Renesas RZ/T2H industrial MPU is the most powerful member of its RZ/T2 series of real-time microprocessors. The MPU features four Arm Cortex-A55 CPUs for application tasks and two Cortex-R52 CPUs for real-time control. It supports 9-axis motor control with 3-phase PWM timers, delta-sigma interfaces, and encoder interfaces. It also supports Industrial Ethernet protocols like EtherCAT, PROFINET, and TSN. These features make it ideal for industrial applications such as industrial robots, PLCs, motion controllers, and CNC machines. Renesas launched the RZ/T2L single-core Arm Cortex-R52 MPU just last year, and before that, in 2022, they launched the RZ/T2M dual Arm Cortex-R52 MPU. The RZ/T2L was just a cost-down version of RZ/T2M with an EtherCAT controller, compared to those old controllers the latest RZ/T2H supports 9-axis motor control and compatibility with various industrial Ethernet protocols. Renesas RZ/T2H specifications: CPU 4x Arm Cortex-A55 (64-bit) clocked at up to 1.2GHz with 32KB L1 I/D cache, 1MB L3 cache 2x […]
Take Your CNC Projects to the Next Level with the Genmitsu 4040-PRO MAX and Genmitsu APP (Sponsored)
Don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade your CNC experience with the Genmitsu 4040-PRO MAX CNC Router and the Genmitsu APP with WiFi Module—a powerful duo designed for precision, performance, and convenience. 4040-PRO MAX: Revolutionizing Precision and Performance The Genmitsu 4040-PRO MAX is engineered to deliver top-tier CNC routing with exceptional accuracy and power. Its 400 x 400mm working area and 710W spindle make it perfect for both intricate woodworking and demanding metal engraving tasks. Enhanced Stability & Rigidity: This router’s upgraded Z-axis and linear guide rail system ensure unmatched precision and reduce vibrations for consistent results. Increased Z-axis Clearance: A 100mm pass height accommodates larger materials, making it versatile for diverse projects. Powerful Spindle: The 710W spindle cuts effortlessly through tough materials, earning rave reviews from users for its reliability and efficiency. Comprehensive Compatibility: This router offers endless customization and is compatible with most 4040 accessories, including routers, four-axis modules, […]
ESP32-based CNC controller board targets pen plotters and lasers, runs FluidNC open-source firmware
FluidNC “TMC2209 Pen/Laser CNC Controller” is an ESP32-based 2-axis CNC controller that runs FluidNC open-source firmware and takes up to two TMC2209 stepper drivers to drive pen plotters and laser engravers ESP32 wireless modules have been used in a range of 3D printer and CNC controllers for years with boards such as Grbl_ESP32 CNC breakout board, Phi MainBoard 5LC 3D printer controller, and the Makerbase MKS DLC32 board we found in TwoTrees TS2 laser engraver and TTC 450 CNC router running MKS-DLC32-FIRMWARE open-source firmware. The FluidNC TMC2209 Pen/Laser CNC Controller offers yet another option and a different open-source FluidNC firmware that is an evolution of the firmware for the aforementioned Grbl_ESP32 that also happens to work on the MKS DLC32 board… FluidNC “TMC2209 Pen/Laser CNC Controller” specifications: Wireless module – Espressif Systems ESP32-WROOM-32E ESP32 dual-core microcontroller 4MB flash 2.4 GHz WiFi and Bluetooth LE connectivity, built-in PCB antenna Storage – MicroSD […]
SBC Case Builder v3.0 can create thousands of cases for popular SBCs and standard motherboards (mini-ITX, Pico-ITX, NUC…)
SBC Case Builder V3.0 case design utility has just been released with the ability to create over 1,000 standard cases – not including customization – for popular SBCs from Raspberry Pi, Hardkernel, Orange Pi, Radxa, and others, as well as standard motherboards following Mini-ITX, Pico-ITX, NUC, Nano-ITX, etc.., and SBC adapters following these standards, meaning you could install a Raspberry Pi 5 into a mini-ITX case if needed. SBC Case Builder started as a command line utility for designing DIY case for SBCs relying on OpenSDAD in April 2022, but Edward Kisiel (hominoids) quickly released version 2 with a GUI in October or the same, and has now further improved the utility with the release of SBC Case Builder v3.0. Version 3.0 comes with many improvements but the main focus was to reuse existing and new PC standard form factor cases by creating SBC adapters and custom I/O Shields since […]
