Smoothie board + OpenPNP help

1,527 views
Skip to first unread message

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 2, 2021, 9:57:23 AM2/2/21
to OpenPnP
Hello guys,
I’m new in the smoothie world. I have smoothieboard 5X and I want to connect it to pick and place machine. I am using openPNP software. what I did is :
2 - I downloaded config.txt file from "http://smoothieware.org/configuring-smoothie"
3 - I copied the file firmware.bin and config.txt to a micro-SD card.
4 - I run it >> it was flashed successfully, where the filename changed from firmware.bin to FIRMWARE.CUR The config.txt will always remain config.txt.
5 - I connected the card via USB cable to my laptop.
6 - I ran smoothie board with Pronterface application. I can connected to the board via serial board.
My problem is I want to move any x , y z motors just to check the flushing or the board is ok , but NO movement has been occurred. I mean no motor run when I send command via this software to the board, where the Gcode drive configuration for the serial board is ok. Can anyone telling me what I did wrong or any help please just to have any motor running in.. Your help is highly appreciated

Arthur Wolf

unread,
Feb 2, 2021, 10:19:54 AM2/2/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Are you sure you are providing power to the motors correctly? Can you show a picture of the board and of the LEDs on it?

--
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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/53d06077-a28b-4fda-b3f6-74d8389b9e6bn%40googlegroups.com.


--
勇気とユーモア

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 2, 2021, 1:26:54 PM2/2/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Thanks for your reply .. that is my connectionWhatsApp Image 2021-02-02 at 19.24.27.jpeg

Lance Endres

unread,
Feb 2, 2021, 5:31:20 PM2/2/21
to OpenPnP
If I'm not mistaken, it looks like you are hooked up to the Z, A, B axes but you said you were trying to operate the X, Y, Z.  It might be worth a double check on that.

Also, it looks like maybe you have one of the knock-off Smoothieboards that had less than ideal attention to manufacturing.  Some of them have alternate potentiometers that give the stepper motor drivers bad reference voltages and the motors won't operate correctly.  The image below should help you identify if this is your case.  A link to a page describing the issue and solution is included, but the short answer is to add the following to your configuration file:

# Fix for incorrect Digipots used on Smoothieboard Clones.
digipot_factor                                     36.6

Page describing issue:

Page 4.png

Duncan Ellison

unread,
Feb 2, 2021, 6:01:21 PM2/2/21
to OpenPnP
Looks like you may have your steppers connected to the wrong ports as mentioned below, try M1 / M2 for X and Y.

Also some Smoothie clones are missing some of the links by default that route power on the board, might want to check that.  I'm pretty sure it needs to be done to drive the MOSFETS on that board, but not 100% sure about the high voltage drive to the stepper drivers.

You might also want to check that the wiring on the plugs is correct.  Remove the plug and leave the stepper connected, then buzz the wires out with a meter.  Each pair of pins on the plug should have a low ohm reading (+-5 - 20 Ohm), for more read here :

Ignore the colour coding, Chinese steppers seem to use random colours, just find out which two make a coil pair. 

Duncan

Arthur Wolf

unread,
Feb 2, 2021, 6:39:10 PM2/2/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Usually, counterfeit boards like this one still work in the beginning but burn at some point later. However I just got two days ago a report of a counterfeit board having this exact same issue, so maybe that's it?
Contrary to a real smoothieboard, that has different colors LED (for good reasons...), here they are all blue, and I can't tell what is what. Can you tell me what is on, what is off, and what is blinking, of the 6 main LEDs?

--
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.


--
勇気とユーモア

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 3, 2021, 4:38:03 AM2/3/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Thank you so much for the replay. indeed my board has a chip as shown in my attachment. i'll  check that and feedback11.PNG
 will be posted .

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 3, 2021, 4:38:54 AM2/3/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
  Thank you so much for the information. Indeed the connection is wrong. A feedback will be posted for this problem  

On Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 12:01 AM Duncan Ellison <duncan_...@colnewater.com> wrote:
--
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/rdAXltRoSdc/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to openpnp+u...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/d4748cd2-ee60-47fb-ab31-77bfbc9f6f39n%40googlegroups.com.

Balbeer Bohra

unread,
Feb 3, 2021, 4:40:43 AM2/3/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Please help me to rectify why openpnp2 is not working as I am able to jog motor by grbl.

