Non-MPCNC use about grbl_esp32_mpcnc_controller HOT 6 CLOSED

It should work, so if it does not, I'll fix it.

I won't be able to try it until late tomorrow

from grbl_esp32_mpcnc_controller.

In my initial post I mentioned I was going to use TMC2130's, but I was confused. I actually ordered TMC5160 v1.2 drivers. I was under the impression they were supported, but I got firmware support confused with support on this specific controller board.

I have received my mpcnc controller from tindie, and I have it working with a few stepper motors and a4988 drivers. When i plug in the TMC5160 drivers, the motors don't move. I was under the impression these could be run in step\dir mode without any changes, but these boards are in SPI mode, and I've found no information on how to change them.

My next thought was that I could add a few lines to my cpu_map and use SPI mode, and then after further reading I realized this board isn't designed for SPI mode.

I also considered using jumpers between the drivers and using the unused (in my case) X_STEP_B pin for the X_CS_PIN. Now after another look at the schematic, I see that 3.3v is connected to those pins, so I'm thinking that won't work either. I could use a little guidance if this combination of controller board and drivers is possible.

Thanks!

from grbl_esp32_mpcnc_controller.

The MPCNC controller does not support SPI mode.

The ESP32 is very flexible, but limited in I/O pin count. It is hard to support too many options on a PCB, especially with 5 stepper drivers.

An MPCNC controller with SPI could be designed. I would suggest using SPI daisy chained drivers to reduce the number of pins required.

from grbl_esp32_mpcnc_controller.

OK, these drivers came with daisy chain jumpers, and I was hoping since I'm only using 4 drivers I could get creative with robbing pins from elsewhere. I think the answer I'm looking for is somewhere between the mpcnc board and the 4 axis SPI board. Thanks for your time!

from grbl_esp32_mpcnc_controller.

You could use those inverted pins to make it work. It would require soldering, but not cutting of traces.

You would need to repurpose a pin for the CS, like spindle enable. You would have to figure it our on your own, because I don't want to create a support problem for myself.

Bottom line: Grbl_ESP32 can do just about anything you need, but when you commit to copper, you need to make some permanent choices

from grbl_esp32_mpcnc_controller.

I don't think my soldering skills are up to the task. I'm going to go with TMC2209's. They're working fine with no modifications. Thanks again. I learned a great deal from this exchange.

from grbl_esp32_mpcnc_controller.