Z probe....

Peter Betz

unread,

Jun 6, 2016, 11:40:16 PM6/6/16

to OpenPnP

Hello everyone.

As I am nearing having my machine up and running (pics by the weekend) I am thinking about setup and probing.

I was wondering about using a method similar to that on a 3D printer with a servo that flips down a Z probe tool that has a spring loaded pin that triggers an opto switch. The Z probe would then just need an X/ Y offset like the nozzles and a one-time Z offset calculation for the trigger point to the nozzle "0". Is there any reason why this wouldn't be the easiest way to implement Z probe (especially with the spring loaded Juki nozzles). I think my smoothie clone even has servo connections.

Peter.

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 6, 2016, 11:47:43 PM6/6/16

to OpenPnP

Hi Peter,

I think this is a good way to go. I've been pondering the same thing and I'm currently working on trying to use back EMF sensing using the TMC5130 drivers.

Z Probe is not currently in OpenPnP, but it's second on my TODO list right now. In case anyone is curious, the current roadmap is:

* Minor JobProcessor improvements to fix discard after alignment failure.

* Z Probe

* Auto Feeder

I've specifically considered the idea of a drop down Z probe and we will definitely handle that style of Z probe in the software.

There is a ticket to track this, if you'd like to follow it for updates: https://github.com/openpnp/openpnp/issues/98

Jason

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "OpenPnP" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/79fd9c56-0574-43d0-804b-b34afbef7cd6%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

betzt...@gmail.com

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 12:01:31 AM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

Ok, that’s great. I would be happy to work on a design for that if you liked.

Peter.

You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "OpenPnP" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/openpnp/WywyWhKlFW8/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.

To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jwHWRO5JvSLPusAtZ%3DmKMy_BiAUVSG2ZyL0_-Viq2puUg%40mail.gmail.com.

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 12:03:17 AM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

Please do! I think this would be really great to have, and if it's done in such a way that it's easy to add to people's machines I think it will be a nice upgrade for ease of use.

Jason

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/DC0BE95866ED4B2F9DC6488BA77293BA%40BETZtechnik.

matt

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 2:49:24 AM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

Can you not just use a vacuum transducer and an a2d? Lower the z axis
slowly until the averaged vacuum reading delta is above a threshold?
Then you know your nozzles on top of something?

Guess the only drawback to that is it will pick up the component - but
it can always just turn off the vacuum so the component stays out before
it raises the z again?

Just thinking it's simple

On 2016-06-07 05:03, Jason von Nieda wrote:
> Please do! I think this would be really great to have, and if it's
> done in such a way that it's easy to add to people's machines I think
> it will be a nice upgrade for ease of use.
>
> Jason
>
> On Mon, Jun 6, 2016 at 9:01 PM <betzt...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Ok, that’s great. I would be happy to work on a design for that if
>> you liked.
>>
>> Peter.
>>

>> FROM: Jason von Nieda
>> SENT: Monday, June 6, 2016 8:47 PM
>> TO: OpenPnP
>> SUBJECT: Re: [OpenPnP] Z probe....

>>
>> Hi Peter,
>>
>> I think this is a good way to go. I've been pondering the same thing
>> and I'm currently working on trying to use back EMF sensing using
>> the TMC5130 drivers.
>>
>> Z Probe is not currently in OpenPnP, but it's second on my TODO list
>> right now. In case anyone is curious, the current roadmap is:
>> * Minor JobProcessor improvements to fix discard after alignment
>> failure.
>> * Z Probe
>> * Auto Feeder
>>
>> I've specifically considered the idea of a drop down Z probe and we
>> will definitely handle that style of Z probe in the software.
>>
>> There is a ticket to track this, if you'd like to follow it for

>> updates: https://github.com/openpnp/openpnp/issues/98 [3]

>>
>> Jason
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 6, 2016 at 8:40 PM Peter Betz <betzt...@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello everyone.
>>>
>>> As I am nearing having my machine up and running (pics by the
>>> weekend) I am thinking about setup and probing.
>>>
>>> I was wondering about using a method similar to that on a 3D
>>> printer with a servo that flips down a Z probe tool that has a
>>> spring loaded pin that triggers an opto switch. The Z probe would
>>> then just need an X/ Y offset like the nozzles and a one-time Z
>>> offset calculation for the trigger point to the nozzle "0". Is
>>> there any reason why this wouldn't be the easiest way to implement
>>> Z probe (especially with the spring loaded Juki nozzles). I think
>>> my smoothie clone even has servo connections.
>>>
>>> Peter.
>>> --
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
>>> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/79fd9c56-0574-43d0-804b-b34afbef7cd6%40googlegroups.com

>>> [1].
>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [2].

