Mini-ITX SBC with Tiger Lake UP3 CPU offers dual 2.5GbE, quad display support

tKINO-ULT6 Mini-ITX SBC

IEI launched tKINO-ULT6 is a Thin Mini-ITX SBC that comes with an 11th generation Intel core processor part of the Tiger Lake-UP3 CPU family. The tKINO-ULT6 Mini-ITX SBC also supports quadruple independent displays, SATA 6Gb/s, dual Intel 2.5GbE, HD audio, and RoHS. It can handle a wide range of input DC power from 9V to 36 V. The tKINO-ULT6 SBC is expected to be found in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, real-time controls, human-machine interfaces, tool applications, medical imaging, and other applications requiring high resolution. Key Features of  the tKINO-ULT6 Mini-ITX SBC Mini-ITX form factor with 11th Gen. Intel Tiger Lake UP3 Embedded processor, support for DDR4-3200 memory Video Output – Four independent displays via HDMI, DP, eDP/LVDS, USB4 Networking Dual Intel 2.5GbE LAN M.2 A key for WIFI+Bluetooth (PCIe x1/USB 2.0), M.2 M key for Storage (PCIe x2/SATA) Expansion – PCIe x8 Gen 4.0 slot  The tKINO-ULT6 Mini-ITX SBC […]

Sainsmart Genmitsu 4030 review – Unboxing, mods, and first cuts

Sainsmart Genmitsu 4030 Review

Karl here. This will be a long one but I haven’t had this much fun with a product review in quite some time. I don’t consider myself a complete noob with CNC routers but I have only scratched the surface. Learning new things really drives me and being able to make more permanent things is very satisfying. I have some experience with the Sainsmart 3018 CNC router. I had a lot of fun with it but the build volume was on the smaller side so really limited on what can be done with it. I still recommend it as a starter CNC router and as a good stepping stone to get your feet wet and the Genmistu PROVerXL4030 as the next step. I was able to make some cool things with the 3018 and I hope now to take it to the next level with the Genmistu 4030. Before we […]

ESP32 CNC Controller Board Supports Grbl Arduino Firmware

ESP32 CNC Controller Board

Grbl_ESP32 CNC development board is a breakout board for NodeMCU 32S board that also takes three stepper motor drivers, and designed to run Grbl open-source Arduino firmware to control wireless CNC machines. Grbl_ESP32 CNC breakout board specifications: Socket for NodeMCU 32S board with ESP32 WiFi and Bluetooth dual-core SoC 3 sockets for stepper motor drivers such as TI DRV8825 types and others. Micro-step selection jumpers included. MicroSD card socket Home/Limit switch connections for XY and Z axes. Control switch input connections for Feed Hold, Cycle Start, Reset, and Door. Spindle output for PWM to control speed. 3A DC-DC power supply to run the ESP32 if it is not connected to USB Grbl CNC firmware was initially developed for the Arduino UNO and basic 3 axis CNC routers around 10 years ago, but has since then been ported to other CPUs and is now found in other types of CNC machines […]

Review of SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-MX3

Review Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-MX3

Hey Karl here. Back in September of 2018 I reviewed the Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 Pro. Sainsmart has now further upgraded the 3018 and asked for a review of it. Let’s take a look at the changes and the evolution of the 3018 and see if the increase in price is worth it. You can find the original 3018 on sale for about $200. The pro version can be found for about $250, and the CNC Router 3018-MX3  for $350. I won’t go into too much detail like I did in the previous review. I suggest reading the pro version after reading this one. Most of the experiences and solutions apply to this version. Build Building the CNC Router 3018-MX3 was a breeze. The instructions are fantastic. I struggled a little bit to read the small booklet that came with the kit and afterwards I found a PDF on the Sainsmart […]

Genmitsu CNC Router Review – Part 1.5: Laser Attachment

Genmitsu CNC -Router Laser Review

Hey Karl here with a small update for the SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router 3018 review. In the first part I described the build and first cuts. And in this part I am calling it 1.5 because it is to just talk about the optional laser attachment that was just made available and initial impressions. In the first part I commented about the laser connector on the board. The stars aligned and Sainsmart asked if we wanted to check out their  2.5W PWM controlled laser sold for $89.99 with free shipping. Installation In the box all you get is the laser itself and some eye protection. At first I wanted to mount the laser on the side of the tool head so it would be easy to change between CNC and the laser. I took the laser apart and was going to use the 2 mounting holes and ended up breaking […]

Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO CNC Router Review – Part 1: Build & First Etches

Sainsmart 3018 CNC Router

Hey Karl here. Today we are going to look at something a little different. I am writing about my experiences with building Genmitsu 3018 CNC router upgraded version provided by Sainsmart for this review. While waiting on the unit to arrive I did some research and found that there are several different versions on the market labeled CNC xxxx. The xxxx represent the build volume in the x and y. So the one I was sent has a 300x180mm build volume. The 3018 is called upgraded because the new mounting for the X and Y rods and lead screws. On the previous version these had to be mounted and manually aligned which from what I read can be a pain. Building Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO CNC Router The build went very well. The 3018 user manual was mostly pictures but they called out anything that might be questionable. I had been […]

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