Melzi
Release status: working
Description | Release Version 0.1
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License | unknown
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Author | |
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Based-on | |
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Contents
Introduction
A compact all-in-one controller board for RepRaps with one extruder head, optimized for mass production.
The point of RepRap is to make itself, of course. But sometimes people just want plug-and-play RepRap electronics so they can concentrate on the other aspects of the machine, or just because they are more software or mechanics oriented than electronics oriented.
Melzi is designed to be a complete set of RepRap electronics that should be very cheap to mass produce. It is based on the Arduino Leonardo (Francesco Melzi was Leonardo's pupil).
Melzi Ardentissimo
The Melzi Ardentissimo is a full-featured Melzi board using the ATMEGA644P (ATMEGA1284P is being tested) chip used on Sanguinololu. This is a Sanguinololu firmware compatible board, though does have a couple of extra features the Sanguinololu does not - namely the extra Mosfet for the fan, and a software controllable LED. Melzi has micro SD on board as well. A full StepStick clone is on board as well negating the need for external stepper motor drivers.
Melzi with 1284p Support
Melzi with a ATMEGA1284P is buyable.
Files
Original Melzi:
https://github.com/mosfet/melzi
The RepRapPro Ltd version of Melzi can be found at:
https://github.com/reprappro/melzi
Melzi with Leonardo
The Melzi [insert cool name here] is a Melzi board based on the new and upcoming Arduino Leonardo. While this board doesn't have the same expansion capabilities as the Melzi Ardentissimo, it may be more cost effective, as the Leo has built-in USB negating the need for the FTDI232RL chip on the Ardentissimo.
Bootloader, Firmware Upload
Programming or re-uploading a firmware should be the same (except for firmware configuration, of course) as for all other ATmega644/644P/1284P based electronics. One such is Generation 7 Electronics. Especially, Gen7 Arduino IDE Support gives bootloaders and Arduino libraries adjusted for these MCUs.
See also:
Melzi with Bluetooth
In order to get rid of the USB connection between Melzi and the PC one may like to use Bluetooth. There is a cheap module available in the market called 'JY-MCU' (vendor Shenzhen Jiayuan Electronic Co.,Ltd.).
Change setting
Before the module can be used the default setting has to be changed. Connect the module from PC via USB<->RS232 (RxD/TxD) interface with default settings (9600, N, 8, 1). The module shouldn't be paired at that moment. Apply with a terminal program the following AT commands:
AT OK AT+BAUD8 OK115200BAUD (set baud rate for Melzi) AT+NAMEHUXLEY OKsetname (optional set name, default: linvor) AT+PIN0000 OKsetPIN (optional set pin, default: 1234)
More details about the configuration you will find here [[1]]
Wiring
On Melzi one of the unused buffer of soldered 4050D takes over the mandatory level-shifting (5V -> 3.3V). Overall only 5 wires have to be soldered.
Connect via Bluetooth
Once you have setup your BT devices you can select from drop down list and control your RepRap as usual.