>> --
>>
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in
>> the Google Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/openpnp/WywyWhKlFW8/unsubscribe

>> [4].

>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to
>> openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>>
>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>>
>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jwHWRO5JvSLPusAtZ%3DmKMy_BiAUVSG2ZyL0_-Viq2puUg%40mail.gmail.com

>> [5].
>>
>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [2].

>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
>> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/DC0BE95866ED4B2F9DC6488BA77293BA%40BETZtechnik
>> [6].
>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [2].

>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

Michael Anton

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 3:07:26 AM6/7/16

to OpenPnP

The one issue with this is that the component may be lifted due to the vacuum, before the nozzle ever touches it (yes this does happen). This might result in unreliable pickup on other parts though. It should work well for sensing objects that could not be lifted though.

SMdude

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 5:31:53 AM6/7/16

to OpenPnP

Another thing might be that the paste file needs to be loaded in so you don't z probe into a pile of paste! However, probing in the fiducial location should be fairly safe.
As for components lifting out of their pockets, perhaps the cover tape could be left on for the probing??

matt

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 6:07:09 AM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com, SMdude

Out of interest.. .why are we z-probing? Lazyness so we don't have to
dial in a component height?

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/5713c8c1-d1ac-4b6d-9cfc-4842c5515057%40googlegroups.com

> [1].
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [2].
>
>

> Links:
> ------
> [1]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/5713c8c1-d1ac-4b6d-9cfc-4842c5515057%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
> [2] https://groups.google.com/d/optout

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:00:24 AM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com, SMdude

To set the height of feeders and boards, primarily. Also part height measuring but that is only done once so it's not as big of a deal. But setting board and feeder height is kind of a pain without it.

Jason

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/c4b479f9df037ac962f3071eb7ad5cd0%40mail.mattbrocklehurst.co.uk.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:01:21 AM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

Yep, this is why I'm avoiding it although it's a possible fallback if the back EMF sensing doesn't work.

Jason

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "OpenPnP" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

matt

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:03:20 AM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

Does that work by monitoring the current going through the motor, when
the nozzle collides and you continue to try and drive down, the current
goes up (due to more motor load)?

>> [1].
>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [2].

>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com
> [3].

> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [2].
>
>
> Links:
> ------
> [1]

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
> [2] https://groups.google.com/d/optout
> [3]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:05:46 AM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

Matt,

Yep, that's basically it. It's a function of the TMC5130: http://www.trinamic.com/products/integrated-circuits/integrated-motion-controller-stepper-driver/tmc5130

I've been playing around with these drivers for a few days and I'm really impressed. So far it looks like it will work great.

Jason

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/05d02697bd2b5b16cd7c61c3366c1eff%40mail.mattbrocklehurst.co.uk.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

matt

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:14:09 AM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com, Jason von Nieda

Hi Jason

I'm guessing it should still work with the rack and pinion design thats
floating about on here?

Thanks

Matt

On 2016-06-07 16:05, Jason von Nieda wrote:
> Matt,
>
> Yep, that's basically it. It's a function of the TMC5130:
> http://www.trinamic.com/products/integrated-circuits/integrated-motion-controller-stepper-driver/tmc5130

> [7]

>> [4]
>>> [2] https://groups.google.com/d/optout [2]
>>> [3]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
>> [5]

>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
>> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/05d02697bd2b5b16cd7c61c3366c1eff%40mail.mattbrocklehurst.co.uk
>> [6].