PicoCNC – A 4-axis CNC controller based on Raspberry Pi Pico
PicoCNC is a 4-axis CNC motion controller that works with Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W running the open-source grblHAL firmware and can be used to control CNC routers, lathes, laser engravers, and other machines. PicoCNC specifications: Works with Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W, or other compatible boards. Storage MicroSD card slot Footprint for EEPROM or FRAM Host interface – USB or WiFi via Raspberry Pi Pico (W) CNC control via screw terminals 4-axis spindle control outputs 5V PWM and direction 0-10V spindle control output. 12V PWM support via open collector output Isolated 12V limit switch input on all 4 axes. Isolated standard Grbl spindle control outputs (5V): Cycle Start, Feed Hold, EStop and Safety Door. 9x Opto-isolated inputs including standard Grbl controls and limits switches for all axes. Relay 7x relay outputs – Spindle, Mist Coolant, Flood Coolant, Dust Extraction, and 3x auxiliary relays. Relay Coil voltage selectable […]
DIY SBC cases and SBC Case Builder tool based on OpenSCAD
Since you can’t always rely on single board computer (SBC) vendors to provide a case to match your needs, some went the DIY route. Willy Tarreau designed some laser-cut enclosures with Inkscape for various SBCs, while hominoids went a step further by developing the “SBC Case Builder” tool to automatically generate various types of 3D printable enclosures using OpenSCAD. Willy designed five similar enclosures for Khadas VIM3/VIM3L, FriendlyELEC NanoPi Fire3, SolidRun Clearfog Base networking SBC, Libre Computer AML-S805X-AC (aka “La Frite”), and AAEON UP Board. All cases are available in Inkscape SVG format, and Willy accepts contributions for other boards. You’ll need a laser engraver or CNC router to cut out those enclosures. Hominoids’ SBC Case Builder project attempt to automatize enclosure generation for SBCs using SBC Model Framework written in OpenSCAD. Work has focused on ODROID boards so far, but it should work for other vendors too. The parameters […]
3D printer controller combines ESP32-S3 & Microchip SAME51 microcontrollers (Crowdfunding)
Here’s another ESP32 3D printer controller board with the Phi MainBoard 5LC powered by both an ESP32-S3-WROOM module and a Microchip SAME51 Cortex-M4F microcontroller, and providing Ethernet and WiFi connectivity. Designed by Likha Labs from the Philippines, Phi MainBoard 5LC is pre-loaded with RepRapFirmware firmware running the Duet Web Control interface that allows users to upload G-code files, configure settings, start jobs, control the device, and monitor prints. Besides 3D printers, the developers explain the board can also be used to drive other digital-fabrication equipment, such as CNC machines. Phi MainBoard 5LC 3D printer controller specifications: MCU Espressif Systems ESP32-S3 dual-core Xtensa LX7 WiFi and Bluetooth microcontroller @ 240 MHz with 512 KB SRAM, 8 MB SPI flash via ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N8 module Microchip ATSAME51N19A Cortex-M4F microcontroller @ 120 MHz with 512 KB flash, 192KB SRAM Storage – MicroSD card socket Connectivity 10/100M Ethernet 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 Bluetooth 5.0 LE […]
Genmitsu 6060 XY-Axis Extension Kit for PROVerXL4030 – DIY desk and folding cart
Karl here. I teased this article in the final review of the Genmitsu PROVerXL 4030 CNC Router. I was really happy with the base kit. You can check out all my thoughts there. SainSmart recently released an extension kit that I have now had for a few weeks. It increases the stock size from 300 x 400 to 600 x 600. That is what we are here to check out today. When I inquired about the kit I didn’t realize how boring a review of the kit would be but I will do my best to bring some additional value beyond just unboxing and building experience. Unboxing The parts list is minimal 2x Y-axis Aluminum Extrusion (lead screw included) 2x X-axis Aluminum Extrusion (lead screw included) 2x Front/Back Plate 7x Drag Chain 9x Drag Chain 4x Hexagonal Wrench, 4mm, 3mm, 2.5mm, 1 mm The original kit came with some decent […]