I am building a CNC Router and using a Smoothie V1 0C with external Stepper Drivers.
I will not be using any of the MOSFETs, Temp Sensors or other inputs other than some Proximity Sensors (which will be powered externally). I will be controlling an External SSR for the router motor from one of the output pins.
Just to be sure I have got this right in my mind, I should only need 5V power in for the logic board.
Bill
That sounds right to me, if you don’t have any high power loads driven directly by the board itself you don’t need to supply it to the board. Just make sure the 5v supply is solid, and make the 0v line common with all the other supplies for the steppers etc.
Did you check the ‘Smoothiware’ website. There is a great handful of info there.
I did, but was not totally clear on the matter. My assumption was the 5V input was all that was needed if not driving anything with the MOSFET’s and wanted a opinion from the “field.”
If you are going to use the onboard 5vreg (recom) then you need to power the board via Vbb. You can also use the 5v input or USB power to get the 5v.
If you are not using any onboard FETs, stepper drivers or Vreg then you can skip the Vbb.
Well I will be needing to install the optional 5V regulator as the LCD display is very faint and according to the site this is due to low current available to power it.
Bill
I have been putting the onboard 5vreg on the V1 boards…so it should be there.
Part of the issue is the diode drop from the protection diodes on the separate 5v inputs. (on v2 we use ideal diodes which don’t have this issue). If you still have an issue with the dim screen while using the onboard Vreg it is best to use an external 5vreg and the 5v input. Then power the screen from the 5v input header.
Open pads where it would go…
Bill
Open pads on the Vreg? Or the VBB input?
Both “should” be populated on your board. If not I can send you the parts. Either one is fairly easy to install if not there.
I think I remember you are using the GLCD shield correct?
If so…that is why it is dim. When using that it puts 2x diode drops on the 5v line. So it gets really low. There is a position there, probably unfilled, which you can put in the recom vreg then it powers from the VBB header that the shield plugs into. You still will need to put VBB to the board at the input but then you will have a bright screen (as long as VBB is powered).
Sorry I forgot your setup for a bit there…and it has been a long time since I did anything with the GLCD stuff. I will send you a vreg for it.
Correct and I have one of the regulators here, left over from my K40 laser conversion.
I ordered another driverless board (don’t ask) and will want the regulator installed.
Bill