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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/openpnp/CAObNpu%2BqUn-CF7TYkH7rKoU_fgCc9e4M-1feMaFEb8wkfbTkSg%40mail.gmail.com.

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 3, 2021, 4:41:48 AM2/3/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Thank you so much for the replay. my attachment for LED's is showing in a video

WhatsApp Video 2021-02-02 at 19.24.14.mp4

Arthur Wolf

unread,
Feb 3, 2021, 7:35:07 AM2/3/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
I can't actually tell from the video which LEDs are on and off. Are the vbb and 5v leds on or off?



--
勇気とユーモア

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 3, 2021, 2:09:17 PM2/3/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Thank guys for your support.
The X,Y and Z are working now after adding the line :


# Fix for incorrect Digipots used on Smoothieboard Clones.
digipot_factor                                     36.6

in the configuration file according to the link:
 [ https://forum.makerforums.info/t/aliexpress-fysetc-smoothieboard-v1-1-mcp4441-issue/77926 ]
about the  smoothieboard V1.1 MCP4441 issue

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 5, 2021, 5:40:08 AM2/5/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Hello everyone, 
I am trying to run them by OpenPNP, till now there is no progress to run them by OpenPNP, any tips by steps to run them before installation in the structure ? 
Your help is highly appreciated!

bert shivaan

unread,
Feb 5, 2021, 6:11:56 AM2/5/21
to OpenPnP
If they run from outside programs like Pronterface or even a terminal program, then the issue is with openPNP setup.
First step to get help here is to set loging to trace and attach the log file.
I would suggest simply these steps:
start openPNP
Enable machine
Home (if the machine is not ready to home, like no switches, just try to jog. Make sure to set the jog distance slider above 1mm
disable machine
close openPNP
attach log and machineXML

Please understand we will all try and help you, but we can't just "know" what is wrong.



Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 7, 2021, 3:03:20 PM2/7/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Hi Bert,
Thanks for replay .. the log file is .. and but still the motors are not running.
Log File
{
2021-02-07 22:45:15.420 ReferenceMachine DEBUG: setEnabled(true)
2021-02-07 22:45:31.424 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: Top.moveTo((20.000000, 120.000000, 200.000000, 4.865117 mm), 0.96)
2021-02-07 22:45:35.049 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: Top.moveTo((30.000000, 120.000000, 200.000000, 4.865117 mm), 0.96)
2021-02-07 22:45:37.449 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: Top.moveTo((30.000000, 110.000000, 200.000000, 4.865117 mm), 0.96)
2021-02-07 22:45:39.574 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: Top.moveTo((20.000000, 110.000000, 200.000000, 4.865117 mm), 0.96)
2021-02-07 22:45:42.649 ReferenceMachine DEBUG: setEnabled(false)
2021-02-07 22:45:42.677 ReferenceMachine INFO: setHomed(false)
}

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 7, 2021, 3:11:28 PM2/7/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
This is another log file :
2021-02-07 23:10:17.620 ReferenceMachine DEBUG: setEnabled(false)
2021-02-07 23:10:17.633 ReferenceMachine INFO: setHomed(false)
2021-02-07 23:10:19.302 ReferenceMachine DEBUG: setEnabled(true)
2021-02-07 23:10:21.580 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: N1.moveTo((0.000000, 490.000000, 400.000000, 0.000000 mm), 0.96)
2021-02-07 23:10:21.581 ReferenceNozzle TRACE: N1.transformToHeadLocation((0.000000, 490.000000, 400.000000, 0.000000 mm), ...)
2021-02-07 23:10:36.948 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: N1.moveTo((100.000000, 490.000000, 400.000000, 0.000000 mm), 0.96)
2021-02-07 23:10:36.948 ReferenceNozzle TRACE: N1.transformToHeadLocation((100.000000, 490.000000, 400.000000, 0.000000 mm), ...)
2021-02-07 23:10:38.843 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: N1.moveTo((100.000000, 390.000000, 400.000000, 0.000000 mm), 0.96)
2021-02-07 23:10:38.844 ReferenceNozzle TRACE: N1.transformToHeadLocation((100.000000, 390.000000, 400.000000, 0.000000 mm), ...)
2021-02-07 23:10:39.622 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: N1.moveTo((100.000000, 490.000000, 400.000000, 0.000000 mm), 0.96)
2021-02-07 23:10:39.623 ReferenceNozzle TRACE: N1.transformToHeadLocation((100.000000, 490.000000, 400.000000, 0.000000 mm), ...)
2021-02-07 23:10:40.725 ReferenceMachine DEBUG: setEnabled(false)
2021-02-07 23:10:40.735 ReferenceMachine INFO: setHomed(false)

bert shivaan

unread,
Feb 7, 2021, 3:21:01 PM2/7/21
to OpenPnP
I can't say what is wrong, but I will say that I don't think anything is being sent to the board. 
When you hit the enable button, I would expect the connect commands to be sent across serial port. You see there is no serial port stuff in your log.

