is currently not possible.
You can connect both motor drivers to same motor connector of controller.

 

Thanks for the reply guys. Kroko, do you think that option will be available in the future?

 

I'll check if there is a simple solution. But is is not high priority.

 

I too have a gantry with 2 steppers. The slave setup would be nice. Mach3 has it build in already.