Decapede
Release status: unknown
Description | Decapede 1.0
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Contents
- 1 Summary
- 2 Decapede Feature I - 10 Stepper output
- 3 Decapede Feature II - 1 Massive FET output
- 4 Decapede Feature III - Expansion pins
- 5 Decapede Feature IV - Stepper Joiners
- 6 Reprap Expansion Feature I - 4 PWM FETS
- 7 Reprap Expansion Feature II - 4 More FETS
- 8 Reprap Expansion Feature III - 8 Thermistor Header
- 9 Reprap Expansion Feature IV - 4 pin digital IO pins
- 10 Examples of use
- 11 Credits
Summary
Decapede Electronics is a low-cost 10 stepper motor controller and driver. A 20 amp 24VDC driver is also added for one large out (drive motor, multiple extruders, total board power shunt, etc). It is fully open source, and compatible with Arduino mega 2560 boards, all revisions. We will also release an open source firmware based on Sprinter.
The addition of a second board, reprap expansion, is provided. This board also allows for 8 controlled outputs like fans, and 8 thermistor reads. It also provides 4 free input/output pins that will be used for SDramps
The boards were developed, funded, and supported by Armanicreations and Industries3D.
The discussion forum on Reprap.org http://forums.reprap.org/read.php?2,193415 has provided much insight and suggestions for this board.
Documentation/Updates are also on Armanicreations.com http://armanicreations.com/main/decapede-electronics/
Decapede Feature I - 10 Stepper output
Each board comes with up to 10 G3D stepstick boards attached to a female header socket. This way any broken boards can be replaced. The G3D drivers were chosen because of their greater copper density (2Oz) and ability to reliably control the current with two trimpots.
Decapede Feature II - 1 Massive FET output
A very large FET is provided for driving up to 20 amp and 24VDC. Technically, the load can be 60V/50A, but the wires only support this.
Decapede Feature III - Expansion pins
Two expansion pins are provided capable of feeding 24VDC / 8A into the next board. 5VDC is also fed into 3 pins. Ground connectors are provided. There are 4 free PWM pins, 8 analog pins, and 8 more digital pins on the expansion header.
Decapede Feature IV - Stepper Joiners
For users linking to join multiple stepstick outputs, a joiner is being developed that has two 4-pin female headers and yield a single 4-pin male header output. In this instant the maximum theoretical output would be 4A. This way across all 10 boards, CNC users could drive 4A over 5 axis.
Reprap Expansion Feature I - 4 PWM FETS
Four 1A outputs are provided capable of PWM because they are connected to PWM outputs on arduino
Reprap Expansion Feature II - 4 More FETS
Four more 1A FET outputs are provided but do not provide PWM.
Reprap Expansion Feature III - 8 Thermistor Header
8 Thermistor headers are provided. These headers consume all remaining analog inputs.
Reprap Expansion Feature IV - 4 pin digital IO pins
The remaining pins from arduino were routed for access. Such pins could drive external circuits like the Powerswitch tail to control 120VAC.
Examples of use
Decapede comes out of a need to have a single, simple, and easy to program system for stepper motors. Ideal applications include:
Driving complex robotics with central drive motor Assembling remote control system Low cost factory automation Multi axis CNC machines General robotics prototyping Testing 3D printers/RepRaps with multiple extruders or mixing nozzles We are open to your design suggestions for future revisions. Many have suggested the use of an ARM processor and PIC drivers to allow for greater processing power and we are looking into it.
Credits
Designer and Principal: Michael Armani (Reprap user Simba[1])
Designer: David Jones
Electronics Designer 1: Am Miram
Electronics Designer 2: Miroslav Mrdjan
Naming the device: Reprap user Ugen