So maybe you have not set up a driver in openPNP?
have you followed the getting started guide?
 

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 7, 2021, 3:28:43 PM2/7/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
I read it but i can not see anything about this setting. So what do you mean I have to set it in the configuration file ? 

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 7, 2021, 3:36:07 PM2/7/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
image.png

bert shivaan

unread,
Feb 7, 2021, 4:05:35 PM2/7/21
to OpenPnP
I am sorry, Now I am of no further help.
You can test stuff through the console tab. that should let you send gcode you type in.
It may also be that you are trying to jog before smoothie has "connected", but not sure about that.

Until someone can help more here, I can only tell you something seems not correct as it never seems to send anything on the port.

Try to send something from console tab and check the log to see if something is actually sent.

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 7, 2021, 4:24:32 PM2/7/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Thanks . I would like to ask anyone here to help .. thanks in advance

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 7, 2021, 4:28:40 PM2/7/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Any help for these error please where the log file is :
2021-02-08 00:27:20.449 ReferenceMachine DEBUG: setEnabled(true)
2021-02-08 00:27:26.964 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: Top.moveTo((200.000000, 100.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000 mm), 0.88)
2021-02-08 00:27:26.966 GcodeDriver DEBUG: [serial://COM9] >> G0 X100, 5000
2021-02-08 00:27:26.967 GcodeDriver WARNING: GcodeDriver configuration error: COMMAND_CONFIRM_REGEX missing. Not waiting for confirmation.
2021-02-08 00:27:33.783 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: Top.moveTo((200.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000 mm), 0.88)
2021-02-08 00:27:33.785 GcodeDriver DEBUG: [serial://COM9] >> G0 X100, 5000
2021-02-08 00:27:33.785 GcodeDriver WARNING: GcodeDriver configuration error: COMMAND_CONFIRM_REGEX missing. Not waiting for confirmation.
2021-02-08 00:27:40.285 ReferenceHead DEBUG: H1.moveToSafeZ(0.88)
2021-02-08 00:27:40.285 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: N1.moveToSafeZ(0.88)
2021-02-08 00:27:40.285 ReferenceNozzle TRACE: N1.transformToHeadLocation((200.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000 mm), ...)
2021-02-08 00:27:40.286 ReferenceNozzle TRACE: N1.transformToHeadLocation((200.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000 mm), ...)
2021-02-08 00:27:40.286 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: Top.moveToSafeZ(0.88)
2021-02-08 00:27:40.286 AbstractHeadMountable DEBUG: Top.moveTo((0.000000, 0.000000, NaN, NaN mm), 0.88)
2021-02-08 00:27:40.288 GcodeDriver DEBUG: [serial://COM9] >> G0 X100, 5000
2021-02-08 00:27:40.288 GcodeDriver WARNING: GcodeDriver configuration error: COMMAND_CONFIRM_REGEX missing. Not waiting for confirmation.

tony...@att.net

unread,
Feb 7, 2021, 4:36:23 PM2/7/21
to OpenPnP
Have you tried "Find Issues & Solutions" button?
Help.png

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 8, 2021, 4:22:17 AM2/8/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Yes, and the problem still same

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 8, 2021, 8:06:22 AM2/8/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
I would like to post another issue that may be a problem . I connect the Smoothieboard via normal USB with the following config file , is that problem ?

image.png

Arthur Wolf

unread,
Feb 8, 2021, 9:52:22 AM2/8/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
No, nothing there is relevant.



--
勇気とユーモア

tony...@att.net

unread,
Feb 8, 2021, 10:21:07 AM2/8/21
to OpenPnP
Post your machine.xml file.