>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [2].
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jx9aRYK5_ah0veb7hQB5cPVVsd_YpBTKnpBzdd0Dr3DzQ%40mail.gmail.com
> [8].

> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [2].
>
>
> Links:
> ------
> [1]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com

> [2] https://groups.google.com/d/optout
> [3]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com

> [4]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=footer
> [5]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
> [6]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/05d02697bd2b5b16cd7c61c3366c1eff%40mail.mattbrocklehurst.co.uk
> [7]
> http://www.trinamic.com/products/integrated-circuits/integrated-motion-controller-stepper-driver/tmc5130
> [8]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jx9aRYK5_ah0veb7hQB5cPVVsd_YpBTKnpBzdd0Dr3DzQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:24:31 AM6/7/16

to matt, ope...@googlegroups.com

Yep, that's the design I am targeting for it in fact. Either that or the belt drive version. I don't think it will work as well with a cam drive because of the non-linear force from the springs but I do intend to check it and see. There's a few knobs you can turn when tuning this function and it might be possible to dial it in for the cam system too.

Jason

matt

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:33:42 AM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

Thats cool - have you actually got it working then?

Matt

On 2016-06-07 16:24, Jason von Nieda wrote:
> Yep, that's the design I am targeting for it in fact. Either that or
> the belt drive version. I don't think it will work as well with a cam
> drive because of the non-linear force from the springs but I do intend
> to check it and see. There's a few knobs you can turn when tuning this
> function and it might be possible to dial it in for the cam system
> too.
>
> Jason
>
> On Tue, Jun 7, 2016 at 8:13 AM matt <ma...@mattbrocklehurst.co.uk>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Jason
>>
>> I'm guessing it should still work with the rack and pinion design
>> thats
>> floating about on here?
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Matt
>> On 2016-06-07 16:05, Jason von Nieda wrote:
>>> Matt,
>>>
>>> Yep, that's basically it. It's a function of the TMC5130:
>>>
>>
> http://www.trinamic.com/products/integrated-circuits/integrated-motion-controller-stepper-driver/tmc5130

>> [1]

>> [2]
>>>> [1]
>>>>>> [1].
>>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [3]

>> [2]
>>>> [2].
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the
>>>> Google
>>>>> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from
>>>> it,
>>>>> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>>>>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com

>> [4]
>>>> [3]
>>>>> [3].
>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [3]

>> [2]
>>>> [2].
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Links:
>>>>> ------
>>>>> [1]
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer

>> [5]
>>>> [4]
>>>>> [2] https://groups.google.com/d/optout [3] [2]
>>>>> [3]
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
>> [6]

>>>> [5]
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the
>> Google
>>>> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from
>> it,
>>>> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>>>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/05d02697bd2b5b16cd7c61c3366c1eff%40mail.mattbrocklehurst.co.uk

>> [7]
>>>> [6].
>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [3]

>> [2].
>>>
>>> --
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the
>> Google
>>> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from
>> it,
>>> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jx9aRYK5_ah0veb7hQB5cPVVsd_YpBTKnpBzdd0Dr3DzQ%40mail.gmail.com
>> [8]
>>> [8].

>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [3]

>> [2].
>>>
>>>
>>> Links:
>>> ------
>>> [1]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com
>> [2]

>>> [2] https://groups.google.com/d/optout [3]
>>> [3]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com
>> [4]

>>> [4]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=footer

>> [9]
>>> [5]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
>> [10]
>>> [6]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/05d02697bd2b5b16cd7c61c3366c1eff%40mail.mattbrocklehurst.co.uk
>> [7]
>>> [7]
>>>
>>
> http://www.trinamic.com/products/integrated-circuits/integrated-motion-controller-stepper-driver/tmc5130
>> [1]
>>> [8]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jx9aRYK5_ah0veb7hQB5cPVVsd_YpBTKnpBzdd0Dr3DzQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
>> [11]

>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:38:08 AM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

On the bench, yes. I haven't mounted the motor to a head yet. But I can start a slow movement on the motor and then grab it lightly with my fingers to stop it, and it maintains position. I've got one of Peter's pinion gears coming from Robotdigg soon and then I'll build out the rack and pinion style head to test it with.

Jason

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/069935e28d491275a5c731f120ef64e1%40mail.mattbrocklehurst.co.uk.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:55:47 AM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

Here's a quick video showing the Stallguard stuff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l9MuRy79h8

One nice thing about these drivers is you can adjust the current to the motor over SPI and on the fly. So, for Z probing we would lower the current before starting. This makes it possible to use a very low Stallguard threshold so it's very easy to trigger it. The trick will be finding the balance between current the threshold to make sure that it's reliable. I've been playing around with this quite a bit and I think it will work fine.

Jason

Graeme Bridge

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:58:14 AM6/7/16

to OpenPnP

Jason thats pretty slick, do you think openPNP is going to end up moving to a dedicated driver board rather than using a generic smoothie/tinyg

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 12:08:27 PM6/7/16

to OpenPnP

Graeme,

The software will always support motion controllers in a generic fashion, so people can use whatever they like. I'm looking at these drivers for the next iteration of my machine, which I will eventually publish as another option for "reference" hardware. I won't force using this hardware on anyone, but I want to offer it as an option because I think it can seriously reduce the cost and complexity of the machine by eliminating end stops, complex Z probe systems and complex or expensive motion controllers. These chips have their own motion controllers built in, so you get a lot for about $6.30.

I'm planning on putting up a post about this new machine design soon, but I want to be further along with it so I can answer the questions that I know will come up. Right now it's all just a bunch of random ideas, hopes and dreams :)

Jason

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/46bd7a9a-fdf9-4e98-a375-579f47277d6a%40googlegroups.com.

Graeme Bridge

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 12:43:58 PM6/7/16

to OpenPnP

Jason,

Sounds good, i must admit I'm still planning my machine but in one way I'm glad as the group has developed some awesome parts that I'm planning to use like peters head and the juke adaptor we reverse engineered so a dedicated board is what I'm looking for.

The smoothie is great but expensive for a budget build id definitely run one on my next 3D printer project but i think its over qualified perhaps for the PNP no offence Arthur

Arthur Wolf

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 12:47:25 PM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

On Tue, Jun 7, 2016 at 6:43 PM, 'Graeme Bridge' via OpenPnP <ope...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Jason,

Sounds good, i must admit I'm still planning my machine but in one way I'm glad as the group has developed some awesome parts that I'm planning to use like peters head and the juke adaptor we reverse engineered so a dedicated board is what I'm looking for.

The smoothie is great but expensive for a budget build id definitely run one on my next 3D printer project but i think its over qualified perhaps for the PNP no offence Arthur

None taken :)

I have that discution quite often, and if you exclude "burn your house down"-quality ramps counterfeits, it is actually reasonably priced ( about the same as a rambo or good quality ramps, a bit more expensive than a duet or tinyg-thngie. )

For v2 we'll have a "mini" version for which we'll do a lot of work on price. Trying to make everybody happy.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/81f544d8-da0a-4b5d-9aa2-4cc4aa1cf6a0%40googlegroups.com.

For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--

Courage et bonne humeur.

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 12:50:00 PM6/7/16

to OpenPnP

For the record, I still think Smoothie is the best option for a pick and place. My decision to use these chips has less to do with the motion controller and more to do with the way I want to design my machine. I want to use a modular electronics design where much of the work for the head gets done on a dedicated head board. I like these chips because they require very few external components and very little software, so I can make a couple small dedicated boards that get me what I want without a big software effort.

I'll still be recommending Smoothie for the vast majority of machines.

Jason

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/81f544d8-da0a-4b5d-9aa2-4cc4aa1cf6a0%40googlegroups.com.

Graeme Bridge

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 12:54:58 PM6/7/16

to OpenPnP

Jason its the modular approach i like :)

Peter Betz

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 1:23:59 PM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

I think smoothie has bypass pins for the stepper drivers, so hopefully I can use one of these sensing stepper drivers externally only for the Z.

Peter Betz

BETZtechnik.ca

You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "OpenPnP" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/openpnp/WywyWhKlFW8/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.

To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jy6mNVVhv4V%3DMGmH807NY9gKdCoDxBomuViHS7_-juCWQ%40mail.gmail.com.

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 1:28:00 PM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

You really need SPI to use the sensorless stall detection stuff, cause you need to be able to read the position back. But that's pretty easily doable, too.

Jason

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/ADDC8D9F-7B1F-4DD3-BA77-5CACA6DA75C1%40gmail.com.

Peter Betz

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 1:34:38 PM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

Oh ok. That makes sense.

So where do I buy one of these boards ?

Peter Betz

BETZtechnik.ca

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jyOrwGJ52tEA-bsrVPLO-QKUqCnOc65CczBza6v5NrYfg%40mail.gmail.com.

matt

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 1:38:52 PM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

http://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en/trinamic-motion-control-gmbh/TOS-100-V1.1/1460-1037-ND/4399646

not sure what jasons using, but I'm thinking of ordering the above and
hooking up to an arduino for prototyping purposes...

On 2016-06-07 18:34, Peter Betz wrote:
> Oh ok. That makes sense.
>
> So where do I buy one of these boards ?
>
> Peter Betz

> BETZtechnik.ca [1]

>
> On Jun 7, 2016, at 10:27 AM, Jason von Nieda <ja...@vonnieda.org>
> wrote:
>
>> You really need SPI to use the sensorless stall detection stuff,
>> cause you need to be able to read the position back. But that's
>> pretty easily doable, too.
>>
>> Jason
>>
>> On Tue, Jun 7, 2016 at 10:23 AM Peter Betz <betzt...@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> I think smoothie has bypass pins for the stepper drivers, so
>> hopefully I can use one of these sensing stepper drivers externally
>> only for the Z.
>>
>> Peter Betz

>> BETZtechnik.ca [1]

>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l9MuRy79h8 [2]

>> [3]

>> [4]

>>>> [2]
>>>>>> [1]
>>>>>>>> [1].
>>>>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout

>> [5] [3]

>>>> [2]
>>>>>> [2].
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> --
>>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the
>>>>>> Google
>>>>>>> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from
>>>>>> it,
>
>>>>>>> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>>>>>>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>
>>>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com

>> [6]

>>>> [4]
>>>>>> [3]
>>>>>>> [3].
>>>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout

>> [5] [3]

>>>> [2]
>>>>>> [2].
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Links:
>>>>>>> ------
>>>>>>> [1]
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer

>> [7]
>>>> [5]
>>>>>> [4]
>>>>>>> [2] https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5] [3] [2]
>>>>>>> [3]
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
>> [8]

>>>> [6]
>>>>>> [5]
>>>>>>
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the
>>>> Google
>>>>>> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from
>>>> it,
>
>>>>>> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>>>>>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>
>>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/05d02697bd2b5b16cd7c61c3366c1eff%40mail.mattbrocklehurst.co.uk

>> [9]
>>>> [7]
>>>>>> [6].
>>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5]

>> [3]
>>>> [2].
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the
>>>> Google
>>>>> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from
>>>> it,
>
>>>>> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>>>>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>
>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jx9aRYK5_ah0veb7hQB5cPVVsd_YpBTKnpBzdd0Dr3DzQ%40mail.gmail.com

>> [10]
>>>> [8]
>>>>> [8].
>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5]

>> [3]
>>>> [2].
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Links:
>>>>> ------
>>>>> [1]
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com

>> [4]
>>>> [2]
>>>>> [2] https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5] [3]
>>>>> [3]
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com
>> [6]

>>>> [4]
>>>>> [4]
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=footer

>> [11]

>>>> [9]
>>>>> [5]
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer

>> [12]
>>>> [10]
>>>>> [6]
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/05d02697bd2b5b16cd7c61c3366c1eff%40mail.mattbrocklehurst.co.uk
>> [9]
>>>> [7]
>>>>> [7]
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> http://www.trinamic.com/products/integrated-circuits/integrated-motion-controller-stepper-driver/tmc5130
>> [3]
>>>> [1]
>>>>> [8]
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jx9aRYK5_ah0veb7hQB5cPVVsd_YpBTKnpBzdd0Dr3DzQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
>> [13]