Tony

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 8, 2021, 11:25:32 AM2/8/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Please find the attached files of machine.xml and config.txt file as well . Thanks in advanced

config file 8-02-2021
machine.xml

ma...@makr.zone

unread,
Feb 8, 2021, 11:50:29 AM2/8/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com

Issues & Solutions does not solve the problems directly, you need to read what the problem is, perhaps consult the documentation that is offered with the [i] button and then Accept or Dismiss them.

What has Issues & Solutions listed?

_Mark

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 8, 2021, 1:05:36 PM2/8/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 11, 2021, 3:21:31 AM2/11/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Hello all, 
To run the x, y and z motor via OpenPNP + Smoothieboard i added the line below to get it running
[ <move-to-command>G0 {X:X%.4f} {Y:Y%.4f} {Z:Z%.4f} {Rotation:E%.4f} F{FeedRate:%.0f}
M400</move-to-command>]
Now I have X,Y running slow and Z axis not. So for the beginner to run the x y and z for testing you have to add command line above in drives section and it is don eazy way by [ MAchine Setup >>> Drivers >> GcodeDriver >> Gcode >> Default ] select "Move_To_Command '' and write now "G0 {X:X%.4f} {Y:Y%.4f} {Z:Z%.4f} {Rotation:E%.4f} F{FeedRate:%.0f} " that is all and the same struction you can used it for another commands.
For me right now I have X+Y are slow and Z not running .. any tip for changing the machine speed and acceleration axes. many thanks

ma...@makr.zone

unread,
Feb 11, 2021, 3:39:54 AM2/11/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com

Why don't you use Issues & Solutions?

It has a better way to setup all these configurations for you. Watch the video here and ask specifically then things are not clear:

https://github.com/openpnp/openpnp/wiki/Issues-and-Solutions

_Mark

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 11, 2021, 5:22:50 AM2/11/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
OK i 'll look but what about the machine speeding up?


ma...@makr.zone

unread,
Feb 11, 2021, 5:49:16 AM2/11/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com

Once you have everything setup you can tune the machine speed on the axes in detail. By tuning each axis individually you can achieve much better machine speed:

https://github.com/openpnp/openpnp/wiki/Machine-Axes#kinematic-settings--rate-limits

IMPORTANT: Before you can tune the machine this way you must be sure to configure the same or higher limits in the controller. Refer to the controller documentation to see how.

_Mark

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 11, 2021, 6:08:30 AM2/11/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Thanks Mark .. i'll do


Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 13, 2021, 4:25:54 PM2/13/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Hello all, 
I am using motor type " 17HS6002-N27B - OUKEDA " for x-axis  and motor type " 17HS5005-24S24 - OUKEDA " for y-axis. My problem is the y-axis motor is running very slow and slower than the x-axis and both haven't  good torque during running . I attached my config.txt and machine.xml file.  where in my config file I added " last line " as [
digipot_factor                                     36.6]
to fix for incorrect Digipots used on Smoothieboard Clones.

Maybe i have to use an external motor driver to reach a good current or maybe you have a tip to solve the problem ?
Thanks
config.txt
machine.xml

Duncan Ellison

unread,
Feb 13, 2021, 6:38:27 PM2/13/21
to OpenPnP
I'm using similar NEMA17 motors on my machine, but I have them set for 2.0A.

You shouldn't need external drivers to get an acceptable torque with a Smoothie and these motors.

The other explanation could be that the 36.6 factor was based on a particular BOM error in the clones.  You might check that the IC you have is indeed the one that needs a 36.6 correction (mine does). 

Check your wiring to make really sure you are driving them correctly.

Duncan

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 13, 2021, 7:03:26 PM2/13/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Thanks Duncan ! but how can you set the current 2A?

3d.m...@gmail.com

unread,
Feb 14, 2021, 1:14:59 AM2/14/21
to OpenPnP
It looks to me like it is specified in the config.txt file.  Search for current in that file.

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 14, 2021, 4:35:43 AM2/14/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Hello Duncan and 3d.manton, Thank you for your attention. I set the current of this motor to 2.0 in the config file and another setting as shown in my attachment . The problem is still the same where the torque is not as good . I checked the wiring and it was ok as well. Can you please take a look at my setting in my attachment . Thank you in advance 

Document2.pdf

Duncan Ellison

unread,
Feb 14, 2021, 7:00:34 AM2/14/21
to OpenPnP
Here are some things for you to try :

1. Have you tried moving the motors OUTSIDE of OpenPnP (e.g. via Pronterface or directly sending commands to the controller)?

2. When you say 'torque' is that what you really mean - or do you really mean speed ?

3. What is the available current from your PSU ?  You need a really beefy PSU to supply enough current to move both motors and supply the rest of the machine - I suggest AT LEAST 6A.  Setting the current limit to 2.0A doesn't magically make the current appear (!)
 
4. Forget backlash until you have the machine moving as you expect, this is fine tuning you don't need for now.

5. You appear to be using _Mark's AsyncGCodeDriver, what motion control type are you attempting to use (Drivers > Driver Settings > Motion Control Type).  If you have this set to anything other than 'Toolpath Feedrate', you should probably try to get this working first, before you try the more advanced motion types.

6. Have you tried the 'Issues and Solutions' Wizard (ReferenceMachine > Issues & Solutions) ?

7. If you are attempting the higher order motion types, you'll need a value in the Jerk field.  FWIW, my settings are 

Feedrate 500
Acceleration 800
Jerk 9000

Duncan

ma...@makr.zone

unread,
Feb 14, 2021, 7:24:54 AM2/14/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com

Just FYI Duncan, that jerk limit is quite low. Are you sure you need it?

_Mark

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 14, 2021, 10:00:04 AM2/14/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Thanks so much Duncan and Mark. My answers are as follows:

1. Have you tried moving the motors OUTSIDE of OpenPnP (e.g. via Pronterface or directly sending commands to the controller)?
   > Yes via Prenterface .. they are working well.

2. When you say 'torque' is that what you really mean - or do you really mean speed ?
> I mean here when the y-axis moves the speed is slow and I can stop the axis with a small touch by my hand.

3. What is the available current from your PSU ?  You need a really beefy PSU to supply enough current to move both motors and supply the rest of the machine - I suggest AT LEAST 6A.  Setting the current limit to 2.0A doesn't magically make the current appear (!)
 

4. Forget backlash until you have the machine moving as you expect, this is fine tuning you don't need for now.
> I'll do it.

5. You appear to be using _Mark's AsyncGCodeDriver, what motion control type are you attempting to use (Drivers > Driver Settings > Motion Control Type).  If you have this set to anything other than 'Toolpath Feedrate', you should probably try to get this working first, before you try the more advanced motion types.
> I am using the Toolpath Feedrate.

6. Have you tried the 'Issues and Solutions' Wizard (ReferenceMachine > Issues & Solutions) ?
> Yes I tried it and everything is solved and corrected.

7. If you are attempting the higher order motion types, you'll need a value in the Jerk field.  FWIW, my settings are 
> In general I am attempting to change this factor to fix my problem but i returned it to zero .. I do not need it . 

Duncan Ellison

unread,
Feb 14, 2021, 12:27:26 PM2/14/21
to OpenPnP
Hi Mark,

It was just what I ended up with after some (not very scientific) testing and it seemed to work OK.

Thanks for the heads up thought, I'll try a few further experiments when I get time.

Duncan

Duncan Ellison

unread,
Feb 14, 2021, 12:31:18 PM2/14/21
to OpenPnP
Hmmmm ... then I'm starting to run out of suggestions.

If you can move with satisfactory speed and torque outside of OpenPnP, but not when driven by OpenPnp, then you must have some configuration issue.

Try looking at the log to see what commands are actually issued to see if there's some odd feedrate being commanded to the Smoothie or something.

I can only say that there are multiple instances of the exact set up you are using which work fine (i.e. Smoothie and NEMA17 motors)

Duncan 

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 15, 2021, 5:26:40 AM2/15/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Hello Duncan,

Thank you for your support. It seems that the problem of the motor driver of Smoothieboard 5X V1.1 even added the "digipot_factor  = 36.6"  in the configuration file to fix incorrect Digipots used on Smoothieboard Clones.
The problem has been solved for me after connecting the TB6600 external driver for the y-axis.

Duncan Ellison

unread,
Feb 15, 2021, 6:10:28 AM2/15/21
to OpenPnP
Hi Rashad,

Since you bought your SmoothieBoard 5X recently and you believe that the digipots were incorrect according to the original BOM, it's pretty certain that you have a Chinese Smoothie Clone .  Arthur Woolf from the Smoothie project continuously makes the point that these clones are not made to the same precision as his original ones and it seems that is what you are suffering from here.