>>>> [11]
>>>
>>> --
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the
>> Google
>>> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
>
>>> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>
>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxKSiYAmyRoz25C_9VxqF2hkeAE1LBwCT9BYUnNs7UqwA%40mail.gmail.com

>> [14]
>>> [12].
>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5]

>> [3].
>>>
>>>
>>> Links:
>>> ------
>>> [1]
>>>
>>
> http://www.trinamic.com/products/integrated-circuits/integrated-motion-controller-stepper-driver/tmc5130

>> [3]
>>> [2]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com
>> [4]
>>> [3] https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5]
>>> [4]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com
>> [6]

>>> [5]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=footer

>> [11]
>>> [6]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
>> [12]
>>> [7]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/05d02697bd2b5b16cd7c61c3366c1eff%40mail.mattbrocklehurst.co.uk
>> [9]
>>> [8]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jx9aRYK5_ah0veb7hQB5cPVVsd_YpBTKnpBzdd0Dr3DzQ%40mail.gmail.com
>> [10]

>>> [9]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&amp;amp;utm_source=footer

>> [15]

>>> [10]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=footer

>> [16]
>>> [11]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jx9aRYK5_ah0veb7hQB5cPVVsd_YpBTKnpBzdd0Dr3DzQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
>> [17]
>>> [12]
>>>
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxKSiYAmyRoz25C_9VxqF2hkeAE1LBwCT9BYUnNs7UqwA%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
>> [18]

>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
>> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>
>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/069935e28d491275a5c731f120ef64e1%40mail.mattbrocklehurst.co.uk
>> [19].
>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5].

>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
>>> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>
>>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>
>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>>
>>

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/46bd7a9a-fdf9-4e98-a375-579f47277d6a%40googlegroups.com
>>> [20].
>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5].

>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/81f544d8-da0a-4b5d-9aa2-4cc4aa1cf6a0%40googlegroups.com
> [23].
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5].
>
> --
>

>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in
>> the Google Groups "OpenPnP" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/openpnp/WywyWhKlFW8/unsubscribe

>> [21].

>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to
>> openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
>
>> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
>
>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jy6mNVVhv4V%3DMGmH807NY9gKdCoDxBomuViHS7_-juCWQ%40mail.gmail.com

>> [22].
>
>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5].

>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/ADDC8D9F-7B1F-4DD3-BA77-5CACA6DA75C1%40gmail.com
> [24].
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5].
>
> --

> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in
> the Google Groups "OpenPnP" group.
> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/openpnp/WywyWhKlFW8/unsubscribe

> [21].

> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to
> openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jyOrwGJ52tEA-bsrVPLO-QKUqCnOc65CczBza6v5NrYfg%40mail.gmail.com
> [25].
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5].

>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "OpenPnP" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
> send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/2DE854E1-1E67-40D3-865C-17328D56526D%40gmail.com
> [26].
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout [5].
>
>
> Links:
> ------
> [1] http://betztechnik.ca
> [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l9MuRy79h8
> [3]
> http://www.trinamic.com/products/integrated-circuits/integrated-motion-controller-stepper-driver/tmc5130
> [4]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com
> [5] https://groups.google.com/d/optout
> [6]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com
> [7]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=footer
> [8]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jxzh1q0zhf%3DUi0efsqcxbxROmqkpA0e5QJnAVU8p1RdiQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
> [9]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/05d02697bd2b5b16cd7c61c3366c1eff%40mail.mattbrocklehurst.co.uk
> [10]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jx9aRYK5_ah0veb7hQB5cPVVsd_YpBTKnpBzdd0Dr3DzQ%40mail.gmail.com
> [11]

> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/7b71fb44-6a2c-4e71-83d7-4e8d288b370a%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&amp;amp;utm_source=footer

Gmail

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 2:08:58 PM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

$45.55. Much higher than i expected.

Sent by iPhone

> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/aa6e2d0680d279a97b80d013fb7e5b4b%40mattbrocklehurst.co.uk.
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

Henrik

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 2:17:30 PM6/7/16

to OpenPnP

Arthur,

In the scheme of things I think the Smoothie is quite reasoable. I was REALLY surprised to see the "clones" on AliExpress for just $50 though.

What I'd like to see in the v2 lineup is version with the full blown motion controller but without any power electronics (drivers, mosfets etc) for interfacing to external drivers. All outputs buffered, all inputs conditioned for connecting to the "real world" (preferably 24V). Call it Smoothie industrial or OEM if you will....

I know it can be done by just tapping off the step/dir/enable signals but why pay for all those drivers when you don't need them?

Sorry for the off topic...

/Henrik.

Den tisdag 7 juni 2016 kl. 18:47:25 UTC+2 skrev Arthur Wolf:

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 2:39:20 PM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

You have some options. I am using the eval kit, which includes the eval board along with a STM32 board to control it. The control board is run by a really nice IDE software that Trinamic has for download on their site. The software is what you saw in my demo video. Unfortunately, this kit is very expensive:

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/trinamic-motion-control-gmbh/TMC5130-EVAL-KIT/1460-1125-ND/5030142

The board with just the TMC5130 is this:

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/trinamic-motion-control-gmbh/TMC5130-EVAL/1460-1152-ND/5325765

The kit includes that board along with the control board and an adapter to hook them together.

Finally, the really cool thing is that Trinamic is pushing hard to get into the 3D printer world. They've produced a RAMPS like board with these drivers on it, along with a Marlin port:

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/trinamic-motion-control-gmbh/TMCM-TRAMS/1460-1158-ND/5724189

This TRAMS board is a shield for an Arduino Mega and has four of the drivers along with mosfets for controlling things like heated beds, hot ends, etc. This board could easily power a single nozzle PnP.

More info at:

https://github.com/trinamic/TRAMS

http://www.trinamic.com/products/integrated-circuits/evalboards/trams

Sorry if this sounds like an advertisement for the TMC5130. It's not. I'm just really impressed with this thing and have been spending a lot of time researching it :)

Jason

Graeme Bridge

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 2:43:37 PM6/7/16

to OpenPnP

As eval boards go thats pretty cheap my analog devices DSP board was double that lol, interesting to see they have a control board though.

I Have downloaded the CNC motion control paper to have a read later but my coding isn't up to that grade but i might have a play if i get 5 mins lol

Mark Harris

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 3:51:24 PM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

$150 is a killer deal for a dev board, ST do really awesomely priced dev kits usually but TI, NXP and AD can be into the thousands of dollars for some dev kits I've purchased before! ST has figured out that if people based their device on your $10-15 dev kit, you'll sell a lot more parts....

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "OpenPnP" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/4dc063e8-b302-4b2b-81d0-4b00fcf82a11%40googlegroups.com.

Graeme Bridge

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 4:11:07 PM6/7/16

to OpenPnP

right, at $50-$100 I'm not to worried to take a punt but when they get $300 plus it starts to make you think

John Socha-Leialoha

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:19:40 PM6/7/16

to OpenPnP

I've been working with the Trinamic chip for a few weeks now. Here is the board I started with (that I designed it and built 3 of them):

It's a simple break-out board, and it works great. But then I switched to the RAMPS board, which is about $70 with four drivers:

I've been using the Joystick to control my PnP machine. Here is a video showing homing using stallGuard, which senses back EMF and stops above a certain threshold: https://youtu.be/Dkk4of1BMsI

And here is a newer video showing me using the joystick to move the X and Y around. Then at the end I homed the Y using stallGuard: https://youtu.be/QEiE9rUmOHE

I've been working on a design for an integrated board to control my PnP machine with OpenPnP. My plan is to use the same chip as the Leonardo so I can also send key strokes back to the computer. I'm also thinking about having a "slave" driver for the second Y stepper rather than two Trinamic chips. One of the things I discovered yesterday is that it's possible for me to drive something like an A4998 with STEP/DIR outputs from the Trinamic chip. So my idea is to drive the heavier side with the Trinamic (the side that has the X stepper), and then using the A4998 slave to drive the second. I'm just thinking aloud on that part of the design.

-- John

John Socha-Leialoha

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:20:34 PM6/7/16

to OpenPnP

Woops, I meant to say I switched to TRAMS, which is the RAMPS-style board with four Trinamic chips on it.

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 7, 2016, 11:34:04 PM6/7/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

Nice work John! the machine is looking really great and it's nice to see the homing with stallguard! Have you done any repeatability testing on it? I'm curious how well it hits the point over time.

I like your breakout board! I was planning to make something similar but I feel like I've studied the reference design enough that I'm just going to jump into designing the head board I want to make.

Looking forward to seeing more about your machine!

Jason

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/3cc37abb-5c73-4fe5-8e5f-2ceefaf0e86d%40googlegroups.com.

John Socha-Leialoha

unread,

Jun 8, 2016, 12:05:55 AM6/8/16

to OpenPnP

Which type of repeatability? If you mean can I keep homing and the reported position will stay the same, the answer is no. It "loses" on the order of 10-20 steps when it stalls. If, on the other hand, you're wondering about mechanical repeatability, it's really good because it stops when a part on the carriage hits a part on the support. So, with some quick measurements, it looks like within about 0.01 mm.

To absolutely sure, I need to find my dial indicator and clamp it firmly in a specific position. Then home and move to a specific position. I'll try to set that up and let you know how it looks. However, my guess would be that it will exceed what you'd get with end-stop sensors.

Jason, do you want to collaborate on this? It seems we're in the same general location (I'm in Bellevue), so we could easily get together and brainstorm and experiment.

-- John

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 8, 2016, 12:20:42 AM6/8/16

to OpenPnP

John,

I meant positional repeatability. In other words, if you home twice how close to the same position do you get? As you mentioned, best checked with a DTI. If you are seeing 10-20 microsteps at 256 microstep stepping, that sounds pretty good!

I'd love to get together and compare notes. I'll ping you off list!

Jason

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/f10e4118-c492-4dcc-9bff-395dadf03d8c%40googlegroups.com.

John Socha-Leialoha

unread,

Jun 8, 2016, 1:22:57 AM6/8/16

to ope...@googlegroups.com

That’s what I figured. I pulled out my dial indicator, but I don’t have a sturdy mount, so I have to make a 3D printed part that will hold it firmly to the frame. I just started to print this, so I won’t have results until tomorrow.

-- John

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "OpenPnP" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/openpnp/WywyWhKlFW8/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.

To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CA%2BQw0jw4Hqm%3D0SC6b7Yc2vNqeYxC8o94tqEUukLSgqu_FXgPjw%40mail.gmail.com.

John Socha-Leialoha

unread,

Jun 9, 2016, 1:48:46 AM6/9/16

to OpenPnP

I've run some tests to measure the repeatability, and it's spot on. For my test, I moved to home, set the position to 0, and then moved to a specific position. I set the dial indicator to zero, and then repeated the test multiple times. The indicator I have shows down to 10 microns. When I was doing my testing, it always showed either 0.00 mm or -0.01 mm after moving to the know position. In other words, the repeatability is really, really good. Here is a video showing it in action.

https://youtu.be/QKz61DG8Jbw

Jason von Nieda

unread,

Jun 9, 2016, 3:25:26 AM6/9/16

to OpenPnP

That is impressive as hell John! Nicely done! Can't wait to get these wired up to my machine.

Jason

On Wed, Jun 8, 2016 at 10:48 PM John Socha-Leialoha <jo...@socha.com> wrote:

I've run some tests to measure the repeatability, and it's spot on. For my test, I moved to home, set the position to 0, and then moved to a specific position. I set the dial indicator to zero, and then repeated the test multiple times. The indicator I have shows down to 10 microns. When I was doing my testing, it always showed either 0.00 mm or -0.01 mm after moving to the know position. In other words, the repeatability is really, really good. Here is a video showing it in action.

https://youtu.be/QKz61DG8Jbw

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "OpenPnP" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to ope...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/f50e2752-ed17-4db2-b33b-fbf181f6d628%40googlegroups.com.

Reply all

Reply to author

Forward