Unfortunately, supplies of the original 5X board are simply not available anymore from the Smoothie approved sources, and it's successor is not yet fully available, so this is what we have to work with for now.

At least you resolved your issue.

Duncan

Arthur Wolf

unread,
Feb 15, 2021, 8:50:32 AM2/15/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
On Mon, Feb 15, 2021 at 12:10 PM Duncan Ellison <duncan_...@colnewater.com> wrote:
Hi Rashad,

Since you bought your SmoothieBoard 5X recently and you believe that the digipots were incorrect according to the original BOM, it's pretty certain that you have a Chinese Smoothie Clone .  Arthur Woolf from the Smoothie project continuously makes the point that these clones are not made to the same precision as his original ones and it seems that is what you are suffering from here.

And it's not just the stepper drivers' digipots being the wrong kind, there are *lots* of other issues we get reports of, including (but not limited to):
* Using counterfeit/low quality/wrong-spec passives, such as capacitors that then go on to burn down (in particular in 24V setups, 12V setups seem more tolerant. Smoothie is supposed to be fully 24v-tolerant, but the clones don't seem to be, all of that just to save 20 cents per board for the cloners...)
* Using counterfeit stepper drivers, resulting in lower quality microstepping, worse heatsinking, more likelyhood of thermal cutoff and stalls, lower torque, etc
* Using counterfeit microcontrollers, with increased likelyhood of crashes
* Using the wrong model of microcontroller (LPC1768 instead of 69. They insanely are not changing this even though they know this is an issue since at least 2017, and it saves them less than 50 cents per board), resulting in crashes and lower performance.
* Not using the right trace/copper thicknesses, resulting in more likelihood of traces/connectors burning down, again just to save a few cents.
And that's just the ones off the top of my head, there's much more.

Putting aside the fact that these boards are toxic to the project, and that Smoothieboard v2 is *years* behind it's timeline because we lost most of our financial support to these boards, even without that in mind, I just don't get why people keep buying these despite the very clear reports they are terrible quality *and* dangerous.

So many people waste *so much time* and effort on these boards. Many people a year later will just tell you they regret not getting a normal board.
And it's not just *your* time being wasted, it's the time of the community that must spend so much time helping you with issues that you really shouldn't be having.

We're talking about pick and places here, most of these machines are intended to make money, and the money they make in a week is much much more than the cost saving of getting a counterfeit board in the first place.
The economics do not make sense here, you ultimately waste so much money *and* time for an initially very low cost saving...


Unfortunately, supplies of the original 5X board are simply not available anymore from the Smoothie approved sources, and it's successor is not yet fully available, so this is what we have to work with for now.

They are.
They were low/sometimes unavailable during part of 2020 (the factory closing down in China made things difficult for a while as one can imagine, and covid caused lots of financial issues for us limiting our ability to actually pay for production), that's fixed now, you can get them at robosprout, sometimes on amazon, or *anytime* by emailing me. There is stock, and we are working on making sure it stays that way.


--
勇気とユーモア

Don Vukovic

unread,
Feb 15, 2021, 12:21:02 PM2/15/21
to OpenPnP

Arthur Wolf

unread,
Feb 15, 2021, 3:30:26 PM2/15/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Nope, that one is actually authentic. They're produced along with the original/official ones, tested by the same testing house, are up to the same standards etc.
They are linked to from the Smoothie wiki's "getting smoothieboard" page, which is the main way to know.



--
勇気とユーモア

Don Vukovic

unread,
Feb 15, 2021, 3:43:43 PM2/15/21
to OpenPnP
Thank you

Rashad Arif

unread,
Feb 16, 2021, 3:09:01 AM2/16/21
to ope...@googlegroups.com
Thank you Arthur for all this explanation!

Because I am new to building this machine I think that I'll face many problems to finish it. Anyway,  the second step is endstop for min,max both x and y axis.I connected them according to OpenPNP documents " http://smoothieware.org/guide-endstops " i tested them via " Pronterface '' and the status was good as expected. via OpenPNP , I ran the motor-X and I pressed on one of them according to the motor movement ( i mean the motor ran to maximum direction and the X-max endswitch pressed) but the motor still ran . My question is what I miss? and is there any G code that should be written?

Thank you for help

Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages